Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried a strawberry spinach salad yet, you’re totally missing out! This salad is like a burst of sunshine on your plate, with its vibrant colors and refreshing taste. I remember the first time I whipped this up for a summer barbecue; I was met with smiles and requests for seconds! Not only does it look gorgeous, but it’s also packed with nutrients, thanks to the fresh spinach and juicy strawberries. Plus, it’s super light and perfect for those hot days when you want something refreshing without feeling heavy. Trust me, once you make this salad, it’ll become your go-to for gatherings or even just a quick lunch at home. You can feel good about indulging in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—just 10 minutes!
Refreshing and light, perfect for warm weather.
Packed with nutrients from spinach and strawberries.
Versatile—great as a side dish or a light main course.
Customizable with proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Visually stunning, making it a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad

You’ll want to gather these fresh, vibrant ingredients to make your strawberry spinach salad shine. Here’s the complete list you’ll need:

4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Fresh Spinach

When it comes to spinach, fresh is the way to go! I always choose vibrant, dark green leaves that are crisp and free of wilting. Frozen spinach just won’t give you that same crunchy texture and freshness that makes this salad so delightful. Trust me, if you can find organic spinach, grab it! The flavor is just out of this world.

Strawberries

Oh, the strawberries! Make sure to pick ripe, sweet strawberries for maximum flavor. You want them to be bright red with a little give when you gently squeeze them. Slicing them helps release those juicy flavors, and it makes for a beautiful presentation. Plus, who doesn’t love the sight of those bright red slices nestled among the spinach?

Other Ingredients

Now for the rest of the goodies! I like to add:

Red onion: Use it sparingly; a thin slice adds just the right amount of zing without overpowering the sweetness of the strawberries.
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta brings a lovely creaminess and tang. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference—more cheese is never a bad thing!
Walnuts: I love adding chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch. They’re not just for texture; they also add healthy fats and a bit of earthiness.
Balsamic vinaigrette: This is where the magic happens! A good balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together, adding depth and a touch of sweetness. You can always adjust the amount to suit your taste.

How to Prepare Strawberry Spinach Salad

Preparing your strawberry spinach salad is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a beautiful, refreshing dish ready in no time. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, wash the spinach thoroughly under cool water. Make sure to dry it well using a salad spinner or by gently patting it with a paper towel. You want those leaves crisp and free from excess moisture!
Next, take a large mixing bowl and add the fresh spinach. Then, toss in the sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped walnuts. Each ingredient adds its own unique flavor and texture!
Now comes the fun part—drizzling on the balsamic vinaigrette! Start with about 1/4 cup and feel free to adjust based on your taste. You can always add more if you like a little extra zing!
Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the salad until everything is well combined. Be careful not to bruise the strawberries—you want them to stay lovely and intact!
Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste, and enjoy the burst of flavors that come together beautifully!

Tips for Success

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your strawberry spinach salad is absolutely perfect every time! First, if you can, make the salad just before serving. This keeps the spinach crisp and the strawberries fresh. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. Also, don’t be afraid to play around with the ingredients! You can swap out feta for goat cheese if you prefer a creamier texture or toss in some sliced avocado for extra richness.

For a pop of flavor, consider adding a handful of fresh herbs like mint or basil. They’ll bring a wonderful freshness that complements the strawberries beautifully. And if you want to make it a heartier dish, grilled chicken or chickpeas are fantastic additions. Enjoy experimenting, and trust me, this salad will never get boring!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk nutrition! This strawberry spinach salad is not only delicious but also nourishing. For one serving, you can expect approximately:

Calories: 180
Fat: 12g
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 5g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 120mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, you’re treating yourself to a wholesome, vibrant salad packed with flavor and nutrients—what’s not to love?

FAQ Section

Got questions about making the perfect strawberry spinach salad? I’ve got you covered! First off, how do you store any leftovers? Just pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 1 day. But trust me, this salad is best enjoyed fresh, so try to make just enough for your meal!

Wondering about ingredient substitutions? No problem! If you don’t have walnuts, pecans or almonds work great too. And if you’re not a feta fan, try goat cheese for a creamier twist. For a different flavor, you can even swap out the balsamic vinaigrette with a citrus dressing.

Lastly, feel free to get creative! Toss in some sliced avocado, or add fresh herbs like basil or mint for an extra pop of flavor. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this salad so fun!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your strawberry spinach salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to enjoy the salad within one day for optimal flavor and texture. If you’ve added dressing, the spinach may wilt faster, so consider keeping the dressing on the side until you’re ready to serve. Unfortunately, this salad isn’t meant for reheating; it’s all about that crisp, fresh taste! So, whip up just enough for your meal, and savor every bite!

Strawberry Spinach Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore It

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing strawberry spinach salad packed with flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups fresh spinach
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions

Wash the spinach and pat dry.
In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and walnuts.
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
Toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust the amount of dressing to your preference.
For added protein, include grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Serve chilled for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 180
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, healthy salad, fresh salad

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