The Salad That Wears Lipstick

This isn't merely a salad—it's a festive delight on a plate and a treat for your body. This marvel is a tribute to both flavor and function! With juicy strawberries, tender baby spinach, healthy candied pecans, creamy cheese, and a tangy homemade strawberry vinaigrette, each bite offers a delightful mix of taste, texture, and nutritional goodness.

Why Your Cells Will Thank You

Let’s break down the brilliance behind each ingredient:

• Spinach: Packed with plant-based iron, folate, and antioxidants, it’s a powerhouse for energy and cellular health. But here’s a secret: spinach’s iron becomes even more bioavailable when paired with vitamin C!

• Strawberries: High in vitamin C, they act like a nutritional amplifier—boosting iron absorption, supporting collagen production, and giving a natural glow.

• Candied Pecans: Sweet but smart—when made with a lighter touch (coconut sugar), they offer healthy fats and magnesium, supporting mood and muscle recovery.

• Feta or Goat Cheese: A creamy indulgence with calcium and protein. Opt for feta or goat cheese to complement the fruit-forward notes without overpowering.

• Strawberry Vinaigrette: Homemade means wholesome—blend fresh strawberries, olive oil, a splash of balsamic, and a hint of honey for a dressing that’s equal parts bright and nourishing.

Iron + Vitamin C = Nutritional Harmony

Pairing spinach with strawberries isn’t just tasty—it’s strategic. Vitamin C helps convert iron into a form that’s easier for your body to absorb. So while you enjoy that burst of flavor, your cells are quietly high-fiving in gratitude!

Bonus Ideas to Elevate the Experience

• Top with pumpkin or hemp seeds for extra protein.

• Add grilled chicken or wild

  salmon for heartier fare.

• Serve with a berry-infused water or herbal iced tea for a refreshing finish.

RECIPE

The Base Ensemble:

• 4 cups baby spinach leaves (fresh and fluffed)

• 1 cup organic strawberries, hulled and diced (your natural glam squad)

• ½ cup candied pecans made with coconut oil & coconut sugar (sweet meets savvy - see below)

• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (creamy, tangy, irresistible)

• Optional: a sprinkle of hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, or roasted pistachios for extra protein sparkle

  
  

Candied Pecans

• 1/2 cup pecans (almonds work great, too!)

• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin coconut oil

• 1 tablespoon coconut sugar

In a small pan, melt coconut oil and add pecans over low heat. Stir for three mintues. Add brown coconut sugar and toss. Stir for an additional minute or two. Allow nuts to cool before adding to your salad.

The Star-Studded Vinaigrette:

• 4 large organic ripe strawberries (the headliners)

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (for that dramatic flair)

• 1 teaspoon raw honey (wholesome and flirtatious)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (smooth and balancing)

Pro Tip: Blend the vinaigrette until it twirls like silk—then drizzle with confidence. This combo of strawberries and spinach supports iron absorption with the help of vitamin C, making every bite both bold and beautifully nourishing. Toss all ingredients together and enjoy!

Be the CEO of Your Body—Start with the Dressing!

In every bite of salad, the dressing is the decision-maker. It's where flavor meets function, and where your wellness story either gets elevated—or sidelined by additives. Making your own salad dressing is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to reclaim your health. Here’s why:

You’re in Charge of Every Ingredient

When you craft your own vinaigrette, you're no longer at the mercy of mystery bottles. You choose real oils, fresh fruits, natural sweeteners, and purposeful spices. It’s intentional nourishment—and that’s CEO behavior.

• ✅ What You Control: oil quality, sugar content, flavor profile, freshness

• 🚫 What You Avoid: seed oils (like canola or soybean), artificial preservatives, processed sugars, emulsifiers, and stabilizers

  
  

The Seed Oil Dilemma

Many store-bought dressings rely on ultra-processed seed oils, which can contribute to inflammation and imbalance in omega-6 to omega-3 ratios. By using extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or cold-pressed coconut oil, you support heart health, brain clarity, and cellular vitality. Sounds like a great plan, right?

Skip the Shelf-Stable Soup

Preservatives, color enhancers, and chemical thickeners exist to keep dressings “pretty” and shelf-stable for months—but they don’t do your gut or hormones any favors. Homemade means no compromises: just vibrant flavor with a purpose.

Dress with Intention

Your vinaigrette can double as medicine! Blend antioxidant-rich berries, gut-healing vinegar, immune-boosting honey, and heart-healthy oils. Your strawberry vinaigrette does just that—plus, the vitamin C from fresh strawberries enhances iron absorption when paired with greens like spinach. That’s functional synergy.

💡 Elise’s Empowered Kitchen Tip:

"Making your own dressing is more than healthy—it’s a declaration. You’re saying, 'I choose what fuels me. I honor my body’s wisdom. I lead with love.'" Elise, xo