Fruit Salad with Spinach and Croutons
A vibrant, nutritious salad combining fresh fruits, leafy spinach, and crunchy croutons, perfect for a light meal or side dish. It offers a balance of sweet, savory, and crispy textures that make it irresistible.
Equipment
- 1 Bowl For mixing ingredients
- 1 Pan (optional) For toasting croutons (if homemade)
- 1 Knife For chopping fruits and veggies
- 1 Cutting board For chopping ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 cups Fresh spinach leaves Washed and chopped baby spinach works best
- 1 cup Strawberries Sliced
- 1 cup Grapes Halved or quartered
- 1 cup Orange Segmented or chopped
- 1/2 cup Apple Chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup Croutons Homemade or store-bought
- 2 tbsp Olive oil For homemade croutons if using
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar For homemade croutons if using
- 1 tsp Salt For homemade croutons optional
- 1 tsp Pepper For homemade croutons optional
Instructions
- Prepare the croutons (if homemade): Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss cubed bread with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until crispy and golden.
- Prepare the fruits and spinach: Wash and chop the spinach, strawberries, grapes, orange, and apple into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss together the spinach, fruits, and croutons.
- Serve: Serve immediately, or store the salad and croutons separately until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Customizations: You can add nuts, seeds, or cheese to enhance the flavor profile.
- Storage: Keep the salad ingredients and croutons separate to prevent sogginess.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Vegan: Use plant-based croutons or omit cheese to make the salad vegan-friendly.