Spinach Salad with Strawberries elevates the humble leafy green into a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any season. This salad combines the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with tender spinach, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It offers an inviting balance of freshness and richness that can both refresh and satisfy.
The main flavor profile of this salad is a delightful contrast between sweet, creamy, and tangy elements. Juicy strawberries bring bursts of sweetness, while the creamy notes from the cheese add depth and richness. Crunchy nuts contribute a savory texture that pairs perfectly with the tender greens and a bright, tangy dressing that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
What makes this spinach salad stand out is its simple yet elegant preparation and presentation. It comes together quickly with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The vibrant colors of the strawberries and spinach make it visually appealing, adding an inviting pop to any table setting.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This Spinach Salad with Strawberries recipe delivers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures while being easy to prepare. It’s a versatile salad that can work as a light meal or an elegant side dish, balancing sweet and savory notes in every bite.
- Effortless Preparation – Quick assembly without cooking makes it perfect for busy schedules and last-minute guests.
- Perfect Flavor Harmony – Sweet strawberries, creamy cheese, and tangy dressing create a delightful balance on the palate.
- Varied Textures – Tender spinach, juicy berries, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese provide a contrast that keeps each bite interesting.
- Wide Appeal – Suitable for family meals, casual lunches, or serving at elegant dinners thanks to its fresh and colorful presentation.
- Minimal Cleanup – Uses minimal kitchen tools and doesn’t require cooking, making cleanup simple and fast.
What You’ll Need to Make It
Creating a gourmet-quality salad with everyday ingredients is easier than you think. This recipe highlights fresh, wholesome components that bring out the best in each other.
- Fresh Baby Spinach – A tender, nutrient-rich base that holds the salad together without overpowering other flavors.
- Ripe Strawberries – Adds natural sweetness, juiciness, and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- Toasted Nuts (Almonds, Pecans, or Walnuts) – Provide satisfying crunch and depth of flavor. Toasting enhances their nutty aroma.
- Feta or Goat Cheese – Adds creamy, tangy notes that contrast beautifully with the sweet berries.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Brings acidity and a slight sweetness that balances the salad’s rich and fresh elements.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Offers healthy fat and smooth mouthfeel to the dressing.
- Honey or Maple Syrup – Optional natural sweetener to complement the tartness of the balsamic dressing.
How to Make Spinach Salad with Strawberries
This salad comes together quickly while delivering a burst of delightful flavors in every bite. The process involves preparing a vibrant dressing, toasting nuts for added crunch, and careful assembly to keep ingredients fresh and bright. It’s a simple recipe that results in a visually stunning and refreshing plate perfect for any occasion.
- Prepare the Dressing – Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and a touch of Dijon mustard in a small bowl. This mixture balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes to enhance the salad.
- Toast the Nuts – Heat nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Toasting intensifies flavor and adds a perfect crunchy texture.
- Slice the Strawberries – Wash and pat dry the strawberries, then cut them into thick slices to maintain juiciness and prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Assemble the Salad – In a large bowl, gently toss fresh baby spinach with the sliced strawberries, toasted nuts, and crumbled cheese, keeping the greens crisp and vibrant.
- Dress the Salad – Pour the dressing over just before serving. Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly without wilting the spinach.
- Serve Immediately – Plate the salad and optionally drizzle with a balsamic reduction or sprinkle with fresh herbs like basil or mint for an elegant finish.
What to Serve with Spinach Salad with Strawberries
Pair this refreshing salad with light, fresh sides to create a balanced meal. The sweet and tangy notes of the salad complement dishes that are simple and not overly heavy, allowing the salad’s flavors to shine.
- Grilled Chicken Breast – Adds lean protein with subtle smokiness that pairs well with the salad’s fresh ingredients.
- Quinoa Pilaf – Provides hearty texture and wholesome nutrition without overpowering the salad’s brightness.
- Roasted Asparagus – Brings earthy undertones and a tender bite that contrasts nicely with the salad’s textures.
- Garlic Bread – A lightly toasted, flavorful side that complements the salad’s sweet and tangy flavors.
- Lemon Herb Shrimp – Infuses a zesty flavor, making the meal both refreshing and satisfying.
- Fresh Berry Parfait – A light dessert to echo the salad’s fresh fruit notes without being too heavy.
- Chilled White Wine or Sparkling Lemon Water – Perfect beverage choices to cleanse the palate and enhance the meal’s fresh qualities.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Allow the salad to cool completely before storing to prevent wilting from residual heat.
- Store the salad components separately if possible, especially keeping dressing away from the greens to maintain freshness.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days for optimal texture and taste.
- Avoid reheating this salad; instead, enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
- If nuts lose their crunch, lightly toast them again before serving leftovers for added freshness.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Can I substitute baby spinach with other greens?
Yes, you can use arugula, baby kale, or mixed greens as alternatives. Each offers a slightly different flavor profile but works well with the sweet strawberries and creamy cheese.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
To keep the spinach crisp, it’s best to assemble the salad shortly before serving. You can prepare and store the dressing, nuts, and sliced strawberries separately up to a day in advance.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
Use firm, ripe strawberries sliced thicker to avoid excess juice. Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.
Is this salad freezer-friendly?
No, freezing is not recommended because the texture of fresh spinach and strawberries will degrade upon thawing.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Replace the cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it altogether. Use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing to keep it fully vegan.
Spinach Salad with Strawberries
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl To toss the salad ingredients together
- Small Bowl To whisk the dressing
- Skillet or frying pan To toast the nuts
- Knife To slice the strawberries
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach washed and dried
- 1 pint ripe strawberries washed, dried, and sliced thickly
- 1/2 cup toasted nuts almonds, pecans, or walnuts
- 1/3 cup feta or goat cheese crumbled
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar for dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil for dressing
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup optional for sweetness in dressing
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional for dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until well combined.
- Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
- Slice the strawberries thickly to maintain juiciness and prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the baby spinach with the sliced strawberries, toasted nuts, and crumbled cheese, keeping the greens crisp and vibrant.
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat evenly without wilting the spinach.
- Serve the salad immediately. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic reduction or sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or mint for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use firm, ripe strawberries and slice them thickly to prevent sogginess.
- Toast nuts to enhance flavor and add crunchiness.
- Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep spinach fresh and vibrant.
- Store components separately for best freshness if preparing ahead.
- This salad is not freezer-friendly; enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.