Delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad

Strawberry Spinach Salad is the kind of dish that dances on your palate like a joyful summer breeze. Imagine biting into juicy strawberries that burst with sweetness while crisp spinach leaves provide a refreshing crunch. The aroma of toasted nuts wafts through the air as you whip up this colorful medley, making it hard to resist sneaking in a bite before it even hits the table.

I remember the first time I made Strawberry Spinach Salad for my family. It was a sunny day during our annual picnic, and let me tell you—the moment they took their first bite, it was like watching fireworks on the Fourth of July! Everyone was delighted by the vibrant colors and flavors bursting with every forkful. This salad is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s the perfect companion for those warm evenings or festive gatherings.

One sunny afternoon, I decided to impress my friends at a casual get-together with this very salad. Their reactions were priceless—one friend even declared it “the best thing since sliced bread!”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Spinach: Choose young leaves for tenderness and mild flavor; wash thoroughly to remove any grit.
• Strawberries: Opt for ripe, juicy strawberries; they should be fragrant and bright red for maximum sweetness.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp bite that complements the sweetness of strawberries beautifully.
• Feta Cheese: Crumble fresh feta over the salad for creamy texture and tangy flavor; it’s simply divine!
• Pecans or Walnuts: Toast them lightly to enhance their nutty flavor; they add crunch and richness to your salad.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette: A homemade vinaigrette elevates this dish; use quality balsamic vinegar mixed with olive oil.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on your kitchen counter. Ensure everything is washed and prepped so you’re ready to go!

Prep the Spinach: Rinse the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly under cool water to remove dirt. Pat them dry gently before placing them in a large serving bowl.

Slice the Strawberries: Hull and slice your strawberries into thin pieces. Their vibrant color will bring life to your salad while providing that sweet punch you crave.

Add Other Ingredients: Toss in thinly sliced red onion and crumbled feta cheese over the spinach and strawberries. The mix of flavors will have everyone intrigued.

Toast Your Nuts: In a small skillet over medium heat, toast your pecans or walnuts until golden brown—about 5 minutes—stirring frequently so they don’t burn.

Dress It Up: Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over your colorful concoction just before serving. Toss gently until all ingredients are coated evenly, allowing those flavors to mingle beautifully.

And there you have it—a stunning Strawberry Spinach Salad that’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with delightful flavors and textures! Serve this refreshing dish at your next gathering or enjoy it as a light lunch on its own. Your taste buds will thank you!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing and drying the spinach and strawberries before slicing. Prepare the dressing while the salad ingredients rest for maximum flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch, or cheese such as feta for creaminess. You can also swap in seasonal fruits to keep it exciting.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid reheating as salads are best enjoyed fresh.

Cooking this salad always reminds me of summer picnics with friends, where we’d gather around laughing and savoring every bite. The recipe became a favorite among my pals!

FAQ

What variations can I make to my Strawberry Spinach Salad?

You can add grilled chicken or tofu for protein, or substitute other fruits.

How do I prevent my salad from getting soggy?

Dress the salad right before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare ingredients in advance but wait to combine until you’re ready to serve.

Print

Strawberry Spinach Salad

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Enjoy a refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad, combining juicy strawberries and crisp spinach, all tossed in a zesty balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for gatherings or a light meal!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Servings: 4
• Category: Salad
• Method: No cooking required
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• Fresh spinach
• Ripe strawberries
• Red onion
• Feta cheese
• Pecans or walnuts
• Balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions

1. Wash and prep all ingredients.
2. Place fresh spinach in a large bowl.
3. Hull and slice strawberries, adding them along with thinly sliced red onion.
4. Crumble feta cheese over the salad.
5. Toast pecans or walnuts in a skillet until golden brown, then add to the salad.
6. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette just before serving and toss gently.

Notes

– For added protein, consider grilling chicken or adding chickpeas.

– Experiment with seasonal fruits like blueberries or peaches for variety.

 

– Dress the salad right before serving to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: - Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.- Swap seasonal fruits like blueberries or peaches for variety.- Dress the salad right before serving to keep it crisp.