Recipe Ideas

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Okay, picture this: “As If it’s a warm summer evening, the sun is just starting to dip below the horizon, and you’re craving ice cream. What is light, refreshing, but with a little bit of an *wow* factor? What do you think of my strawberry spinach salad recipe? Is it the same as a basic garden salad? The sweetness of strawberries, the earthy goodness of spinach, and a tangy dressing dancing dancing. What is bliss on your tongue? It reminds me of simpler times, childhood picnics, and sunny afternoons with my grandmother. I’m short on time but still want to make this salad. It’s super easy to throw together. What is delicious and healthy?

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Strawberry Spinach Salad final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is a spinach salad?

What is a Strawberry Spinach salad? It’s essentially a salad featuring fresh spinach as its base, tossed with juicy strawberries, and topped with kale, tomatoes and cucumber. What are some of the best additions to feta cheese? What is your absolute favorite What is the beauty of this salad? Is it easy to make this dish? What is strawberry season? It’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce, bringing together in an way that’s both satisfying and delicious. surprisingly elegant. What is a flavor adventure?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this **Strawberry Spinach Salad**! First off, the flavor is just incredible. The sweetness of the strawberries perfectly complements the slightly earthy taste of the spinach. It’s a match made in heaven! I always add a sprinkle of crumbled feta for a salty, creamy contrast that takes it to the next level.

What makes this salad so good? What is the best way to whip up a meal in under 15 minutes? Is it cost effective? Spinach and strawberries are generally pretty affordable, especially when they’re in season. And the other ingredients, like nuts and cheese, are things I usually have on hand anyway.

What I love about this is how versatile it is. Can you serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish? I’ve even been known to add grilled shrimp to it for a heartier meal. What are some good ways to use a picnic basket for potlucks and picnics? What is a good blackberry and goat cheese salad? I had this one at a restaurant once, but honestly, I think it’s even better – and much easier to make at home.

How do you make spinach salad?

Quick Overview

How do I make strawberry spinach salad? First, you’ll wash and prep your spinach and strawberries. What are some good toppings for a salad? What’s the best vinaigrette to serve over a salad? What are some of the best salads to make in under 15 minutes? What are some of the best dresses for any occasion? Is this one true?

Ingredients

For the Salad:
* 6 ounces fresh spinach, washed and dried (baby spinach is my go-to)
* 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (look for bright red, fragrant berries)
* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (I prefer the kind packed in brine for extra flavor)
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted (toasting them brings out their nutty flavor)
* 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor)

For the Vinaigrette:
* 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin is best)
* 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar (a good quality Balsamico makes all the difference)
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds a tangy kick)
* Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be afraid to season generously)

Strawberry Spinach Salad ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

How do I follow step

Step 1: Wash and Prep

Start by thoroughly washing your spinach and strawberries. I like to use a salad spinner to get the spinach nice and dry – nobody wants soggy salads! How do you slice strawberries into bite-sized pieces? If they’re particularly large, you can quarter them.

Step 2: Toast the Nuts (Optional but Recommended)

Toasting the nuts really elevates the flavor of the salad. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them! Alternatively, you can toast them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and salt. Set aside. What are the ingredients for mustard, salt and pepper? Whisk until dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened. Add a few drops of water if desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I sometimes add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes for heat!

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, feta cheese, toast nuts, and red onion. Set aside. Gently toss everything together.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. How do you serve a salad that is soggy?

Step 6: Enjoy!

Is that all there is to it? What makes a salad so simple? What is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy?

What is the best way to serve it?

This **Strawberry Spinach Salad** is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many different dishes. What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?

For a Light Lunch:What are some good healthy lunches? I often add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal.

As a Side Dish:What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled meats like chicken, fish, or steak? The sweetness of strawberries complements the savory flavors perfectly. What are some good brunch recipes to serve with quiche or frittata?

For a Potluck or Picnic: This salad is always a hit at potlucks and picnics. It’s easy to transport and doesn’t require any cooking or heating. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve it.

With Grilled HalloumiWhat are some of my favorite songs of all time? What is a good halloumi cheese salad? What is the best way to cook halloumi in a skillet?

How do I make a perfect spinach salad?

What are some of the best ways to prepare a strawberry spinach salad? What are some of the best tips?

Strawberry Selection: Strawberry selectionChoose ripe, fragrant strawberries that are deep red in color. Avoid strawberries that are pale or have white spots, as they may not be as sweet. If you’re using frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid. Before adding them to the salad, make sure they are dry. I find fresh is always the best, though!

Spinach Prep:Make sure your spinach is thoroughly washed and dried before adding it to your salad. Soggy spinach will make the salad watery and unappetizing. I highly recommend using a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.

Nut Toasting:What is the best way to toast nuts? Be careful not to burn them! Keep a close eye on them while they are toasting and remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done. What are some of the best ways to cook a

Red onion taming: What Raw red onion can be quite pungent, so I always soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This helps to mellow the flavor and make it less overpowering.

Vinaigrette Perfection: The vinaigrette is the key to tying all the flavors of the salad together. Use good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the best results. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra honey or Dijon mustard to suit your taste. I sometimes add a splash of orange juice for a brighter flavor.

Dressing Timing: Dress the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. If you’re making the salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and add it right before you’re ready to eat. I often pack the dressing in a small container and take it with me when I’m bringing the salad to a potluck or picnic.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This **Strawberry Spinach Salad** is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

Refrigerating: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. The spinach may wilt slightly over time, but the salad will still taste delicious.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the spinach and strawberries will become mushy when thawed.

Dressing Storage: The vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to shake it well before using, as the oil and vinegar may separate.

Reviving Wilted Spinach: If your spinach has wilted slightly, you can revive it by soaking it in ice water for a few minutes. Drain it well and pat it dry before adding it to the salad. This will help to crisp it up again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan feta alternative. There are many delicious vegan feta cheeses available now, made from ingredients like tofu or cashews. Also, make sure your honey or maple syrup is ethically sourced.
What other fruits can I add to this salad?
The beauty of this salad is that it’s so versatile! You can add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or sliced peaches. Be sure to choose fruits that are ripe and in season for the best flavor.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Of course! Pecans and walnuts are my personal favorites, but you can use any type of nut you like, such as almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts. Be sure to toast them for the best flavor.
Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make the vinaigrette ahead of time! In fact, I often do this to save time when I’m preparing the salad. The vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to shake it well before using.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. These vinegars will give the dressing a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious. I would start with a little less and add to taste.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Spinach Salad slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

This **Strawberry Spinach Salad** is more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal flavors. It’s incredibly easy to make, surprisingly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a side dish, or a potluck contribution, this salad is sure to impress. I truly believe that the combination of sweet strawberries, earthy spinach, and tangy vinaigrette is a flavor combination that everyone will love. If you’re a fan of refreshing salads, you might also enjoy my Watermelon Feta Salad – another summer favorite! Now, go forth and create your own **Strawberry Spinach Salad** masterpiece! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them too! Happy salad-making!

No ratings yet
Strawberry Spinach Salad

Strawberry Spinach Salad

A refreshing and healthy salad combining sweet strawberries and spinach with a light vinaigrette.
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 5 oz baby spinach
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 0.25 cup toasted slivered almonds

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Wash and dry the spinach.
  • In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, feta cheese, and almonds.
  • Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients (see recipe for vinaigrette) and drizzle over the salad.
  • Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

Notes

For a sweeter salad, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. You can also substitute other nuts or seeds for the almonds.

Recipes Should You See

As Seen On:

Comments are closed.

as seen on:

as seen on:

Download My FREE Protein Meal Plan!