There’s something about a Strawberry Spinach Salad that makes my taste buds do a happy dance. Just imagine vibrant green spinach leaves pirouetting with juicy, ruby-red strawberries, all glistening under a drizzle of tangy vinaigrette. Each bite is a delightful crunch, followed by the sweetness of berries that feels like sunshine on your palate. It’s like summer in a bowl, and trust me, you’ll want to dive into this salad again and again.
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?
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- How long does Strawberry Spinach Salad last in the fridge?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made this Strawberry Spinach Salad for a picnic. The sun was shining, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! Fast forward to today, and I still whip it up for family gatherings, potlucks, or just when I need a quick lunch that feels fancy. This salad isn’t just food; it’s nostalgia served fresh!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Spinach Salad is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings
- The balance of sweet strawberries and savory spinach creates an irresistible flavor profile
- Visually stunning with its bright colors, it’s sure to impress anyone at your table
- Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, you can easily customize it by adding proteins like grilled chicken or nuts
I once made this salad for my mom’s birthday brunch. She said it was the best thing since sliced bread—and she really loves her bread!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Spinach: Opt for young baby spinach for its tender leaves and mild flavor; wash thoroughly to remove any grit.
- Strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy strawberries; look for bright red color and firm texture without any blemishes.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tang; go for quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Walnuts: Toasted walnuts give a nice crunch; lightly toast them in a dry pan to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette: A store-bought vinaigrette works well; however, homemade adds an extra special touch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into creating this delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Prepare the Greens: Rinse the fresh spinach leaves under cold water until clean. Pat them dry using a paper towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
Slice the Strawberries: Hull the strawberries by removing their green tops and slice them into halves or quarters. The smaller they are cut, the easier they are to mix into the salad.
Toss in Feta and Walnuts: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over your spinach and add toasted walnuts for some crunch. This combination will give your salad both texture and flavor.
Add Balsamic Vinaigrette: Drizzle your balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad components. Toss gently until everything is well-coated but be careful not to crush those delicate strawberries.
Serve Immediately!: Transfer your vibrant strawberry spinach salad onto individual plates or a large bowl. Enjoy immediately while everything is fresh and crisp!
With these steps completed, you’ll have created a colorful dish bursting with flavors that perfectly marry sweet and savory elements. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
You Must Know
- Strawberry Spinach Salad combines sweetness with a refreshing crunch, making it a delightful dish
- The vibrant colors and flavors create an eye-catching presentation perfect for any gathering
- Plus, it’s a quick recipe that can elevate your lunch game in no time
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To prepare the Strawberry Spinach Salad efficiently, start by washing the spinach and strawberries first. Then, slice the strawberries while you whisk together your dressing for seamless assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or mix nuts like almonds or walnuts for added crunch. A sprinkle of goat cheese can also enhance the flavor profile wonderfully.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Avoid dressing until ready to serve to keep it fresh and crisp.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always wash your strawberries thoroughly to remove any pesticides or dirt; this ensures a clean taste
- Use fresh spinach instead of pre-packaged for better texture and flavor
- Prepare the salad just before serving to maintain its vibrant colors and crunchiness
The first time I made Strawberry Spinach Salad for my friends, they devoured it in minutes! It was so well-received that I still get requests for it at every gathering.
FAQ
What can I substitute for spinach in this salad?
Kale or arugula works well as a substitute for spinach in this salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare it fresh, but you can chop ingredients ahead of time.
How long does Strawberry Spinach Salad last in the fridge?
Stored properly, it lasts about one day before wilting occurs; dress just before eating.
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
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that marries the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the earthiness of fresh spinach. Tossed in a zesty balsamic vinaigrette and sprinkled with creamy feta and crunchy walnuts, this salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply as a light lunch. Its colorful presentation makes it not only delicious but visually stunning—ideal for impressing guests at any gathering!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Rinse the spinach leaves under cold water and pat dry.
- Hull and slice the strawberries into halves or quarters.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, crumbled feta, and toasted walnuts.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and gently toss to coat.
- Serve immediately on individual plates or in a large serving bowl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Fresh
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
