Shining, vibrant, and bursting with natural goodness, the strawberry spinach salad is a timeless dish that effortlessly marries freshness with flavor. This delightful recipe invites you to explore a harmonious blend of crisp, earthy spinach leaves paired with juicy, sweet strawberries, creating a refreshing balance that awakens the palate. Whether served as a light lunch, a colorful side, or a nutritious snack, this salad exemplifies simplicity and sophistication in every bite. Join us as we dive into the ingredients and steps that make this strawberry spinach salad a perennial favorite for those seeking wholesome taste and easy elegance.
Fresh & Flavorful Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe Delight begins with vibrant, handpicked ingredients that bring every bite to life. The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries pairs beautifully with tender baby spinach leaves, creating a refreshing canvas that invites a perfectly balanced dressing. When crafting this salad, the secret lies in selecting produce that bursts with freshness, ensuring a harmony of crisp textures and lively taste.
Prep and Cook Time
planning: 15 minutes
Cook Time: None (salad served fresh)
Yield
Serves 4 as a light entrée or side salad.
Difficulty Level
Easy – perfect for both kitchen novices and seasoned home cooks looking for a quick, nutritious dish.
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach leaves, thoroughly washed and dried
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
- ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted lightly
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk vigorously until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth,glossy dressing.Season with salt and pepper to taste.Set aside for flavors to meld while preparing the salad.
- toast the almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat,toast the sliced almonds until golden and aromatic,about 3-5 minutes. Stir often to prevent burning. Remove from heat and cool.
- Assemble the salad base: In a large mixing bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh basil leaves. Gently toss to distribute ingredients evenly without bruising the spinach.
- Add cheese and almonds: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and cooled toasted almonds over the top for an instant burst of flavor and crunch.
- Dress and toss: Slowly drizzle the freshly made dressing over the salad. Using tongs, gently toss the salad ensuring each leaf is delicately coated without being drenched.
- Serve immediately: transfer the salad to a lovely serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with a few whole basil leaves and a couple of halved strawberries for a vibrant, welcoming presentation.
Tips for Success
- Ingredient freshness is key: Choose firm,brightly colored strawberries and crisp baby spinach for the ideal texture contrast.
- Customize your nuts: Swap almonds for candied pecans or walnuts to add a different layer of flavor and crunch.
- Make-ahead note: Prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before tossing.
- Adjust sweetness: If your strawberries are very sweet, reduce honey in the dressing.For tart berries, add a little more honey or a pinch of sugar.
- Balance acidity: Ensure your balsamic vinegar is well aged. A sharper vinegar can overpower the delicate sweetness, so taste test as you mix.
Serving Suggestions to Impress at Any Occasion
Present this strawberry spinach salad as a refreshing opener for elegant dinner parties or as a delightful, healthful lunch option. Serve on a chilled glass or rustic wooden platter to accentuate vibrant reds and greens. Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light, fruity rosé to complement the sweet and tangy notes.
For added sophistication, consider topping with edible flowers such as pansies or nasturtiums. To create a ample meal, add grilled chicken breast or candied bacon bites, making this salad a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and textural intrigue.
Nutrition Data (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 220 | 6g | 18g | 14g |
To explore more garden-inspired recipes that pair beautifully with this salad, see our Fresh Summer Vegetable Recipes. For health benefits and nutritional insights on spinach, visit EatRight.org.
Q&A
Q: What makes the Strawberry Spinach Salad a delightful dish?
A: The strawberry Spinach Salad combines the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries with the tender earthiness of baby spinach, creating a refreshing balance of flavors. The dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it both tasty and wholesome.
Q: What ingredients are essential for this strawberry spinach salad recipe?
A: Key ingredients include fresh baby spinach leaves, ripe strawberries, red onions, toasted nuts (like almonds or pecans), and crumbled cheese such as feta or goat cheese. A light vinaigrette made from balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard ties all the flavors together.
Q: How do you prepare the salad dressing?
A: the dressing is a simple balsamic vinaigrette. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, a touch of honey for sweetness, and a hint of Dijon mustard for tang and depth. this dressing enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them.
Q: Can the Strawberry Spinach Salad be customized?
A: Absolutely! You can add sliced avocado for creaminess, grilled chicken or shrimp for protein, or swap nuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Seasonal fruits like blueberries or mandarin oranges can also complement the dish well.
Q: Is this salad suitable for all dietary preferences?
A: Yes, the salad is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by substituting the cheese with plant-based alternatives or omitting it entirely. It’s gluten-free and can be adapted to fit various dietary needs with minor tweaks.
Q: When is the best time to enjoy this salad?
A: This salad shines in the spring and summer months when strawberries are at their freshest and sweetest. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish at barbecues, or a refreshing starter for dinner parties.
Q: How can I ensure the strawberries stay fresh and vibrant in the salad?
A: Wash strawberries gently and pat them dry just before assembling the salad to prevent sogginess.Slice them evenly to distribute their sweetness throughout the dish and toss the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
Q: What makes this Strawberry Spinach Salad a healthy choice?
A: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals from spinach and strawberries, plus heart-healthy fats from nuts and olive oil, this salad supports overall wellness. It’s a flavorful way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet.
Q: Can this salad be prepared ahead of time?
A: You can prep the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to combine the dressing and toss the salad shortly before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant. Store components separately in the fridge for up to two days.
Q: Any tips for elevating the flavor profile of the salad?
A: Adding fresh herbs like mint or basil adds an aromatic twist. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of chili flakes can introduce a subtle kick, enhancing the salad’s complexity without overwhelming its freshness.
Future Outlook
Whether you’re seeking a vibrant addition to your lunch menu or a light,healthful side for dinner,this fresh & Flavorful Strawberry Spinach Salad offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. Its crisp spinach leaves paired with juicy strawberries create a delightful harmony that’s as nourishing as it is indeed flavorful.Simple to prepare yet extraordinary in taste, this salad invites you to savor the freshness of each bite-making it a refreshing staple for any season. Give it a try, and let your palate enjoy a burst of natural flavors that celebrate the beauty of wholesome ingredients.
