Refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe for Summer Fun

Strawberry Spinach Salad is a refreshing blend of sweet and savory that dances on your taste buds. Imagine biting into crisp spinach leaves, each one topped with juicy strawberries bursting with flavor, all while a zesty dressing brings everything together. indulgent chocolate-covered strawberries delectable strawberry dessert option

This delightful dish always reminds me of summer picnics and family gatherings where the laughter flows as freely as the iced tea. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side at a barbecue, it promises to captivate everyone’s palate while keeping things fresh and vibrant. perfect savory side dish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Strawberry Spinach Salad is quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion
  • Its vibrant colors bring life to your table, while the combination of sweet strawberries and crunchy nuts creates an irresistible flavor contrast
  • Versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients, it’s sure to impress guests and family alike

I once made this salad for a potluck, and let’s just say my friends still talk about it—mostly because I accidentally made double the dressing and they were swimming in it!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

  • Fresh Spinach: Use baby spinach for its tender leaves; wash thoroughly to remove any grit.

  • Strawberries: Choose ripe, bright red strawberries; they should be fragrant and slightly firm.

  • Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess; opt for quality cheese for better flavor.

  • Pecan Halves: Lightly toasted pecans give a lovely crunch; toast them on low heat for maximum flavor.

  • Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a zingy bite; soak them in water briefly to mellow the sharpness.

  • Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar ties flavors together beautifully; choose high-quality for best results.

  • Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor that enhances the salad’s overall taste.

  • Honey: A drizzle of honey balances flavors with sweetness; adjust according to your taste preferences.

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 leaves thoroughly in cold water until they are crisp. Pat dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner.

Slice Strawberries and Onions: Hull the strawberries, slicing them into thin rounds. For the onions, slice them as thinly as possible to ensure they blend well without overpowering.

Toast Pecan Halves: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add pecan halves. Toast them lightly until fragrant, stirring frequently, which takes around 3-5 minutes.

Make Your Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. The mixture should be silky smooth and aromatic.

Toss It All Together: In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, pecans, red onion slices, and crumbled feta. Drizzle with dressing before gently tossing everything together.

Serve Immediately!: Transfer your Strawberry Spinach Salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. fun strawberry-themed treat Enjoy this fresh delight right away for optimal texture and flavor!

You Must Know

  • This refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad is more than just a pretty dish; it’s a delightful balance of sweet and savory
  • The vibrant hues of fresh strawberries and greens brighten any table, making it perfect for gatherings or simple weeknight dinners

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing and drying your spinach thoroughly to maintain that crisp texture. Chop the strawberries just before serving to preserve their juiciness and flavor.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in other fruits like blueberries or add nuts for extra crunch. A sprinkle of feta cheese can elevate the flavors beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep dressing separate for freshness. Consume within two days for optimal taste.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor; they make all the difference in this salad
  • Ensure greens are dry to prevent wilting and sogginess
  • Experiment with different dressings, such as balsamic vinaigrette, to find your favorite flavor combination

Nothing beats the first time I brought this salad to a picnic. Everyone raved about it! The compliments made me feel like a culinary rock star, and I couldn’t stop smiling.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I prepare Strawberry Spinach Salad ahead of time?

For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi recipe.

Yes, but add dressing right before serving to keep it fresh.

What dressing pairs well with Strawberry Spinach Salad?

A light balsamic vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing enhances its flavors wonderfully.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just store components separately until ready to enjoy.

Print
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Strawberry Spinach Salad


  • Author: Doorecipes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Experience the perfect balance of sweet and savory with our Strawberry Spinach Salad. Crisp baby spinach is topped with juicy strawberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy pecans, all brought together with a zesty balsamic dressing. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches, this vibrant dish is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. Impress your family and friends with this quick and easy-to-make salad that embodies the essence of summer.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups baby spinach
  • 2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves, lightly toasted
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash spinach leaves thoroughly in cold water and pat dry.
  2. Hull strawberries and slice them into thin rounds; slice red onion thinly.
  3. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pecan halves for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, pecans, red onion slices, and crumbled feta.
  6. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss to combine.
  7. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: For added crunch, consider swapping in walnuts or almonds. Feel free to incorporate other fruits like blueberries or mandarin oranges for variation. Store leftover salad components separately to maintain freshness.

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