Refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

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The mere thought of a Strawberry Spinach Salad evokes memories of picnics under the bright sun and laughter dancing in the air. Imagine biting into crisp spinach leaves that cradle sweet strawberries, bursting with juice as they cascade over your tongue. Add a sprinkle of crunchy nuts, and you’ve got yourself a bowl of happiness that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

Whenever I whip up this vibrant dish, I’m reminded of summer afternoons spent with friends. We would gather around a picnic blanket laid on soft grass while indulging in this delightful combination that had everyone asking for seconds—okay, maybe thirds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad offers an easy-to-follow recipe that takes minimal time to prepare
  • The flavor combination is an explosion of sweetness and crunch in every bite
  • Its stunning colors make it visually appealing and perfect for any gathering
  • Enjoy it as a side dish or add protein to make it a meal!

I once made this salad for a family BBQ, and my uncle couldn’t stop raving about how he never knew spinach could taste so good!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

  • Fresh Spinach: Choose bright green leaves that feel crisp; avoid any wilted or yellowing ones.
  • Strawberries: Go for ripe strawberries; their natural sweetness enhances the flavor dramatically.
  • Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp contrast to the sweetness of strawberries.
  • Walnuts or Pecans: Nuts provide crunch; toast them lightly for even more flavor.
  • Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings tanginess to balance the sweetness of the fruit.

For the Dressing:

  • Balsamic Vinegar: Opt for high-quality balsamic vinegar for rich depth in flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil; its fruity notes complement the dressing perfectly.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds sweetness; adjust based on your taste preference.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all flavors in the salad.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing the spinach thoroughly under cold water and drying it using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel.

Slicing Strawberries: Hull the strawberries and slice them into thin rounds. This releases their juices while making them easier to mix into your salad.

Tossing with Onions: In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with thinly sliced red onion. Their contrasting flavors will dance together beautifully.

Add Nuts and Cheese: Toss in your choice of toasted walnuts or pecans along with crumbled feta cheese. This adds texture and creaminess to each bite.

Whisking the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until well combined. This dressing will tie all flavors together.

Tossing It All Together: Drizzle your dressing over the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh. Gently toss to combine all ingredients without bruising the delicate spinach leaves.

Now you’re ready to serve this beautiful bowl of joy! Enjoy every colorful bite of your homemade Strawberry Spinach Salad at your next gathering or as a delightful meal on its own.

This recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings smiles all around—because who doesn’t love strawberries?

You Must Know

  • This delightful strawberry spinach salad is not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients
  • The combination of sweet strawberries and crisp spinach creates a vibrant dish perfect for any occasion
  • Toss in some nuts for crunch and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing the spinach and strawberries thoroughly. Chop the strawberries into slices while letting the spinach dry on a towel. Assemble your salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crispy.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the nuts for seeds or add feta cheese for tanginess. You can also drizzle a balsamic glaze instead of dressing for an extra flavor boost that will have everyone raving.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge but avoid adding dressing until you’re ready to eat. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can last up to two days without wilting too much.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfecting your strawberry spinach salad, always choose ripe strawberries for sweetness, and wash your greens gently to avoid bruising
  • If you want a nutty flavor, toast them lightly before adding to your salad for an amazing crunch!

Making this salad reminds me of summer picnics with friends, where we’d compete over who could make the best version. It always sparked laughter and joy!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries in my strawberry spinach salad?

Frozen strawberries can be used but may alter the texture slightly when thawed.

What dressing pairs well with strawberry spinach salad?

A light balsamic vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing complements this salad beautifully.

How can I make this salad vegan-friendly?

Skip any cheese and use a plant-based dressing to keep it entirely vegan-friendly!

Print
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Strawberry Spinach Salad


  • Author: homerecipeseasy
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Bright and refreshing, this Strawberry Spinach Salad combines sweet strawberries with crunchy spinach for a delightful dish perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

  • Fresh spinach
  • Ripe strawberries
  • Red onion
  • Walnuts or pecans
  • Feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Wash the spinach thoroughly and dry it using a salad spinner or towel.
  2. Hull strawberries and slice them into thin rounds.
  3. In a large bowl, combine sliced strawberries and thinly sliced red onion.
  4. Add toasted walnuts or pecans and crumbled feta cheese.
  5. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  6. Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving and gently toss to combine.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Raw
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: - For added crunch, consider substituting nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. - If you'd like a creamier texture, add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top before serving.

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