There’s nothing quite like the first bite of a refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad on a warm sunny day. The sweetness of ripe strawberries mingling with the crispness of fresh spinach is like a little party in your mouth. Toss in some crunchy nuts and creamy feta, and you’ve got a salad that dances on your taste buds.
I still remember the first time I made this delightful dish for my family’s summer barbecue. It was love at first bite! My cousin even declared it “the best salad ever,” which is high praise coming from someone who usually sticks to potato chips.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad comes together in minutes and bursts with flavor
- It’s visually stunning, making it perfect for impressing guests at any gathering
- You can easily adapt it based on seasonal ingredients too!
- Ideal for picnics or as a light lunch
I can still hear the oohs and aahs from my family when I plated this colorful dish. Everyone dove in, leaving me with an empty bowl, but happy faces.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Baby Spinach: Opt for tender baby spinach leaves for the best texture; they’re delicate and flavorful.
- Ripe Strawberries: Choose bright red strawberries that are fragrant; they should be juicy and sweet for maximum flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy tanginess; use full-fat for richer flavor.
- Walnuts or Pecans: These nuts provide a satisfying crunch; toast them lightly to enhance their nuttiness.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives a nice bite; soak them in cold water to mellow the flavor if needed.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A drizzle of balsamic vinegar enhances sweetness; look for high-quality aged varieties.
- Olive Oil: Use good extra-virgin olive oil for the dressing; it adds richness and ties everything together beautifully.
- Honey (optional): A touch of honey can balance the acidity of vinegar if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by rinsing your spinach and strawberries under cool water. Pat them dry gently with paper towels to avoid sogginess.
Slice the Strawberries: Hull the strawberries using a paring knife, then slice them into thin rounds or quarters. Feel free to taste one—chef’s privilege!
Toss the Greens and Add-Ons: In a large bowl, combine the spinach with sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, walnuts or pecans, and red onion slices. The colors should be vibrant!
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste test—adjust as needed.
Toss it All Together: Drizzle the dressing over your salad just before serving. Gently toss everything together using tongs until all ingredients are coated with that delicious dressing.
Serve Immediately: Transfer your beautiful salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Enjoy this fresh feast right away while everything is crisp!
Now that you’ve mastered this delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe, get ready to impress friends and family at your next gathering! With its burst of flavors and textures, it’s sure to be an instant hit at any occasion!
You Must Know
- Strawberry spinach salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures; it’s refreshing, vibrant, and can be made in under 20 minutes
- The combination of sweet strawberries and crunchy nuts creates a perfect harmony that’s simply irresistible on a sunny day
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by washing the spinach thoroughly to remove any grit. Then slice the strawberries and prepare your dressing while the spinach dries. This efficient sequence ensures everything is fresh and ready to go.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different fruits like blueberries or mandarin oranges. Add toasted almonds or feta cheese for extra crunch or creaminess. Personalizing your salad makes it uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid reheating, as salads are best served cold and fresh to maintain their crispness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible; they elevate the dish significantly
- Don’t skip on the dressing—it ties everything together beautifully
- Finally, serve immediately after assembling to keep everything crispy and fresh!
Sharing this recipe always brings back fond memories of summer picnics with friends where everyone raved about my strawberry spinach salad, turning me into the unofficial picnic chef!
FAQ
What can I substitute for spinach in a strawberry spinach salad?
You can use arugula or mixed greens for a different flavor profile.
How do I make homemade dressing for strawberry spinach salad?
Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and mustard for a simple dressing.
Can I add protein to my strawberry spinach salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or chickpeas works great for added protein and heartiness.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that combines sweet strawberries, crunchy nuts, and creamy feta over fresh spinach. Perfect for summer gatherings and easy to prepare!
Ingredients
- Fresh Baby Spinach
- Ripe Strawberries
- Feta Cheese
- Walnuts or Pecans
- Red Onion
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Olive Oil
- Honey (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the spinach and strawberries under cool water, then pat dry.
- Hull and slice the strawberries into rounds.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, walnuts or pecans, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving and gently toss to coat.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
