If you’re looking for a salad that bursts with freshness, color, and a harmony of flavors, you have to try this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe. It brings together the sweet juiciness of ripe strawberries, the tender crunch of baby spinach, and the tangy creaminess of feta cheese, all tied together with a luscious balsamic dressing. This salad is not just a side dish but a delightful experience on your palate that’s perfect for warm days or any time you want a refreshing, wholesome meal. You’ll quickly see why this recipe is a true favorite that combines simplicity with gourmet appeal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad is all about fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays an important role in creating a balanced taste, texture, and visual appeal that keeps every bite exciting and satisfying.
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach: The tender leaves offer a delicate texture and a mild, earthy base for the salad.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced: Their juicy sweetness contrasts beautifully with the greens.
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a salty, creamy element that brightens every bite.
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion: Brings a mild sharpness and a pop of color to the mix.
- 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts: For a delightful crunch and a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: The base of the dressing, providing richness and smoothness.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Offers a tangy depth that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness to enhance the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a subtle kick and helps emulsify it.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to round out all the ingredients.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by gently washing and drying the baby spinach leaves to ensure they’re crisp and fresh. Place them in a large mixing bowl as the foundation of your salad. Next, slice the strawberries and thinly slice the red onion, then add them to the bowl along with the crumbled feta cheese and candied nuts. This combination promises a perfect balance of sweet, salty, crunchy, and tender elements in every forkful.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth. This dressing is the magic that ties all the ingredients together, bringing out their natural flavors while adding a savory-sweet punch.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to bruise the strawberries or crush the spinach leaves as you mix. Serving immediately ensures that everything stays fresh, crisp, and vibrant, making each bite as delightful as the first.
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe even more impressive, consider topping it with a few extra ingredients like fresh mint leaves, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, or some thinly shaved Parmesan for another layer of flavor. These simple garnishes add a personal touch that elevates the salad’s presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or even a slice of crusty artisan bread if you’re looking to turn it into a more substantial meal. It also complements light, summery dishes such as lemon herb roasted chicken or a cool gazpacho, making it a versatile addition to any menu.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe in individual mason jars layered with the dressing at the bottom and the spinach on top to keep the greens crisp. Another idea is to present it on a wooden board surrounded by extra sliced strawberries and nuts for a charming, rustic look that invites guests to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately if possible—keep the dressing in a sealed container and the salad ingredients refrigerated in an airtight container. This helps maintain the spinach’s freshness and prevents sogginess from the dressing.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended for the assembled dish. However, you can freeze the dressing in an ice cube tray and thaw it as needed for convenience.
Reheating
Since this dish is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary or recommended. It shines brightest when enjoyed fresh and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the salad?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for texture and flavor, if frozen strawberries are all you have, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess juice to avoid a watery salad.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you prefer a different flavor profile, goat cheese or blue cheese are excellent alternatives that add creaminess and a tangy bite to your salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
To make this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe vegan, simply substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dressing can be whisked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just give it a good shake or stir before using to recombine the ingredients.
How long will the salad stay fresh after tossing with dressing?
Once tossed, it’s best to enjoy the salad immediately since the spinach can wilt quickly, and the strawberries might release juice making the dish watery.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe is one of those rare dishes that’s incredibly simple to make yet bursts with flavor, color, and texture that delights every sense. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a beautiful side dish, or a light dinner, this salad fits the bill perfectly. I encourage you to try it soon—once you’ve tasted the harmony of sweet, salty, and tangy in this salad, I’m confident it will become a regular favorite in your kitchen too.
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Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad combines fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy candied nuts, all tossed in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, this salad is quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a healthy, vegetarian, and gluten-free meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and candied pecans or walnuts to evenly distribute all components.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk or shake together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss all ingredients to coat them evenly with the dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Serve immediately: Present the salad fresh to retain the crispness of the spinach and the vibrant flavors of the dressing and toppings.
Notes
- For added protein, top the salad with grilled chicken or salmon.
- Goat cheese or blue cheese can be used as substitutes for feta cheese for different flavor profiles.
- The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; shake well before use.
