Spinach Strawberry Salad

Name: Spinach Strawberry Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup raw pecans; ½ small red onion, very thinly sliced; 10 ounces fresh baby spinach (or a 50/50 mix of arugula and spinach); 1 quart strawberries, hulled and quartered (about 1 pound); ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese (block-style for better texture); ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds; 1 ½ tablespoons honey; ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Recipe By:

Rachael

Posted:

March 2, 2025

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Spinach Strawberry Salad is a vibrant delight that brings together the best of salad ingredients. Picture a bowl filled with fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, and crunchy pecans. Then add creamy feta cheese and toss it all in a delightful balsamic poppy seed dressing. The bright colors and fresh flavors lift your spirits, making it not just a dish, but an experience. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just need a nutritious lunch option, this salad caters to everyone’s taste. What really makes it special is the combination of textures and flavors that dance together in each bite. Each forkful bursts with freshness, leaving you feeling satisfied and energized. Let’s explore how to make this easy and wonderful Spinach Strawberry Salad that will surely impress your family and friends!

Jump to:

What is Spinach Strawberry Salad
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Strawberry Salad
Ingredients
Toasting the Pecans
Soaking the Onions
Preparing the Dressing
Assembling the Salad
Adding Finishing Touches
Serving Suggestions
Tips for Success
Variations
FAQs
More Easy Salads & Side Dishes Recipes:
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What is Spinach Strawberry Salad

Spinach Strawberry Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed with a delightful balsamic poppy seed dressing, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and nutrients. You’ll find that the hybrid of sweet and savory creates a delightful taste experience.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Strawberry Salad

You’re going to love this Spinach Strawberry Salad for so many reasons! For one, the blend of sweet strawberries and savory feta creates a perfect balance of flavors. It’s easy to whip up, making it the ideal choice for both formal gatherings and casual lunches. Those colorful ingredients are not just pretty to look at; they also bring plenty of vitamins and minerals to your plate. This salad will surely impress your guests with its stunning presentation and unique taste. Plus, it’s versatile! Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or a light main course, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe book.

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to prepare this delicious Spinach Strawberry Salad:

¾ cup raw pecans
½ small red onion, very thinly sliced
10 ounces fresh baby spinach (or a 50/50 mix of arugula and spinach)
1 quart strawberries, hulled and quartered (about 1 pound)
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese (block-style for better texture)
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds
1 ½ tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

When you have these ingredients on hand, you’re just a few steps away from a fantastic salad!

Toasting the Pecans

Toasting pecans brings out their nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your Spinach Strawberry Salad. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spread the raw pecans in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake them for about 8 to 10 minutes, keeping a close watch as they can easily burn. Once fragrant and lightly toasted, remove them from the oven. After they’ve cooled a bit, chop them roughly. This step is crucial for maximizing flavor!

Soaking the Onions

Next, let’s tackle the onions. Place your thinly sliced red onion in a bowl filled with cold water. Allow them to soak while you prepare the other ingredients. Soaking helps mellow their flavor, making your salad even tastier. While waiting, you can enjoy the anticipation of how the ingredients will come together!

Preparing the Dressing

Now it’s time to whip up the dressing! In a medium bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, poppy seeds, honey, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until everything is fully combined. If you prefer, you can also toss all the ingredients into a mason jar and shake it until it’s ready. Either way, just make sure it’s well mixed to create that delightful dressing your salad deserves.

Assembling the Salad

With your ingredients prepped, let’s put it all together! In a large serving bowl, add the fresh baby spinach. On top of that, layer the quartered strawberries and the drained red onion. Now, drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together to make sure all the ingredients are coated. Take a moment to assess how the salad looks; if the leaves need more moisture, go ahead and drizzle on a bit more dressing—just enough to enhance the flavors without oversaturating.

Adding Finishing Touches

To elevate your dish, crumble the block-style feta cheese over the salad, followed by a sprinkle of the toasted pecans on top. Gently toss everything together one last time. This step ensures even distribution of those wonderful flavors. It’s best to serve this salad immediately, with any remaining dressing on the side. Some people may prefer a little extra flavor, after all!

Serving Suggestions

This Spinach Strawberry Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish. It becomes a heartier meal with these additions! You can also serve it alongside some crusty bread or a refreshing soup for a lighter lunch. It’s a balanced option that meets a variety of cravings.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Spinach Strawberry Salad turns out fabulous:

Fresh Strawberries: Make sure your strawberries are ripe and fresh. They are the star of this salad!
Add Crunch: For extra crunch, consider throwing in some sliced almonds or sunflower seeds.
Less is More: Be cautious with the dressing. Too much can overpower the fresh ingredients, so it’s wise to start with a little.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preferences:

Cheese Swaps: Substitute goat cheese for feta when you want a different tangy flavor.
Creamy Texture: Adding avocado can bring in a delightful creaminess for a more decadent experience.
Savory Additions: Try incorporating roasted sweet potatoes for a savory twist that adds heartiness to the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I make Spinach Strawberry Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.

2. What can I use instead of pecans?
Feel free to substitute walnuts, almonds, or any nuts you enjoy.

3. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain the greens’ freshness.

4. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the salad.

5. How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Savoring this Spinach Strawberry Salad is a treat that balances all those lovely fresh flavors. Whether at a gathering or for a lovely solo meal, the combination ensures every bite is filled with joy. Enjoy the harmony of fresh ingredients and the sweetness of strawberries, and let this salad claim its spot as a favorite in your kitchen!

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