Refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe for Summer

Imagine a warm summer day, the sun is shining, and you’re sitting outside with a refreshing plate of strawberry spinach salad in front of you. The sweet, juicy strawberries pop against the vibrant green spinach and crunchy nuts, creating a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds. Each bite is a delightful crunch followed by the tangy hints of dressing that leaves you wanting more.

This salad isn’t just food; it’s a memory-maker. I remember hosting my first backyard barbecue, nervously juggling burgers and hot dogs while trying to impress my friends. As I served this colorful salad alongside the grill, it quickly became the star of the show—everyone wanted the recipe! Perfect for picnics or a quick weeknight dinner, this strawberry spinach salad promises to bring joy and deliciousness to any occasion.

Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad

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

• Fresh Spinach: Use young, tender spinach leaves for a milder flavor and crisp texture.

• Strawberries: Opt for ripe, juicy strawberries; they should be bright red with no white spots.

• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp zing that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.

• Pecans or Walnuts: Choose your favorite nuts for an added crunch; toast them lightly for extra flavor.

• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and complements the sweetness of the fruit beautifully.

For the Dressing:

• Balsamic Vinegar: A good quality balsamic vinegar gives the dressing depth and richness.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its fruity flavor that enhances every ingredient in the salad.

• Honey: A touch of honey provides natural sweetness that ties all flavors together perfectly.

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

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing your spinach leaves thoroughly under cool water. Pat them dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 2: Slice Those Strawberries

Hull and slice your strawberries into thin pieces. Remember, presentation matters! Aim for uniform slices so each bite looks appealing.

Step 3: Chop Some Red Onion

Take your red onion and slice it thinly. If you’re worried about it being too strong, soak it in cold water for about ten minutes before adding it to your salad.

Step 4: Toast Your Nuts

In a small skillet over medium heat, toss your pecans or walnuts until they’re golden brown and fragrant—usually about three to five minutes—watching carefully so they don’t burn!

Step 5: Whisk Up That Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well-blended or shake until combined if using a jar.

Step 6: Toss It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, red onion, nuts, and feta cheese. Drizzle with dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Transfer to plates or serve family-style in one big bowl for everyone to dive into—it’s like an edible centerpiece at your table! Enjoy this refreshing strawberry spinach salad on its own or as an accompaniment to grilled meats; either way, you’re in for a treat!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing the spinach and strawberries thoroughly. Slice the strawberries while preparing a simple vinaigrette. Toss everything together just before serving to keep the salad fresh and vibrant.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this salad by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch, or crumbled feta cheese for creaminess. You can also switch up the dressing with balsamic glaze or honey mustard for a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid dressing it until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness. Reheat any components separately if needed.

I once made this salad for a summer picnic, and it was such a hit that my friends declared me the “Salad Wizard.” I’m still waiting for my wizard robe to arrive.

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for a Strawberry Spinach Salad?

To make a delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad, you will need fresh spinach, ripe strawberries, sliced almonds, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette. For the vinaigrette, use olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. This combination not only enhances the salad’s flavor but also provides a good balance of nutrients. You can also add grilled chicken or quinoa for additional protein. Customize the salad according to your preferences by including other fruits or nuts.

How do I prepare the dressing for Strawberry Spinach Salad?

Preparing the dressing for your Strawberry Spinach Salad is simple. Start by whisking together equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a bowl. Add a teaspoon of honey for sweetness and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the ingredients based on your preference—add more honey for sweetness or more vinegar for tanginess. After mixing well, drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the spinach fresh.

Can I make Strawberry Spinach Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare certain components of the Strawberry Spinach Salad ahead of time. Wash and dry the spinach leaves, slice strawberries, and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to assemble the salad right before serving to prevent wilting. If you plan to make it in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.

What are some variations of Strawberry Spinach Salad?

There are many delicious variations of Strawberry Spinach Salad that you can try. For instance, you can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Incorporating avocado adds creaminess while boosting healthy fats. If you’re looking for protein options, consider grilled shrimp or chickpeas. You can also experiment with different cheeses such as goat cheese or Parmesan to enhance flavors further. Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on seasonal produce.

Conclusion for Strawberry Spinach Salad:

In summary, a Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients that promote health. It combines sweet strawberries with nutrient-rich spinach and crunchy almonds for texture. The homemade dressing enhances its flavor without overpowering it. Whether served as a side dish or a main course with added proteins, this versatile salad is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy creating your own unique version by experimenting with various add-ins!

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Strawberry Spinach Salad

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Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines sweet, juicy strawberries with crisp spinach leaves. Topped with crunchy toasted nuts and creamy feta cheese, this vibrant salad bursts with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light side dish, it’s a simple recipe that will impress your guests and elevate any meal.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ¼ cup pecans or walnuts (toasted)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the spinach leaves thoroughly.
2. Hull and slice the strawberries into thin pieces.
3. Thinly slice the red onion; soak in cold water if desired.
4. Toast nuts in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown (about 3-5 minutes).
5. In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
6. In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, red onion, nuts, and feta cheese. Drizzle with dressing just before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 140g)
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or quinoa. Customize the dressing by adding citrus juice or herbs for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container without dressing for up to two days.