I seriously can’t believe summer ends in two weeks! I have that Boyz2Men song on repeat in my head — you know where they say “It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday” (lol). So what to do? Obvi, I have to get outside as much as possible and fill up on some of my favorites like STRAWBERRIES (especially before they go out of season). This easy, 15-minute Strawberry Balsamic Walnut Salad hits the spot. It’s the perfect mix of savory, sweet, it’s vegan and plant-based, plus, it’s perfect for on-the-go lunch or dinner side. It’s filling and has me feeling like summer will never end – well at least in my kitchen.
Ingredients [makes 2-3 servings]:
- 6 cups Baby Spinach
- 1 cup Walnuts
- 1 1/2 tablespoons. Maple Syrup
- 1 1/2 Green Apple
- 6 tablespoons Hemp Seeds (2 tablespoons per serving)
- 1 1/2 cups Strawberries (sliced)
- 2 1/4 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 1/4 tablespoon. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/8 tsp Sea Salt
Directions:
- Toast walnuts in a pan over medium heat. When slightly browned, coat with maple syrup. Turn heat to low and stir until sticky (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Divide spinach into bowls. Top with sliced strawberries, apple chunks and walnuts.
- Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil and salt. Drizzle desired amount of dressing over your salad and enjoy!
Why are hemp seeds so great to add to your meals and snacks?
- First, two tablespoons of hemp seeds are 10 grams of protein and 10 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Second, Omega-3’s help lower the risk of arthritis, depression, heart disease, and dementia. There so important because your body can’t make them. Hemp also contain all nine essential amino acids, which also arenas naturally produced by our bodies. You can sprinkle them on salads, yogurt, fruit, toast, pretty much anything.
- Hemp seed oil, oil made from pressed hemp seeds,l is also worth trying if you’re looking for a healthy oil to cook meals in. Keep in mind, between hemp seeds, hemp oil, and hemp protein powder: hemp seeds will provide the most comprehensive nutritional benefits based on serving size.
Want tips to save time, make your salad more filling or meal prep this salad for a few days?
- Want more protein (helps with it being more filling)? This salad is great if you add 1/2 cup of quinoa, edamame or chickpeas.
- Need to save time? Leave the walnuts raw and add maple syrup to the dressing.
- Want to meal prep? Refrigerate in mason jar with apples, hemp seed and walnuts on the bottom; add greens to the top and airtight container with dressing in a separate container up to 2 to 3 days.
Want more easy salad ideas? Try these quick and easy 20-minute recipes:
