Strawberry Spinach Balsamic Hemp Crunch (Printable)

Sweet strawberries and crisp spinach meet savory toasted hemp seeds in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing, nutrient-packed bowl.

# List of ingredients:

→ Salad Base

01 - 6 cups baby spinach, washed and thoroughly dried
02 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced into rings
04 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
05 - 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds

→ Balsamic Hemp Crunch

06 - 1/3 cup raw hemp seeds
07 - 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
08 - 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
09 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup
12 - Pinch of sea salt
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Balsamic Vinaigrette

14 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
15 - 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
16 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
17 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
18 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
19 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Combine hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds in a small skillet over medium heat. Toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Add balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly sticky and seeds are evenly coated. Spread onto a plate to cool and crisp completely.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until fully emulsified and slightly thickened, about 30 seconds.
03 - Place baby spinach in a large salad bowl. Add sliced strawberries, red onion rings, crumbled feta cheese if using, and toasted almonds. Drizzle half the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly. Add more vinaigrette as needed to preference.
04 - Sprinkle the cooled Balsamic Hemp Crunch generously over the top of the salad just before serving. Serve immediately to maintain optimal crunch and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The Balsamic Hemp Crunch transforms an ordinary salad into something absolutely crave-worthy
  • It comes together in 20 minutes flat but looks and tastes like something from a fancy restaurant
  • The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy feta, and that savory crunch is just pure magic
02 -
  • The Hemp Crunch needs to cool completely before adding it to the salad, otherwise it loses its signature crisp texture
  • Do not dress the salad more than 15 minutes before serving or the spinach will start to wilt
  • The vinaigrette makes enough for about three salads, so store the extra in the fridge for up to a week
03 -
  • Invest in a good salad spinner to ensure your spinach is completely dry before dressing
  • Toast extra Hemp Crunch and store it in an airtight container for quick salad upgrades all week

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