Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
If you’re searching for that one salad to steal the show at any gathering or brighten up your midweek lunch, this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe is absolutely it! Juicy sweet strawberries, tangy feta, and crunchy candied nuts, all tossed with crisp baby spinach and a homemade balsamic dressing, strike a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. It’s vibrant, wholesome, and ready in just 10 minutes—so perfect for potlucks, picnics, or whenever you crave something fresh and dazzling on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with the basics: these ingredients are simple, but each one plays an important role in making this salad shine. From the freshness of spinach to the surprise bite of red onion and the sweet, complex dressing, every addition counts toward that delicious harmony.
- Baby Spinach: The tender leaves create our salad’s crisp, green base—perfect for soaking up that tangy balsamic dressing.
- Sliced Fresh Strawberries: Sweet, juicy berries are the star—look for ripe ones for natural sweetness and that gorgeous burst of color.
- Thinly Sliced Red Onion: Adds a gentle zing and a beautiful pop of purple, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: Creamy feta lends salty, tangy notes and richness that balances out the sweet berries.
- Chopped Candied Pecans or Walnuts: For a touch of sweetness and irresistible crunch—feel free to swap for toasted almonds or sunflower seeds if you prefer!
- Balsamic Vinegar: The backbone of the dressing, bringing deep, tangy-sweet complexity.
- Olive Oil: Just a drizzle rounds out the vinaigrette and helps all the flavors come together.
- Honey: A hint of natural sweetness lifts the dressing and echoes the strawberries.
- Dijon Mustard: For a bit of zip and to help emulsify the dressing into creamy perfection.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste and adjust so those flavors truly pop!
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Salad Base
In a generous salad bowl, place the baby spinach, then scatter over those beautiful sliced strawberries, red onion, feta, and candied nuts. Layering these ingredients means every serving ends up with a perfect mix of textures and colors—so don’t be shy with your tossing!
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, add the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. It only takes a quick whisk (or shake if you’re using a jar) to blend everything into a silky, tangy-sweet dressing. Taste and adjust salt or honey as needed—it’s your salad, after all!
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour the freshly whisked dressing all over the salad just before serving. Using clean hands or serving utensils, gently toss everything together until all the spinach is lightly coated and every bite has a bit of cheese, fruit, and crunch. Serve immediately so those flavors and textures truly sing!
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of extra strawberries, a final sprinkle of feta, or a few more candied nuts on top makes this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe irresistibly inviting. If you want to get a little fancy, add a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of extra balsamic reduction just before serving. The goal: make every plate a stunner!
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a simple side of crusty bread. For lunch, it’s fantastic on its own. If you’re serving a larger feast, think about light vegetable soups or fruit-forward drinks to keep things fresh and bright—the Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe never overwhelms, it complements.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in a big, clear glass bowl to show off all those gorgeous layers, or portion into individual mason jars for a picnic-perfect twist. For parties, arrange everything on a platter and let guests build their own. A little creativity goes a long way in making this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe the talk of the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover salad (which is rare!), cover it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay tasty for up to one day, although the spinach may wilt a little. For best results, store the salad and dressing separately, then toss just before eating.
Freezing
Because of the fresh berries and leafy greens, freezing is not recommended for this salad. The textures just won’t survive the cold and thaw cycle. Instead, try to make only as much as you’ll enjoy fresh—trust me, it disappears quickly!
Reheating
The Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating necessary. If you do need to revive chilled leftovers, let them sit out for a few minutes before serving, and maybe splash on a bit of fresh dressing to perk things up.
FAQs
Can I substitute a different cheese for the feta?
Absolutely! Goat cheese is a fantastic swap, lending a creamy tang and smooth texture. If you’re dairy-free, leave the cheese out entirely or try a plant-based feta.
What nuts work best if I don’t have candied pecans?
Toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds all add great crunch. If you only have raw nuts, give them a quick toast in a dry pan for extra flavor.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! Whisk up the vinaigrette and keep it in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just shake before using so it’s perfectly blended.
Will the salad get soggy if it sits?
Spinach leaves are sensitive to moisture, so for the crispest salad, dress just before serving. If you anticipate leftovers, serve the dressing on the side for guests to add themselves.
Is this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your candied nuts and cheese for any hidden sources if allergies are a concern.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something truly fresh, beautiful, and guaranteed to get rave reviews, try this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe. It’s a joyful combination of spring and summer flavors, and so quick that you might just find yourself making it again and again. Give it a go and let it bring a little burst of brightness to your table!
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Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful mix of fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy candied nuts, all tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a refreshing and satisfying salad for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fresh Baby Spinach:
6 cups
Fresh Strawberries:
1 cup sliced
Red Onion:
¼ cup thinly sliced
Feta Cheese:
¼ cup crumbled
Candied Pecans or Walnuts:
¼ cup chopped
Balsamic Vinegar:
2 tablespoons
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Honey:
1 teaspoon
Dijon Mustard:
½ teaspoon
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and candied nuts.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese for feta if desired.
- Add grilled chicken or avocado for a heartier meal.
- Try toasted almonds or sunflower seeds as a nut alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
