There’s something undeniably refreshing about a Strawberry Spinach Salad. Picture this: vibrant green spinach mingling with juicy, sweet strawberries, all topped off with a sprinkle of crunchy nuts and a drizzle of tangy dressing. strawberry cheesecake dessert tacos It’s like summer on a plate, bursting with colors and flavors that dance on your taste buds, promising satisfaction with every bite. glazed strawberry crunch donuts strawberry rhubarb pie.
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>
- What dressing pairs best with Strawberry Spinach Salad?
- Can I add protein to this salad?
- How long can I store leftover salad?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made this delightful salad for a picnic. My friends were skeptical at first—“Spinach and strawberries? Really?” But after one taste, they were fighting over the last forkful. This dish is perfect for warm evenings or gatherings where you want to impress without the fuss. Trust me; it’s going to become your new favorite go-to recipe! For more inspiration, check out this Delightful Beetroot Hummus recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Spinach Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for quick meals or entertaining guests
- The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a deliciously balanced dish that looks stunning on any table
- You can easily customize it by adding different fruits or proteins based on your preferences
- Whether served as a side or main dish, it’s undeniably versatile and satisfying
I’ll never forget the laughter when my cousin tried to make extra dressing but accidentally created a mini food fight instead!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Spinach: Choose baby spinach for its tender leaves; they provide a mild flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.
Strawberries: Look for ripe, sweet strawberries; they should be red all around and free from blemishes for the best taste.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the fruit perfectly. cream cheese stuffed French toast.
Walnuts or Pecans: Toasted nuts give an extra crunch; just toss them in a dry skillet until fragrant for added flavor.
Balsamic Vinegar: Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the dressing; it provides that lovely tanginess that ties everything together.
Olive Oil: A good extra-virgin olive oil will enhance the flavor; choose one with fruity notes to elevate your salad.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness in the dressing is essential; adjust based on how sweet your strawberries are.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by washing your fresh spinach leaves thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
Slice Those Strawberries!: Cut your strawberries into halves or quarters depending on their size. Aim for uniform pieces so they distribute evenly throughout your salad.
Toss in Nuts and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted nuts. Make sure everything is mixed gently to keep those delicate flavors intact.
Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until emulsified. The aromas will hit you right away—so good!
Dress Your Salad Right Before Serving: Drizzle the dressing over your salad just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh. Toss gently to ensure every piece gets coated without wilting.
Serve and Enjoy!: Transfer your beautifully mixed Strawberry Spinach Salad onto plates or serve it family-style in a large bowl. Watch as everyone eagerly digs in—trust me, they’ll love it! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi recipe.
You Must Know
- A Strawberry Spinach Salad is not just a salad; it’s a delightful explosion of flavors and colors
- The sweetness of strawberries contrasts beautifully with the savory spinach, creating a dish that’s as satisfying to eat as it is to behold
- Don’t forget the crunch of nuts for an irresistible texture
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad, wash and dry the spinach first, then slice strawberries and prepare your dressing while letting the ingredients marry together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your salad by adding feta cheese, walnuts, or even grilled chicken for extra protein. Mix in some poppy seed dressing for a refreshing twist.
Storing & Reheating
For best results, store leftover salad in an airtight container without dressing to maintain freshness. Dress just before serving for optimal taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This Strawberry Spinach Salad is versatile; feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences
- Fresh herbs can elevate this dish, adding aromatic flavors that enhance every bite
- Keep it colorful for visual appeal and increased enjoyment!
Cooking this salad reminds me of picnics with my family; we’d lay out a blanket and enjoy fresh salads together under the sun, laughter filling the air.
FAQ
What dressing pairs best with Strawberry Spinach Salad?
A light vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing complements the sweet strawberries well.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or chickpeas make excellent additions for a hearty meal.
How long can I store leftover salad?
Stored properly, your salad can last about 1-2 days in the fridge without dressing.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines tender spinach leaves with sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy nuts. Drizzled with a tangy balsamic dressing, this salad is perfect for warm evenings or entertaining guests. Easy to customize, it’s a versatile recipe that promises to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the delightful balance of flavors and textures in every bite!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup ripe strawberries, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the spinach leaves thoroughly.
- Slice the strawberries into halves or quarters for even distribution.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, feta cheese, and toasted nuts.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
