For written instructions, see the original post: Spinach-Walnut-Strawberry Salad

Begin with baby spinach leaves (proportions are up to you, or you can use my suggestions in the recipe archive — I think it’s easier and more fun just to freestyle it!). Place them in a serving bowl.

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Add some chopped walnuts. You can toast these beforehand, if you like.

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Slice some fresh strawberries or other colorful fruit and add them to the salad.

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And chop up some scallions and add these as well. The scallions provide a nice touch of unexpected flavor in this salad.

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Instead of a dressing, I like to add some brown rice vinegar to taste, along with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

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Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Note: this piece first appeared as the June 2006 ClarkWellness.net Recipe of the Month.

Serves 4

This classic salad combination is simplified here with brown rice vinegar in place of a heavier dressing. Use any fresh berries you like — I think ripe, red strawberries provide a beautiful contrast to the green spinach.

2/3 cup walnuts, toasted if desired and roughly chopped
6 cups baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
3 green onions, sliced
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
brown rice vinegar to taste

Combine the walnuts, spinach, strawberries, and green onions in a large serving bowl and toss gently. Sprinkle with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and brown rice vinegar to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Note: this piece first appeared in the September 2005 issue of Clark Wellness ForkBytes.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes 4 servings

1 1/2 cups quinoa
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
zest of 2 oranges
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1/2 cup chopped, toasted walnuts

Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer. Allow to dry, then add to a cooking pot on medium-high heat. Dry-roast the grains until they are fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add broth and oil to the pot and combine with the quinoa. Bring to a boil, cover, and lower the heat. Cook on low heat until water is absorbed, about 12 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes.

Fluff with a fork and add orange zest, parsley, and toasted walnuts.