The sun shines brightly, illuminating a vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad that dances on the table like it’s auditioning for a culinary Broadway show. With its fresh spinach leaves glistening and juicy strawberries peeking out like little ruby gems, this salad is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. classic strawberry shortcake Each bite bursts with sweetness, tanginess, and a delightful crunch that sends your senses into overdrive. For more inspiration, check out this Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen strawberries for my salad?
- What goes well with strawberry spinach salad?
- How do I make a vegan version of strawberry spinach salad?
- 📖 Recipe Card
As I whip up this colorful dish, I’m transported back to lazy summer picnics where laughter filled the air and my grandmother’s garden overflowed with fresh produce. The joy of sharing this Strawberry Spinach Salad with family, under the shade of an old oak tree, is a cherished memory that makes every forkful taste even better. orange custard squares Perfect for sunny days or as a refreshing side at dinner parties, this salad promises to elevate any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Spinach Salad is super easy to make and requires no cooking skills whatsoever.
- Its bright flavors create a perfect balance, making it irresistible to anyone.
- The colors pop beautifully on your plate, making it a stunning addition to any meal.
- Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or serve it as a side dish at gatherings, it’s incredibly versatile.
I once served this delightful salad at a family reunion, and my cousin’s face lit up like it was Christmas morning when he took his first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Spinach: Look for vibrant green leaves; they should be crisp and free from wilting. garlic butter green beans.
- Strawberries: Choose plump, ripe strawberries; they should have a sweet fragrance and firm texture.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a zesty kick; soak in cold water briefly to mellow its flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings creaminess; opt for fresh feta for the best taste.
- Pecan Halves: Lightly toasted pecans add crunch; keep an eye on them while toasting to avoid burning.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette: A homemade or store-bought version works well; choose one with quality ingredients for maximum flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep the Ingredients: Rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Slice the strawberries into halves or quarters depending on their size for easy munching.
Mix the Spinach and Strawberries: In a large bowl, combine the spinach leaves with sliced strawberries. Gently toss them together so they intermingle without bruising.
Add Onions and Feta: Toss in thinly sliced red onion and crumbled feta cheese. The onion will give it some zing while the feta adds richness.
Toast the Pecans: In a small skillet over medium heat, toast pecan halves until golden brown and fragrant—about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning!
Dress the Salad: Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad mixture just before serving. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in that tangy goodness.
Serve Immediately!: Plate your beautiful Strawberry Spinach Salad right away so that everything stays crisp and fresh. Enjoy every colorful bite! For more inspiration, check out this Delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.
With its vibrant colors and fantastic flavor combinations, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is sure to become your go-to recipe for any gathering or simply when you’re craving something fresh! strawberry shortcake dessert.
You Must Know
- The magic of a strawberry spinach salad lies in its balance of flavors; sweet strawberries contrast beautifully with earthy spinach.
- This dish is visually stunning, offering a burst of color and freshness that brightens any meal.
- Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, wash and dry your spinach first, then slice strawberries while preparing the dressing. This ensures everything is fresh and ready when you assemble your salad.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this salad by adding nuts for crunch or cheese for creaminess. Try substituting strawberries with blueberries for a different flavor profile or using a balsamic glaze instead of vinaigrette.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep dressing separate until serving. This will maintain the crispness of the spinach and avoid sogginess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always choose ripe, juicy strawberries; they make all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t skip on washing and drying your spinach thoroughly to avoid a soggy salad.
- Adding feta cheese elevates the dish’s taste profile, making it irresistibly delicious!
Memories come rushing back when I think about sharing this salad at my family picnic last summer—everyone loved it so much that I had to make a second batch!
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for my salad?
Fresh strawberries are preferable for texture and flavor; frozen can become mushy.
What goes well with strawberry spinach salad?
Grilled chicken or shrimp complement this salad perfectly, adding protein and heartiness.
How do I make a vegan version of strawberry spinach salad?
Simply omit cheese and use maple syrup in the dressing for sweetness without animal products.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Bright, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, this Strawberry Spinach Salad combines fresh spinach and juicy strawberries for a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With the creamy feta and crunchy pecans, each bite is a joyful explosion of taste. Ideal as a light lunch or a vibrant side at gatherings, this salad will surely impress your guests and bring back warm memories of sunny picnics.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, rinsed and dried
- 1 cup ripe strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup pecan halves, lightly toasted
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach leaves and sliced strawberries. Gently toss to mix.
- Add the thinly sliced red onion and crumbled feta cheese to the salad mixture.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pecan halves for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown and fragrant; stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
