There’s something magical about a Strawberry Spinach Salad. Imagine biting into a crisp leaf of spinach that contrasts beautifully against the sweetness of ripe strawberries. The flavors dance on your palate like a summer breeze. Whether it’s a picnic in the park or a simple dinner at home, this salad makes every occasion feel like a celebration.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make this Strawberry Spinach Salad ahead of time?
- What dressing pairs well with this salad?
- Can I add protein to this salad?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made this salad for my friends during a summer gathering. They were skeptical at first—salad? Really? But as soon as they tasted it, their eyes lit up! Suddenly, I was the star of the party. Trust me; you’ll want to make this dish your go-to recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This refreshing strawberry spinach salad is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal effort
- Bursting with flavors from sweet berries and tangy dressing, it’s visually stunning too
- The combination of textures makes every bite exciting, while its versatility allows you to customize it with various toppings as desired
- Perfect for a light lunch or as an impressive side dish at gatherings!
When I served this delightful dish at my last get-together, everyone kept asking for seconds—and even thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Spinach: Use young leaves for tenderness; look for vibrant green color without wilting.
- Strawberries: Choose bright red strawberries that are firm and fragrant; they’ll add natural sweetness.
- Feta Cheese: Opt for crumbled feta for creamy texture; it adds a salty contrast to sweet berries.
- Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted nuts provide crunch; feel free to substitute with your favorite nut.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A good quality balsamic adds depth; look for the thick syrupy kind if possible.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor; it enhances the dressing’s taste wonderfully.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A drizzle will balance acidity in the dressing; adjust sweetness according to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse the fresh spinach under cold water and pat dry gently with a towel. Hull and slice strawberries into thin pieces for maximum juiciness.
Toast Your Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add pecans or walnuts. Stir frequently until they turn golden brown and become fragrant—watch closely so they don’t burn!
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, toasted nuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with dressing just before serving.
Toss Gently: Using tongs or your hands (clean ones!), toss everything lightly until well coated but be careful not to tear those delicate spinach leaves.
Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh! Serve chilled or at room temperature on beautiful plates that do justice to its colorful presentation.
This bright and zesty Strawberry Spinach Salad offers an explosion of flavors that will leave everyone asking for your secret recipe!
You Must Know
- This Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile
- The combination of sweet strawberries and fresh spinach creates a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings
- Plus, it’s easy to whip up in just 15 minutes
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by washing and drying the spinach thoroughly to avoid soggy leaves. Slice the strawberries just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the nuts for seeds or add different fruits like blueberries or apples to customize your salad.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but avoid adding dressing until ready to eat for freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor
- Toss the salad right before serving to keep everything crisp
- Experiment with different dressings for unique taste profiles
Creating this Strawberry Spinach Salad always brings back fond memories of picnics in the park with friends, where laughter mingled with the sweet aroma of fresh fruit.
FAQ
Can I make this Strawberry Spinach Salad ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare it fresh, but you can slice strawberries a few hours in advance.
What dressing pairs well with this salad?
A light balsamic vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully without overpowering them.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or feta cheese works wonderfully as tasty protein additions.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
This vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad combines sweet strawberries, crunchy nuts, and creamy feta, creating a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Fresh spinach
- Ripe strawberries
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
- Balsamic vinegar
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the spinach; hull and slice the strawberries.
- Toast nuts in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown; set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, toasted nuts, and feta cheese. Drizzle with dressing just before serving.
- Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg