Refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe for Summer Bliss

Strawberry Spinach Salad is like a burst of summer sunshine on your plate, blending vibrant greens with juicy, sweet strawberries. This colorful dish whispers promises of freshness, making it the perfect addition to any gathering or as a light meal that feels like a guilty pleasure without the guilt.

I always remember my first encounter with this delightful combo at a friend’s picnic. The flavors danced together so beautifully that I knew I had to recreate it. Now, every time I make Strawberry Spinach Salad, I can’t help but smile at the memories of laughter and deliciousness shared over that sunny afternoon.

I recall one time I made this salad for a family barbecue, and everyone went back for seconds, leaving me feeling like a culinary rock star.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Fresh Spinach: Look for bright green leaves without any wilting; they add a delightful crunch and nutrition.

• Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries that are bright red and fragrant, ensuring maximum sweetness in each bite.

• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a tangy creaminess; opt for high-quality cheese for the best flavor.

• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion brings a sharp contrast; soak them in water briefly to mellow their flavor if desired.

• Walnuts (or Pecans): Toasted nuts give this salad a satisfying crunch; simply sauté them in a dry skillet until fragrant.

• Balsamic Vinaigrette: A homemade version enhances flavor; combine balsamic vinegar with olive oil, honey, and mustard.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Gather your ingredients and let’s create this beautiful salad together!

Prep the Greens: Start by rinsing the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water. Shake off excess moisture or use a salad spinner to ensure it’s nice and dry.

Slice the Strawberries: Hull and slice your strawberries into even pieces. The more uniform they are, the prettier your salad will look!

Add the Crunch: In a small skillet over medium heat, toast your walnuts until they’re golden brown and fragrant. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes—don’t walk away!

Toss It All Together: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Be gentle when mixing to keep everything intact.

Dress It Up!: Drizzle your balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss lightly until everything is coated evenly; you want those flavors to marry beautifully.

Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Strawberry Spinach Salad right away while it’s fresh! The flavors are at their peak when served immediately after dressing.

This recipe not only brings flavors together but also makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into a fancy restaurant—without needing your Sunday best or breaking out your wallet!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing the spinach thoroughly to remove any grit. Slice the strawberries just before serving to keep them fresh and juicy, then toss everything together with your favorite dressing.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add nuts for crunch. Feta cheese gives a nice tangy twist, while balsamic glaze can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid reheating; serve cold for the best texture and taste.

Sometimes, I whip up this salad when friends come over, and their eyes light up at the first bite—it’s priceless!

FAQ

What can I use instead of spinach in a strawberry spinach salad?

You can use arugula or mixed greens as delightful alternatives for this salad recipe.

How do I make homemade dressing for my salad?

Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper for a simple homemade dressing.

Can I prepare strawberry spinach salad ahead of time?

Yes, but add dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

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Strawberry Spinach Salad

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Strawberry Spinach Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that combines sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, and creamy feta cheese, making it perfect for summer gatherings or a light meal. This easy-to-make salad bursts with flavor and nutrition, bringing joy to any table. With a delightful homemade balsamic vinaigrette, every bite is a celebration of freshness!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup walnuts (or pecans), toasted
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette (homemade or store-bought)

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Instructions

1. Rinse the spinach thoroughly under cold water and dry.
2. Hull and slice strawberries into even pieces.
3. Toast walnuts in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
4. In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, feta cheese, and red onion.
5. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.
6. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad (250g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Use ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness. Dress the salad only right before serving to avoid sogginess. Feel free to swap spinach for kale or add avocado for extra creaminess.