Fresh Strawberry and Spinach Salad

My family absolutely adores salads, but sometimes it feels like we’re stuck in a rut with the same old lettuce and tomato combinations. That’s why I was thrilled when I stumbled upon this Fresh Strawberry and Spinach Salad recipe. The vibrant colors alone were enough to catch my eye, and the promise of sweet strawberries combined with the earthy spinach sounded like a delightful and refreshing change. Let me tell you, this salad did not disappoint! From the first bite, it was a hit. The juicy sweetness of the strawberries perfectly complements the mild spinach, while a tangy balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully. Even my pickiest eater, who usually shies away from greens, couldn’t get enough of it. This salad is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or a stunning addition to a weekend brunch. If you’re looking for a salad that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor, look no further. This Fresh Strawberry and Spinach Salad is about to become your new go-to.

Ingredients

• 5-6 ounces Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach is recommended for its tender leaves and mild flavor, making it ideal for salads. Washed and ready-to-eat spinach saves time.
• 1 pint (about 2 cups) Fresh Strawberries, hulled and sliced: Ripe, juicy strawberries are the star of this salad, providing sweetness and vibrant color. Choose firm, bright red berries for the best flavor.
• 1/4 cup Red Onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sharp, pungent bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries and the mild spinach. Thinly sliced red onion is key.
• 1/2 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled: Crumbled feta cheese brings a salty, tangy, and creamy element to the salad, complementing the sweetness of the fruit and the earthiness of the spinach.
• 1/3 cup Walnuts or Pecans, toasted: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, adding texture and healthy fats to the salad. Toasted nuts enhance their flavor.
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette (or to taste): A tangy and slightly sweet dressing that perfectly complements the flavors of the strawberries, spinach, and feta. Store-bought or homemade works well.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spinach: Begin by ensuring your spinach is thoroughly washed, even if it’s pre-washed. Sometimes, a little grit can sneak in. Place the spinach in a large salad spinner and rinse it under cold water. Spin the spinach until it’s dry. If you don’t have a salad spinner, gently pat the spinach dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial as excess water will dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. Transfer the dried spinach to a large salad bowl.
2. Prepare the Strawberries: Wash the fresh strawberries under cool running water. Gently pat them dry with paper towels. Hull the strawberries by removing the green stems. Slice the strawberries. For smaller strawberries, you can simply halve them. For larger ones, quarter them or slice them into rounds. Uniformly sliced strawberries not only look more appealing but also ensure an even distribution of flavor throughout the salad. Set the sliced strawberries aside.
3. Prepare the Red Onion: Peel a small red onion and cut it in half. Place the flat side of one half on your cutting board and thinly slice the onion. Thinly sliced red onion is important because large chunks can be overpowering in a salad. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the sliced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes. This helps to mellow out the sharpness and reduce the pungent flavor. Drain the onions thoroughly after soaking.
4. Toast the Nuts (Optional but Recommended): Toasted nuts add a depth of flavor and enhanced crunch to the salad. You can toast walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Place the nuts in a single layer in the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3-5 minutes, or until they become fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. Alternatively, you can toast the nuts in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, checking them frequently to prevent burning. Let the toasted nuts cool completely before adding them to the salad. Roughly chop the toasted nuts if desired.
5. Assemble the Salad: Now it’s time to assemble the salad. In the large bowl with the spinach, add the sliced strawberries and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss the spinach, strawberries, and red onion together to distribute the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to bruise the spinach or strawberries while tossing.
6. Add Feta Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Then, add the toasted walnuts or pecans. Distribute the cheese and nuts evenly over the top of the salad.
7. Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more to taste. You want to lightly coat the salad, not drown it in dressing. Gently toss the salad again to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed. Tossing right before serving is important to prevent the spinach from wilting and the salad from becoming soggy.
8. Serve Immediately: Fresh Strawberry and Spinach Salad is best served immediately after dressing to enjoy the crispness of the spinach and the vibrant flavors of all the ingredients. Serving it right away also prevents the feta cheese from becoming too soft and the nuts from losing their crunch.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, approximate, values may vary based on specific ingredients and dressing used)

• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 250-350 kcal (depending on dressing amount and nut quantity)
• Fat: 15-25g (Primarily healthy fats from nuts and olive oil in dressing)
• Vitamin C: High (From strawberries and spinach)

Preparation Time

Quick and Easy: This Fresh Strawberry and Spinach Salad is incredibly quick to prepare. From washing the spinach and strawberries to assembling the final salad, the entire process takes approximately 15-20 minutes. If you opt to toast the nuts, add another 5-10 minutes for toasting and cooling time. This makes it a perfect salad for a speedy lunch, a last-minute side dish for dinner, or a refreshing addition to any gathering when you’re short on time but want something healthy and delicious.

How to Serve

• As a Side Dish: This salad is a fantastic side dish to complement a variety of main courses. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetarian options like lentil burgers or quinoa patties. The freshness of the salad cuts through richer dishes, providing a balanced and refreshing element to your meal.
• Light Lunch: Enjoy a generous serving of Strawberry and Spinach Salad as a light and satisfying lunch. The combination of spinach, strawberries, feta, and nuts provides a good balance of nutrients to keep you energized throughout the afternoon. You can add a protein source like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a more substantial lunch.
• BBQ and Potluck Favorite: Bring this vibrant salad to your next barbecue or potluck gathering. Its bright colors and refreshing flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, especially during warmer months. It’s a welcome alternative to heavier, mayonnaise-based salads and is sure to be a hit with everyone.
• Brunch Addition: Elevate your brunch spread with this elegant and flavorful salad. It pairs beautifully with classic brunch dishes like omelets, quiches, or pancakes, adding a touch of freshness and lightness to the meal.
• Starter Salad: Serve smaller portions of this salad as a starter before a main course. Its light and refreshing nature will stimulate the appetite without being too heavy, preparing the palate for the meal to come.

Additional Tips

1. Use Baby Spinach: Baby spinach is preferred for its tender leaves and mild flavor. It requires minimal preparation and is readily available pre-washed, saving you time. Mature spinach can be used, but you may need to remove the tougher stems and massage the leaves slightly to tenderize them.
2. Choose Ripe Strawberries: The sweetness of ripe strawberries is key to the flavor of this salad. Select strawberries that are firm, bright red, and fragrant. Avoid berries that are pale, bruised, or mushy. If strawberries are not perfectly ripe, a sprinkle of sugar or a drizzle of honey can enhance their sweetness.
3. Make Your Own Balsamic Vinaigrette: While store-bought balsamic vinaigrette is convenient, homemade dressing is often fresher and tastier. A simple balsamic vinaigrette can be made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Whisk all ingredients together until emulsified. Making your own dressing allows you to control the sweetness, tanginess, and overall flavor profile.
4. Add Other Fruits: Feel free to experiment with adding other fruits to this salad. Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries complement strawberries and spinach beautifully. Sliced peaches or nectarines in the summer or mandarin oranges in the winter can also add a delightful twist.
5. Vary the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can substitute it with other cheeses. Crumbled goat cheese offers a similar tangy and creamy flavor. Fresh mozzarella balls or shaved Parmesan can also be delicious alternatives, providing different textures and flavor profiles.
6. Include Other Nuts and Seeds: While walnuts and pecans are classic choices, you can use other nuts and seeds for variety. Toasted almonds, slivered almonds, pine nuts, or even sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can add a different kind of crunch and nutty flavor.
7. Make it Vegan: To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or increase the amount of nuts and seeds for added richness and protein. Ensure your balsamic vinaigrette is also vegan, as some may contain honey.
8. Prepare Ahead (Partially): You can prepare some components of this salad ahead of time to save time later. Wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, and thinly slice the red onion. Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can also toast the nuts in advance. However, it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness and prevent wilting.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and prevent the spinach from wilting, you can prepare some components in advance. You can wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, and thinly slice the red onion and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a day. You can also toast the nuts ahead of time and store them at room temperature in an airtight container. However, wait to combine all the ingredients and add the dressing until just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Dressing the salad too far in advance will make the spinach soggy.

Q2: Can I substitute any of the ingredients?

Absolutely! One of the great things about this salad is its versatility. If you don’t have red onion, you can use shallots or even a milder white onion. For the cheese, goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would work well instead of feta. If you prefer other nuts over walnuts or pecans, almonds, pine nuts, or even sunflower seeds are great substitutes. Feel free to experiment with different berries like blueberries or raspberries, or add other fruits like peaches or mandarin oranges to customize the salad to your liking and what’s in season.

Q3: Is this salad vegetarian or vegan?

As written, this Fresh Strawberry and Spinach Salad is vegetarian. It contains feta cheese, which is a dairy product. To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or increase the quantity of nuts and seeds to add more richness and protein to the salad. Ensure that your balsamic vinaigrette is also vegan, as some commercial brands may contain honey. Homemade balsamic vinaigrette is easy to make vegan by using maple syrup or agave instead of honey if sweetness is desired.

Q4: What kind of balsamic vinaigrette is best for this salad?

Both store-bought and homemade balsamic vinaigrette work well with this salad. If using store-bought, choose a good quality balsamic vinaigrette that you enjoy the taste of. For a homemade version, you can easily whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, a touch of honey or maple syrup (or even a pinch of sugar), salt, and pepper to taste. Experiment with the ratios to find your perfect balance of sweet and tangy. A slightly sweeter vinaigrette often complements the strawberries and spinach particularly well.

Q5: How long will leftovers of this salad last?

Unfortunately, dressed salad leftovers are not ideal as the spinach will wilt and become soggy, and the strawberries might become mushy. It’s best to eat this salad immediately after dressing it. If you anticipate leftovers, it’s recommended to only dress the portion you plan to eat right away. You can store the undressed salad components – spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta, and nuts – separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a day. Then, assemble and dress individual servings as needed.

Q6: Can I add protein to make this salad a main meal?

Yes, absolutely! Adding protein will easily transform this salad into a more substantial and satisfying main meal. Grilled chicken or fish, such as salmon or tuna, are excellent additions. For vegetarian protein options, consider adding grilled halloumi cheese, chickpeas (roasted or pan-fried), lentils, or hard-boiled eggs. Tofu or tempeh, either grilled or pan-fried, are also great vegan protein choices. Adding protein will make this salad a complete and balanced meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Q7: Is this salad healthy?

Yes, this Fresh Strawberry and Spinach Salad is a very healthy option! It’s packed with nutrients from fresh spinach and strawberries. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and antioxidants. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Walnuts and pecans provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Feta cheese adds protein and calcium, although it is higher in sodium and fat, so moderation is key. Balsamic vinaigrette, especially when homemade with olive oil, contributes healthy fats. Overall, this salad is low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious and delicious choice.

Q8: Can I make this salad in advance for a party?

While fully dressed salad is not ideal to make far in advance, you can prepare most of the components ahead of time for a party. Wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, thinly slice the red onion, and toast the nuts. Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can also make the balsamic vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Then, just before your party, assemble the salad by combining the spinach, strawberries, and red onion in a large bowl, add the feta and nuts, and dress it right before serving. This way, you minimize last-minute preparation while ensuring the salad is fresh and crisp for your guests.

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