Strawberry Spinach Salad

There’s nothing quite like a fresh and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad to brighten up your day. I remember the first time I made this dish for a picnic with friends in the park. The sun was shining, and the air was filled with laughter as I tossed together the sweet, juicy strawberries with the earthy spinach. It was a delightful moment of connection, where the flavors mingled just like our conversations. This salad has become a staple for any gathering, whether it’s a casual lunch, a festive dinner, or a simple family meal.

Key Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad

The ingredients in this Strawberry Spinach Salad are carefully chosen for their unique flavors and textures. The sweetness of strawberries complements the slightly bitter taste of spinach, while the creamy feta adds richness. The candied pecans introduce a delightful crunch, making each bite a symphony of flavors.

• Fresh Baby Spinach: This leafy green is the base of our salad, providing a mild, slightly earthy taste that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Candied Pecans: These nuts are coated in sugar, offering a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Strawberries: Sweet and juicy, strawberries bring a burst of flavor to the salad, making it refreshing and vibrant.
• Fresh Blueberries: These berries add another layer of sweetness and a pop of color, enhancing the overall appeal of the dish.
• Avocados: Creamy and rich, avocados contribute a smooth texture that balances the crisp ingredients.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty, tangy flavor that elevates the taste of the salad.
• Vinaigrette: This dressing brings all the ingredients together, adding moisture and flavor that ties the dish together.

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad

Preparing the Strawberry Spinach Salad is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a delicious outcome that your friends and family will adore. Let’s get started!

1. Begin by rinsing the fresh baby spinach under cold water. Pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This ensures that your salad isn’t soggy, which is key to a great texture.
2. Next, take a large salad bowl and add the dried spinach. You want to make sure the bowl is big enough to toss all the ingredients without making a mess!
3. Now, it’s time to toss in the candied pecans. If you’ve made them fresh, allow them to cool before adding them to the salad. They should be crunchy and not sticky.
4. Rinse the strawberries thoroughly, then slice them in half or quarters, depending on your preference. Add these sweet gems to the salad bowl.
5. Next, rinse the blueberries and add them to the mix. Their burst of flavor is going to elevate the salad!
6. Now, cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and dice them into small cubes. Gently fold the avocado into the salad to keep it intact.
7. Sprinkle the feta cheese over the top of the salad. Its tangy flavor will perfectly complement the sweetness of the fruits.
8. To finish, drizzle your favorite vinaigrette dressing over the salad. Start with a smaller amount, then add more if needed, as you don’t want to overwhelm the delicate flavors.
9. Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring that everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado!
10. Finally, serve the salad immediately to enjoy its freshness. You can garnish with extra pecans or feta if you wish. It’s a beautiful dish that’s as tasty as it is appetizing!

Variations to Try

There are so many exciting ways to play with the Strawberry Spinach Salad. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Add Protein: For a heartier salad, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. This will make it a complete meal.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try substituting feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Fruit Swaps: Mix in other fruits like mango or kiwi to diversify flavors and textures.
• Spice It Up: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a kick of heat.
• Change Up the Nuts: Instead of pecans, try walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
• Herbs Galore: Toss in fresh herbs like mint or basil to elevate the flavor and freshness of the salad.
• Make it Seasonal: Adjust the ingredients based on the season; add roasted squash in fall or pomegranate seeds in winter.

What Goes Well With This Strawberry Spinach Salad

Serving the Strawberry Spinach Salad can be as flexible as the recipe itself! Here are some ideas to pair with this delightful dish:

• Grilled Chicken: This salad makes an excellent side for grilled chicken, adding freshness to your meal.
• Fish Dishes: Pair it with grilled salmon or white fish for a light, healthy dinner.
• Sandwiches: Serve alongside a turkey or veggie sandwich for a satisfying lunch.
• Picnics: Pack this salad for your next picnic; it travels well and is a crowd-pleaser.
• Brunch: It’s an ideal addition to your brunch spread, complementing dishes like quiche or frittatas.
• Seasonal Elements: This salad shines in the spring and summer, but feel free to serve it year-round with seasonal fruits.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container, but it’s best enjoyed fresh!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful blend of flavors, colors, and textures that will brighten your table. It’s a refreshing dish to enjoy on its own or as a side with grilled meats or sandwiches. I encourage you to give it a try for your next gathering or even just a simple weeknight dinner. It’s quick to prepare, visually appealing, and incredibly tasty. Your taste buds will thank you!

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Brighten up your day with this Strawberry Spinach Salad. Crisp spinach, juicy strawberries, and crunchy pecans create a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it's a salad you'll want to enjoy tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 5 ounces Fresh Baby Spinach Rinsed and patted dry
• 1 cup Candied Pecans
• 1 quart Strawberries Rinsed, dried, and halved or quartered, stems removed
• 1 cup Fresh Blueberries Rinsed
• 2 medium Avocados Diced
• ½ cup Feta Cheese Crumble
• ½ cup Vinaigrette More or less to taste

Equipment

• Cutting Board

Method

 

1. In a large salad bowl, toss together the fresh baby spinach, candied pecans, strawberries, and fresh blueberries. Add the avocados and feta cheese.
2. Pour the vinaigrette over the ingredients and toss gently to combine. Adjust the dressing to taste.
3. Serve immediately.

Notes

• To make your own candied pecans: Combine 1 cup of pecans, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar in a skillet. Heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved in the butter. Spread onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F until pecans are crisp.
• Homemade Vinaigrette: If you are making a homemade vinaigrette dressing and plan to make this recipe often, you can make a larger batch and refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks.

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Meet Brooke Davis

I’m all about cozy, comforting food made with fresh, local ingredients. I develop most of our weeknight dinners and heartier main dishes. My specialty is taking a classic comfort food and giving it a bright, California twist. We all cook and test together, but I’m usually the one in charge of the main event and making sure every recipe is perfect.