Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
If ever there were a salad to celebrate sunshine and pure joy, Strawberry Spinach Salad would be it! This vibrant bowl captures the essence of summer with sweet strawberries, earthy spinach, tangy feta, crunchy nuts, and a just-sweet-enough balsamic dressing. It’s the sort of dish that always disappears fast at picnics and brunches, and it’s so quick to put together, you can practically toss it up on a whim. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to a colorful lunch, there’s something magical about every bite of Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Strawberry Spinach Salad couldn’t be easier. Each component brings a unique flavor, texture, or pop of color, making this salad as beautiful as it is delicious. Here’s what you need and why every ingredient counts:
- Fresh baby spinach: Tender, mild, and packed with nutrients, this leafy green is the perfect base for our salad.
- Fresh strawberries: Sliced and juicy, strawberries provide a bright, sweet counterpoint to the other ingredients.
- Feta cheese: A little creamy, a little tangy, and so satisfying, feta balances the sweetness of the fruit.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced, it adds a gentle zing and lovely color contrast in each mouthful.
- Pecans or walnuts, toasted: Toasting the nuts brings out their buttery flavor and adds irresistible crunch to every bite.
- Balsamic vinegar: The backbone of the dressing, it lends depth and gentle acidity that ties the salad together.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps emulsify the dressing for a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Honey or maple syrup: Just a touch, for sweetening the dressing and rounding out all the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the salad and dressing so that every ingredient shines.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad
Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large serving bowl, add the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, crumbled feta, and your toasted pecans or walnuts. Give things a gentle toss to distribute the goodies evenly, making sure every forkful will be a perfect mix of flavors and textures.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, pour in the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and honey or maple syrup. Whisk or shake it all up until the dressing is nicely blended and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt and black pepper as you like.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Just before serving, drizzle the salad with your freshly mixed balsamic dressing. Use salad tongs or clean hands to toss everything gently together so the greens are just coated and the flavors start mingling. Serve immediately for the crispiest, freshest Strawberry Spinach Salad experience!
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad
Garnishes
A final flourish really brings your Strawberry Spinach Salad to life! Sprinkle a few extra crumbles of feta, a handful of whole toasted nuts, or even some sliced strawberries on top. If you love a bit of extra sweetness, candied pecans look beautiful and taste divine.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with so many main dishes, from grilled chicken or fish to a simple soup or sandwich. It’s also wonderful alongside a crusty baguette or herbed focaccia for a light yet satisfying lunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try assembling your Strawberry Spinach Salad on a large platter in sections, or layer it in single-serve jars for lunches on the go. Mini portions in small bowls or glasses are a hit at showers or picnics when you want to wow your crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover salad (which is rare in my house!), pop it in an airtight container and refrigerate. The spinach will wilt a bit over time, so it’s best enjoyed within a day or so for maximum freshness and crunch.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Strawberry Spinach Salad, as the fresh ingredients lose their texture and the strawberries can become mushy once thawed. Enjoy it fresh and crisp instead!
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve added grilled chicken or another warm topping, you can gently warm those separately before topping the salad.
FAQs
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Absolutely! Goat cheese makes a delicious substitute for feta, lending more creaminess and tang. You can also opt for a dairy-free option or simply leave out the cheese if needed.
How do I keep the spinach from getting soggy?
Don’t add the salad dressing until just before you’re ready to serve. This keeps the spinach crisp and vibrant, and your Strawberry Spinach Salad will have the perfect texture.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep most of the components a few hours in advance! Keep the spinach, strawberries, cheese, onions, and nuts separate until you’re ready to serve, then toss with the dressing at the last minute.
What other fruits work well in this salad?
While strawberries are classic, blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches can give your salad a fun twist. Mix and match for different flavors and colors.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, Strawberry Spinach Salad is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check any packaged ingredients like nuts or cheese if you have specific dietary requirements.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fresh, colorful dish that brings a little happiness to any meal, you have to try this Strawberry Spinach Salad. It’s a snap to make and guaranteed to put smiles on faces, from the first bite to the last. I hope you enjoy every vibrant, crunchy, sweet-and-savory forkful as much as I do!
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Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful mix of fresh baby spinach, juicy sliced strawberries, creamy feta cheese, red onion, and crunchy toasted nuts, all tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a refreshing and nutritious salad option.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and toasted nuts.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken for a heartier meal or substitute goat cheese for feta if preferred.
- For extra sweetness, try candied pecans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
