Strawberries pair with cabbage for sweet-tart slaw

Early spring salads depend on something other than tomatoes to give them a burst of juicy flavor as contrast to crunchy greens.

Strawberries show off their savory side in this easy slaw with a touch of sweetness. Their bright color and tart taste work well with cabbage and spinach.

Although basic grape-based balsamic vinegar works in the vinaigrette, try fig or other fruit-based balsamic vinegar. It adds another note of sweet-tart flavor to accent the fresh strawberries.

Strawberry slaw with fig balsamic vinaigrette

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients:

8 strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 cup cabbage, thinly shredded

1 cup spinach, shredded or torn

¼ cup dried cranberries

¼ cup chopped almonds

For vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon fig balsamic vinegar

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Salt and fresh ground

Instructions:

In a large bowl, place sliced strawberries, cabbage, spinach, dried cranberries and almonds.

Prepare vinaigrette. In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid (such as a half-pint mason jar), combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Cover and shake until blended.

Pour vinaigrette over strawberry-cabbage mix. Toss lightly.

Serve immediately.