Delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad for a Fresh Summer Treat

There’s something magical about a Strawberry Spinach Salad that instantly brightens your day. Imagine vibrant green spinach leaves mingling with juicy red strawberries, all tossed together in a light, tangy dressing that dances on your taste buds. refreshing strawberry dessert It’s not just food; it’s an experience – a delicious symphony of flavors and textures that makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally stumbled into a summer picnic in the park. For more inspiration, check out this white chocolate strawberry truffles recipe.

Every bite of this salad brings back memories of sun-soaked afternoons spent with friends, laughing and sharing stories over a table laden with good food. Ideal for spring gatherings or summer barbecues, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is sure to impress. strawberry cheesecake cookies Get ready to dive into a bowl of color and freshness that will leave you craving more!

I once surprised my family with this salad during our annual summer reunion, and let me tell you—their faces lit up like Christmas morning!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Spinach: Use baby spinach for its tender leaves and mild flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of strawberries.
• Strawberries: Look for bright red, plump strawberries; their sweetness is the star of this salad!
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a zesty bite; be sure to soak them in cold water for a milder taste.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta provides creamy texture and salty contrast—go ahead, sprinkle generously!
• Pecan Halves: Toasted pecans add crunch and nuttiness; don’t skip this step for extra flavor.

For the Dressing:

• Balsamic Vinegar: Choose high-quality balsamic vinegar for its rich flavor that ties everything together beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its fruity notes; it enhances the overall freshness of the salad. easy fruit dip recipe.
• Honey: A touch of honey adds natural sweetness; adjust according to your taste preference.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste—don’t be shy; they elevate all the flavors in your salad!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating culinary adventure! Here’s how we’ll transform these simple ingredients into an impressive Strawberry Spinach Salad. strawberry bread for breakfast.

Wash and Prep Your Greens: Rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit. Pat dry gently with paper towels to keep those leaves crisp.

Slice the Strawberries: Hull and slice the strawberries into thin pieces. Aim for even slices so they distribute evenly throughout the salad—no one likes a lopsided strawberry situation!

Toss in Red Onions: Thinly slice the red onion and soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes. This mellows their sharpness while adding crunch—perfect balance achieved!

Add Feta Cheese and Pecans: Crumble feta cheese over your salad generously; then toss in those toasted pecans for delightful crunchiness. Your salad is looking fabulous already!

Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste as you go—it should sing with flavor!

Toss Everything Together: Drizzle the dressing over your salad right before serving. Gently toss everything together until every bite is coated in deliciousness.

Now stand back and admire your creation—this Strawberry Spinach Salad isn’t just food; it’s art on a plate! Enjoy immediately for optimal freshness or refrigerate it covered for about an hour if you want to prep ahead.

With each forkful of this delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad, you’re not just treating yourself; you’re creating memories filled with laughter and love around every meal shared with friends or family. So gather everyone around the table because good food deserves good company!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing and drying the spinach thoroughly to avoid any sogginess. Slice strawberries while preparing the dressing, ensuring everything is fresh and vibrant for serving.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in nuts or fruits depending on what you have. Try adding feta cheese for creaminess or a splash of balsamic vinegar for an extra zing!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Strawberry Spinach Salad in an airtight container for up to two days. Avoid reheating; enjoy it cold for the best flavor and texture.

A friend once told me this salad made her forget she was on a diet! It’s refreshing and satisfying, proving that healthy can indeed be deliciously fun.

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries in Strawberry Spinach Salad?

Using frozen strawberries will change the texture; fresh is always better for salads.

What dressing pairs best with Strawberry Spinach Salad?

A light vinaigrette complements the flavors perfectly without overpowering them.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but add dressing right before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

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Strawberry Spinach Salad

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• Author: Ava Mack
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful blend of fresh flavors, making it the perfect dish for any gathering. This vibrant salad features tender baby spinach leaves, juicy strawberries, and crunchy pecans, all brought together by a light balsamic dressing. Ideal for spring and summer events, this recipe is not just easy to prepare but also visually stunning, sure to impress your guests. Experience the explosion of taste with each bite, reminiscent of sun-soaked picnics filled with laughter and love.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups baby spinach
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup pecan halves, toasted
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach.
2. Hull and slice the strawberries thinly.
3. Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow its flavor.
4. In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, drained red onion, feta cheese, and toasted pecans.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad before serving and toss gently until well combined.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No cooking required
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (150g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans. For added sweetness, consider including dried cranberries or blueberries. To keep the salad crisp, only dress what you plan to serve immediately.