Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad
Highlighted under: Light & Healthy Classics
I absolutely love this Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad! It's one of my go-to recipes during the warm months when strawberries are at their peak. The combination of fresh spinach and juicy strawberries creates a refreshing dish that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner. I usually pair it with a homemade vinaigrette, which enhances the flavors without overpowering the salad. It's a delightful dish that never fails to impress my family and friends, making it a staple at our gatherings.
When I first came across this strawberry spinach salad recipe, I was skeptical about the combination. However, giving it a try was a game-changer! The natural sweetness of the strawberries blends beautifully with the earthy tones of the spinach, creating a wonderful balance that's hard to resist.
One tip I learned is to toss the salad just before serving. This keeps the spinach crisp and prevents it from wilting in the dressing. It's perfect for a picnic or a light weeknight dinner and always garners compliments!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bright and vibrant flavors that are perfect for spring and summer
- Easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for quick meals
- Healthy and nutritious, packed with vitamins and antioxidants
Choosing the Best Strawberries
The quality of strawberries is crucial for this salad, as they are the star ingredient. When selecting strawberries, look for ones that are vibrant red, firm, and free of blemishes. I recommend purchasing them from a local farmer's market during peak season for optimal sweetness. If you can’t find fresh strawberries, consider using frozen ones in a pinch; just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
Properly hulling your strawberries is equally important for presentation. Use a paring knife to remove the green stem and white core without sacrificing too much fruity flesh. This keeps the strawberries looking beautiful in the salad and ensures a consistent bite. Feel free to slice them into thicker pieces for a showier appearance or thinner for a mixed bite with the spinach.
Toast Those Almonds
Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. Use a dry skillet over medium heat, and toast the sliced almonds for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them; they can burn quickly! If you're looking for a shortcut, store-bought toasted almonds can be a convenient substitute, but the fresh toast adds a depth that complements the fresh strawberries beautifully.
For a nut-free version, you can substitute the almonds with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even crispy chickpeas. Each alternative brings a unique texture and flavor profile to the salad, ensuring that it remains satisfying while catering to different dietary needs.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re planning to serve this salad at a gathering, you can prep most of the components ahead of time. Wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, and prepare the almonds up to a day in advance. Just remember to store them separately until you're ready to serve, as mixing too early can cause the greens to wilt. Keep the balsamic vinaigrette refrigerated and shake before using to combine the flavors.
For an impressive presentation, consider assembling the salad in layers. Start with spinach at the bottom, followed by strawberries, then sprinkle the toasted almonds and feta on top just before serving. This way, you maintain the freshness of each ingredient until the last minute and add a lovely visual element to your dish.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to prepare this Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad:
Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Once you have everything ready, we can move on to the preparation steps.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your salad:
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and red onion. Toss gently to combine.
Add Feta
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad mixture.
Dress the Salad
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss lightly until all ingredients are well coated.
Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately!
And that’s all there is to it! Enjoy your flavorful salad!
Pro Tips
- To add some extra crunch, try incorporating other nuts like walnuts or pecans. You can also substitute the feta with goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal that’s both light and satisfying. The bright flavors of the salad complement the richness of grilled meats perfectly. Alternatively, serve it alongside a bowl of quinoa or wild rice for a wholesome, vegetarian option that’s still filling.
If you're preparing this for a brunch gathering, consider adding a side of crusty bread or cheese platters to enhance the dining experience. Offering a refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade can also elevate the meal, tying in the fresh and fruity elements of the salad.
Storage Advice
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To maintain the integrity of the ingredients, try to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. The spinach will wilt and the strawberries may become mushy if combined too early, affecting the overall texture.
If you have leftover dressing, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. This homemade balsamic vinaigrette is versatile and delicious on other salads, marinated vegetables, or grilled meats, making it a worthwhile addition to your fridge.
Flavor Variations
To switch up the flavor profile of your Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad, consider adding fresh herbs such as mint or basil. These herbs complement strawberries beautifully and can bring an unexpected twist to the dish. A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs not only adds flavor but also enhances visual appeal.
Another delicious variation involves incorporating seasonal fruits. Peaches or blueberries work wonderfully with the existing ingredients and bring new textures and flavors to your salad. Experimenting with different cheeses, like goat cheese or a creamy blue cheese, can also yield exciting results and allow you to customize the flavor to your liking.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the spinach fresh. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately.
→ What can I substitute for strawberries?
You can use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches for a delicious twist.
→ Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this salad are gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
→ Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas would be great additions to make it a heartier meal.
Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad
I absolutely love this Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad! It's one of my go-to recipes during the warm months when strawberries are at their peak. The combination of fresh spinach and juicy strawberries creates a refreshing dish that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner. I usually pair it with a homemade vinaigrette, which enhances the flavors without overpowering the salad. It's a delightful dish that never fails to impress my family and friends, making it a staple at our gatherings.
Created by: Ainsley Harper
Recipe Type: Light & Healthy Classics
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, add the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and red onion. Toss gently to combine.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad mixture.
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss lightly until all ingredients are well coated.
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately!
Extra Tips
- To add some extra crunch, try incorporating other nuts like walnuts or pecans. You can also substitute the feta with goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 4g