This Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe is a perfect mix of fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, and crunchy almonds, all topped with a tangy balsamic dressing. Whether you need a healthy lunch or a quick side dish, this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe is sure to become a favorite. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves fresh and vibrant salads!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: The juicy strawberries, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese make every bite exciting.
- Sweet & Savory: The balsamic glaze gives the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity to complement the salad.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This salad works just as well for a quick lunch as it does for a holiday side dish.
Ingredients
Balsamic Dressing
- Balsamic Vinegar: 1 cup for the base of the glaze.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: ¼ cup to sweeten and thicken the balsamic.
Spinach Strawberry Salad
- Baby Spinach: 10 oz fresh, for a crisp, nutrient-packed base.
- Strawberries: 3 cups, cleaned, hulled, and sliced for a sweet burst of flavor.
- Blueberries: 1 cup for an extra pop of sweetness and color.
- Feta Cheese: ⅓ cup crumbled, for a salty, tangy contrast.
- Pecans: 1 cup toasted (some chopped) for that perfect crunch.
Variations
- Add Chicken: Turn this salad into a full meal by adding grilled chicken breast.
- Switch the Cheese: Goat cheese makes a great substitute if you prefer a creamier texture.
- Different Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
How to Make the Recipe
1. Prepare the Balsamic Dressing
In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar) over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally as the mixture reduces by about half, which takes around 10 minutes. You’re aiming for a glaze thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Once it’s done, remove from heat and transfer the glaze to a heat-proof bowl to cool. As it cools, it will thicken even more into the perfect drizzle.
2. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss everything together to get a nice mix of flavors and textures.
3. Add Pecans and Dressing
Divide the salad into individual bowls or serve it family-style. Top each portion with a mix of whole and chopped toasted pecans for crunch. Finally, drizzle that beautiful balsamic glaze over the salad, adding as much or as little as you like. The sweetness of the glaze pairs beautifully with the tangy feta and fresh berries!
How to Serve
- As a Side Dish: This salad is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or holiday dinners.
- For Lunch: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a filling and refreshing lunch.
- With a Sandwich: Serve it alongside a sandwich or wrap for a light, balanced meal.
Make Ahead
- Balsamic Glaze: You can prepare the balsamic glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just bring it to room temperature before using.
- Salad: Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but keep them separate until ready to serve to prevent the spinach from wilting.
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is light, fresh, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a main course, it’s sure to be a hit! The sweetness of the berries, the crunch of the pecans, and that tangy balsamic glaze—trust me, it’s a salad you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!
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Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Description
This fresh and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Featuring tender spinach leaves, juicy strawberries, crunchy nuts, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, it’s a delightful addition to any meal or a light, refreshing dish on its own. Ideal for picnics, BBQs, or a healthy side dish for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup sliced almonds (or your choice of nuts)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey (optional for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, and red onion (if using).
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds on top.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add more honey or a splash of maple syrup.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make the salad a complete meal.
- For a more crunchy texture, you can use candied pecans or walnuts instead of sliced almonds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Spinach Salad, Fresh Salad, Healthy Salad, Spinach Recipes, Strawberry Recipes, Quick Salad, Summer Salad, Easy Salad Recipe
