There’s nothing quite like a Strawberry Spinach Salad to make your taste buds dance and your heart sing. Picture this: fresh spinach leaves, vibrant red strawberries, crunchy nuts, and a drizzle of sweet dressing all coming together in perfect harmony. It’s like a symphony in a bowl, waiting to play the most delicious tune at your next picnic or brunch gathering.
On sunny days when the grill is fired up and laughter fills the air, I can’t help but whip up this delightful salad. It’s an instant hit with friends and family who rave about its refreshing flavors. So grab your apron; we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave everyone craving more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-make Strawberry Spinach Salad bursts with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds
- You can customize it easily based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences
- Its bright colors make it visually stunning, perfect for any occasion
- Enjoy it as a side dish or add protein for a hearty meal
Sometimes I think my friends might love this salad more than me after they devoured it at my last summer barbecue.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Spinach: Look for vibrant green leaves with no wilting for the best flavor and nutrition.
Strawberries: Choose ripe berries that are deep red and fragrant; they should be sweet and juicy!
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for just the right amount of sharpness; soak in cold water if you want to mellow the flavor.
Feta Cheese: Opt for crumbled feta for creamy texture; it adds a nice tanginess that complements the sweetness of strawberries.
Pecan Nuts: Toasting pecans enhances their flavor; use them whole or roughly chopped based on your preference.
Balsamic Vinaigrette: Homemade or store-bought, choose one that balances sweetness with acidity to elevate the flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Start by preparing your salad base: Rinse fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Place it in a large salad bowl as your canvas.
Layer on those luscious strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries into quarters and arrange them lovingly over the spinach leaves. The vibrant red will pop against the greens.
Add some bite: Toss in thinly sliced red onion for color and zing. If you want less intensity, soak them briefly in cold water before adding.
Sprinkle with feta cheese: Crumble feta cheese over the top generously; its creamy texture will contrast beautifully with the crisp spinach and sweet strawberries.
Finish off with pecans: Toss toasted pecans into the mix for crunchiness. They add an earthy note that rounds out all those bright flavors perfectly.
Dress it up: Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over your salad right before serving; toss gently to combine without wilting the leaves too much. Serve immediately and enjoy!
You Must Know
- This delightful strawberry spinach salad is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a refreshing burst of flavor
- The combination of sweet strawberries and peppery spinach creates a harmonious balance, making it perfect for any occasion
- Add some nuts for crunch and enjoy!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by washing the spinach leaves thoroughly, then slice the strawberries while preparing the dressing. Toss them together just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for seasonal fruits like peaches or blueberries. Adding feta cheese or nuts can elevate the flavor profile of your salad.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. However, avoid adding dressing until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When using fresh ingredients, make sure they are at their peak ripeness for maximum flavor
- Adjust sweetness with honey or maple syrup based on your taste preferences
- Always taste your dressing before mixing it in to ensure it’s just right!
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of summer picnics with family, where we’d devour this colorful salad while laughing under the sun.
FAQ
Can I make strawberry spinach salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance but add dressing right before serving.
What dressing goes best with strawberry spinach salad?
A light vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing complements the flavors perfectly.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein and substance in your salad.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines tender spinach leaves, juicy strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans, all tossed with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, brunches, or as a light side during summer gatherings, this salad is both visually stunning and packed with flavor. Quick to prepare and customizable with seasonal ingredients, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup ripe strawberries, quartered
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup toasted pecan nuts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Rinse spinach leaves thoroughly under cold water and pat dry. Place them in a large salad bowl.
- Add the quartered strawberries on top of the spinach.
- Toss in the thinly sliced red onion; soak briefly in cold water if desired to mellow the flavor.
- Crumble feta cheese over the salad and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette just before serving and toss gently to combine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (200g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
