Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that dances on your taste buds. Imagine fresh strawberries, vibrant spinach, and crunchy almonds all mingling together in a bowl, creating a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
This salad has been my go-to for summer picnics and family gatherings. Its bright colors and refreshing taste make it the perfect companion for sunny days, barbecues, or even just when you need a pick-me-up. Trust me; it’s like sunshine in a bowl!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Spinach Salad combines ease of preparation with an explosion of flavors
- You can customize it with your favorite toppings or dressings
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing and a hit at any gathering
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish at summer parties!
I remember the first time I served this salad at a backyard BBQ. My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was, and I may have taken all the credit while secretly thanking Pinterest for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Spinach: Opt for baby spinach for tender leaves that don’t overpower other flavors.
Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness; they should be bright red and fragrant.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries.
Almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds offer crunch; consider toasting them for extra flavor.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta provides a creamy texture that complements the salad beautifully.
Balsamic Vinaigrette: A drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with its tangy notes.
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 your spinach thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels to get rid of excess moisture.
Slice the Strawberries: Hull and slice your strawberries into bite-sized pieces. The sweeter they are, the better your salad will taste!
Chop the Red Onion: Take your red onion and slice it as thinly as possible. A sharp knife works wonders here; you want just enough bite without overwhelming anyone’s palate.
Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, red onion, and almonds. Gently toss them to mix well without bruising any delicate leaves.
Add Feta and Dressing: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top before drizzling with balsamic vinaigrette. Toss gently again until everything is evenly coated.
Serve Immediately!: Serve this salad fresh to enjoy all its vibrant flavors and textures! It’s best enjoyed right after tossing to keep everything crisp.
And voilà! You’ve got yourself a fabulous Strawberry Spinach Salad that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy every juicy bite!
You Must Know
- This delightful strawberry spinach salad is a burst of freshness, perfect for warm days
- The combination of sweet strawberries and crunchy nuts creates a harmonious balance that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy
- It’s a fantastic side or light meal option that’s both nutritious and satisfying
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Toss the fresh spinach with strawberries and dressing just before serving to maintain crispness and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out nuts for seeds or add crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to two days; however, be cautious of sogginess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- A great way to enhance flavors is to marinate the spinach slightly before serving
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness
- Always serve immediately after tossing to keep ingredients fresh and vibrant
Sharing this strawberry spinach salad at my friend’s summer barbecue was unforgettable; everyone raved about it, and I felt like a culinary superstar!
FAQ
What can I substitute for spinach in the salad?
Try kale or arugula for a different texture and flavor profile.
Can I make the strawberry spinach salad ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.
Refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Strawberry Spinach Salad, a perfect blend of sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, and crunchy almonds. This colorful dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrition, making it an ideal choice for summer picnics, barbecues, or light lunches. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds (toasted if desired)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Rinse baby spinach under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Hull and slice strawberries into bite-sized pieces.
- Thinly slice the red onion using a sharp knife.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, red onion, and almonds; toss gently.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette; toss again until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (200g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
