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Vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe for Sunny Days

The moment you set your eyes on a vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad, you can almost hear the joyful crunch of fresh ingredients singing in harmony. Imagine sweet strawberries mingling with crisp spinach, all drizzled with a tangy dressing that dances on your taste buds. This salad isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of color, flavor, and the promise of sunny picnics.

Growing up, this was my go-to dish for family gatherings. I remember my grandma calling it “the happy salad” because one bite could brighten anyone’s day. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or just a Tuesday evening dinner, this delightful dish always brings smiles and compliments.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Strawberry Spinach Salad is incredibly easy to whip up, making meal prep a breeze
  • The sweet and tangy flavors create a perfect balance that everyone loves
  • Its bright colors make it visually stunning and perfect for any occasion
  • Plus, you can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have at home

I once made this salad for my friends during a backyard BBQ, and they devoured it like it was the last slice of pizza at a party.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

  • Fresh Spinach: Choose vibrant green leaves; they should feel crisp and fresh for the best flavor.

  • Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries; their sweetness is crucial to balancing the flavors in the salad.

  • Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy texture; opt for high-quality cheese for better taste.

  • Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted nuts add crunch; lightly toast them to enhance their flavor before adding to the salad.

  • Balsamic Vinegar: A good quality balsamic vinegar elevates the dressing with tangy sweetness.

  • Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best; its rich flavor complements the other ingredients beautifully.

  • Honey or Maple Syrup: Just a splash adds sweetness to balance the acidity of vinegar.

  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors in the salad.

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

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by rinsing your spinach and strawberries thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to avoid excess moisture.

Slice Strawberries Beautifully: Remove the green tops from your strawberries and slice them into thin rounds or wedges. The goal is to show off their beautiful red color.

Toss Together Greens and Fruits: In a large bowl, combine the spinach and sliced strawberries. Gently toss them together like you’re introducing old friends—no rough handling here!

Create Your Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until well combined; don’t be shy—this dressing deserves some love!

Add Feta and Nuts: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans or walnuts over the top of your salad. This adds both creaminess and crunch that will leave everyone raving.

Toss Again & Serve Fresh: Drizzle your homemade dressing over everything and give it another gentle toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately for optimal freshness—nobody likes soggy salad!

Enjoy preparing this Strawberry Spinach Salad as much as savoring its delightful flavors! It’s not just food; it’s an experience that brings people together around delicious moments.

You Must Know

  • Strawberry Spinach Salad is not just a delicious dish; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavors and colors
  • The sweet strawberries contrast beautifully with the earthy spinach, making it a feast for the eyes and palate
  • Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing the spinach and strawberries to enhance freshness. Then, slice the strawberries and toss them gently with spinach for even distribution.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients like using arugula instead of spinach or adding nuts for crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. However, avoid reheating as salads are best served fresh.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Fresh strawberries make all the difference; choose ripe ones for maximum sweetness
  • Always wash your greens thoroughly to remove any grit
  • If using nuts, toast them lightly for extra flavor enhancement

Sometimes I whip up this salad when friends come over, and their reactions are priceless! They always ask for seconds, which feels like a real win in my kitchen.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I add protein to my Strawberry Spinach Salad?

Yes! Grilled chicken or feta cheese pairs wonderfully with this salad.

What dressing goes best with Strawberry Spinach Salad?

A light vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing complements the flavors perfectly.

How can I make my Strawberry Spinach Salad more filling?

Add quinoa or chickpeas to transform it into a hearty meal option.

Print
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Strawberry Spinach Salad


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful mix of fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, and creamy feta, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic dressing. This vibrant dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will brighten any meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup ripe strawberries, sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse spinach and strawberries under cold water; pat dry.
  2. Slice strawberries into rounds or wedges.
  3. In a large bowl, combine spinach and sliced strawberries; toss gently.
  4. For the dressing, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a small jar; shake well.
  5. Drizzle dressing over salad; add feta cheese and toasted nuts.
  6. Toss gently to combine; serve immediately for best freshness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad (150g)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Lina Baker
Lina Baker
Hi, I’m Lina, the owner of ItTasty.com! I love creating and sharing easy, delicious recipes that add flavor and joy to every meal. From quick bites to indulgent desserts, there’s always something tasty waiting for you!
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