Juicy strawberries mingling with crisp spinach create a delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad that plays a symphony of flavors in your mouth. The sweetness of the berries dances harmoniously with the earthy greens, while a zesty dressing elevates this dish to pure bliss.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I substitute for spinach in this salad?
- How long can I store Strawberry Spinach Salad?
- Can I add protein to my Strawberry Spinach Salad?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Imagine sitting outside on a warm summer day, feeling the gentle breeze, as you savor each bite of this refreshing salad. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply enjoying as a light lunch while dreaming about your next vacation.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only easy to whip up but also bursts with vibrant flavors
- Its colorful presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece at any gathering
- You can customize it with nuts or cheese to suit your tastes
- Perfectly versatile for any occasion, from casual lunches to festive events
Sipping lemonade on a sunny afternoon, I remember my friends’ delighted reactions when I first served this salad at a barbecue. Their smiles and compliments made me feel like a culinary genius.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Spinach: Look for vibrant green leaves; they should be crisp and free from wilting for optimal freshness.
Strawberries: Choose ripe berries; their sweetness is essential for balancing the salad’s savory elements.
Red Onion: Thinly slice for just a hint of sharpness; soak them in water beforehand if you prefer less intensity.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess; opt for high-quality cheese for the best taste.
Pecan Nuts: Lightly toasted pecans provide crunch; you can substitute with walnuts if preferred.
Balsamic Vinaigrette: A homemade vinaigrette enhances flavor; use store-bought if you’re short on time.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Start by preparing your ingredients: Rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
Slice the Strawberries: Hull and slice the strawberries into thin pieces. Their juicy sweetness will be more pronounced when they mingle with the other ingredients.
Prepare the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. If you’re sensitive to onion’s pungency, soak slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before draining.
Toss in Feta and Nuts: In a large bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, red onions, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans. Gently toss everything together until well mixed.
Add Dressing and Serve: Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the top just before serving to maintain freshness. Toss lightly again to coat all ingredients evenly and enjoy this vibrant dish!
You Must Know
- The Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful blend of sweet and savory
- Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor, while spinach provides a healthy crunch
- This salad is perfect for picnics or light dinners, and it’s easy to whip up in just 15 minutes
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by washing your spinach and strawberries. Slice the strawberries while preparing the dressing to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding nuts for crunch or feta cheese for a creamy contrast. You could even swap spinach for kale if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, but enjoy within two days for optimal freshness. Avoid reheating; this salad is best served cold.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness; they make the salad pop with flavor
- Don’t dress the salad until serving to keep everything crisp and fresh
- Use a light vinaigrette to enhance without overpowering the ingredients
Sharing this Strawberry Spinach Salad with friends always brings smiles; their reactions remind me why I love cooking!
FAQ
What can I substitute for spinach in this salad?
You can use kale or arugula as excellent alternatives to spinach.
How long can I store Strawberry Spinach Salad?
This salad stays fresh for up to two days when refrigerated properly.
Can I add protein to my Strawberry Spinach Salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or chickpeas make great additions for extra protein.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Delight your taste buds with this vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad, where juicy strawberries meet crisp spinach for a refreshing dish. Perfect for picnics or light lunches, this salad is elevated with crumbled feta and toasted pecans, all brought together by a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Enjoy it fresh on a sunny day or serve it at your next gathering to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach, rinsed and dried
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup pecans, lightly toasted
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
- Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (200g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
