Strawberry Spinach Salad: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Strawberry Spinach Salad: Prepare to be amazed by this vibrant and refreshing salad that’s bursting with flavor and nutrients! Have you ever craved a dish that’s both healthy and incredibly delicious? This isn’t just another salad; it’s a culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling energized.

While the exact origins of combining strawberries and spinach in a salad are somewhat modern, the concept of pairing sweet fruits with leafy greens has roots in various cultures. Think of the classic Mediterranean salads with figs and arugula, or the Asian-inspired salads with mandarin oranges and mixed greens. The beauty lies in the contrast – the earthy spinach perfectly complementing the sweet, juicy strawberries.

People adore this strawberry spinach salad for its delightful combination of textures and tastes. The tender spinach leaves, the burst of sweetness from the strawberries, the crunch of toasted nuts (pecans or almonds are fantastic!), and the tangy vinaigrette create a symphony of sensations in every bite. It’s also incredibly convenient to make, requiring minimal cooking and preparation time. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish for a summer barbecue, or a healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth, this salad is the perfect choice. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy any time!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Salad:
• 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and dried thoroughly
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese for a tangier flavor)
• 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds (or pecans or walnuts)
• For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or balsamic vinegar for a richer taste)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Preparing the Poppy Seed Dressing:

Okay, let’s start with the dressing. This is super easy and makes a huge difference in the overall flavor of the salad. Trust me, don’t skip making your own dressing – it’s way better than anything you can buy at the store!

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Make sure you whisk it really well so that the honey and mustard are fully incorporated. You want a nice, emulsified dressing.
2. Taste and Adjust: Now, give it a taste! This is where you can customize it to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little more honey. If you like it tangier, add a splash more apple cider vinegar. If you want a bit more of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
3. Chill (Optional): If you’re not ready to assemble the salad right away, you can cover the dressing and store it in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more. Just remember to whisk it again before using it, as the oil and vinegar may separate.

Preparing the Salad Ingredients:

Now, let’s get those salad ingredients ready. Freshness is key here, so make sure your spinach and strawberries are in tip-top shape!

1. Wash and Dry the Spinach: This is crucial! Nobody wants a soggy salad. Wash the spinach thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Then, use a salad spinner to dry it completely. If you don’t have a salad spinner, you can spread the spinach out on a clean kitchen towel and gently pat it dry.
2. Prepare the Strawberries: Hull the strawberries (that means removing the green tops) and slice them. I like to slice them about 1/4 inch thick, but you can adjust the thickness to your preference. If your strawberries are particularly large, you might want to quarter them instead of just slicing them.
3. Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. Red onion can be a bit strong, so slicing it thinly helps to mellow out the flavor. If you’re really sensitive to the taste of raw onion, you can soak the sliced onion in ice water for about 10 minutes. This will help to remove some of the sharpness.
4. Toast the Almonds: Toasting the almonds really brings out their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the salad. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they’re lightly golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them! Alternatively, you can toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly.
5. Crumble the Feta Cheese: If you’re using a block of feta cheese, crumble it into small pieces. If you’re using pre-crumbled feta, just make sure it’s fresh and not too dry.

Assembling the Strawberry Spinach Salad:

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! Now it’s time to put everything together and create this delicious salad.

1. Combine the Spinach, Strawberries, and Red Onion: In a large bowl, gently toss together the spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want to bruise the spinach or strawberries.
2. Add the Feta Cheese and Almonds: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted almonds over the salad.
3. Drizzle with Dressing: Just before serving, drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more to taste. You don’t want to drown the salad in dressing! I usually start with about half of the dressing and then add more as needed.
4. Toss Gently: Gently toss the salad to coat everything evenly with the dressing. Again, be careful not to overmix.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately. This is best enjoyed fresh, as the spinach can wilt if it sits in the dressing for too long.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize this salad to your liking:

• Add Protein: This salad is great on its own, but you can easily add some protein to make it a more substantial meal. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would all be delicious additions.
• Use Different Fruits: Feel free to experiment with other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or mandarin oranges would all be great in this salad.
• Try Different Nuts: If you’re not a fan of almonds, you can use pecans, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds.
• Make it Vegan: To make this salad vegan, simply use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing and omit the feta cheese. You can also add some avocado for creaminess.
• Add Avocado: Speaking of avocado, adding some diced avocado to this salad is a great way to add healthy fats and creaminess.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, just before serving, toss everything together with the dressing. This is a great option if you’re short on time.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
• Herb it up: Fresh herbs like basil or mint can add a lovely aroma and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

This Strawberry Spinach Salad is perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even a potluck contribution. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetarian entrees. It’s also a great addition to a brunch spread.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Strawberry Spinach Salad! I hope you love it as much as I do.

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Spinach Salad isn’t just another salad; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. The sweetness of the strawberries perfectly complements the earthy spinach, while the crunchy nuts and tangy dressing create a symphony in your mouth. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly easy to make, packed with nutrients, and utterly delicious. It’s the perfect way to brighten up any meal, from a quick lunch to a sophisticated dinner party.

Why is this salad a game-changer? It’s all about the balance. The slight bitterness of the spinach is beautifully offset by the juicy sweetness of the strawberries. The addition of toasted almonds or pecans provides a satisfying crunch, and the homemade poppy seed dressing ties everything together with its tangy and slightly sweet notes. It’s a salad that appeals to everyone, even those who aren’t typically salad fans!

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own signature version.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Protein Powerhouse: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal. A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese also adds a delicious creamy element and a boost of protein.
* Fruity Fun: Swap out the strawberries for other seasonal fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or mandarin oranges. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor profile to the salad.
* Nutty Delights: Experiment with different nuts and seeds. Toasted walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds all work beautifully.
* Dressing Dreams: While I’m partial to the poppy seed dressing, feel free to use your favorite vinaigrette. A balsamic vinaigrette or a raspberry vinaigrette would also be delicious. You can even try a light honey-mustard dressing for a different twist.
* Make it a Meal: Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled salmon, chicken, or steak. It’s also a fantastic addition to any potluck or barbecue.
* Elevate the Experience: For a more elegant presentation, arrange the salad on individual plates and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or basil.

I’ve made this strawberry spinach salad countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s the perfect way to use up fresh spinach and strawberries, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I often bring it to potlucks, and it’s always one of the first dishes to disappear.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a salad that will become a new favorite. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what you loved, and what you might do differently next time. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I love hearing from my readers. Happy salad-making! I can’t wait to hear all about your delicious creations. Don’t forget to tag me in your photos on social media – I’d love to see your beautiful salads!