Gorgeous summer strawberry spinach salad with strawberry balsamic is a delightful dish perfect for various occasions. This fresh and vibrant salad combines sweet strawberries with creamy avocado, crunchy nuts, and tangy feta to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you serve it as a light lunch, side dish, or at your next gathering, this salad is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy days.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using seasonal strawberries and organic spinach ensures maximum flavor and nutrition.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a standalone meal or a side option, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood.
- Flavorful Dressing: The homemade strawberry balsamic vinaigrette adds a unique twist that elevates the entire dish.
- Nutritious Choice: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is both satisfying and good for you.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing the strawberry spinach salad with strawberry balsamic requires some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mason jar or small bowl
- Non-stick pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mason jar or small bowl: Perfect for mixing your dressing thoroughly without spills.
- Non-stick pan: Ensures even toast on the almonds without sticking or burning.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without mess.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 package (5 ounces) organic spinach
- 8 ounces strawberries, halved (about 2 cups halved strawberries)
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese
- ⅓ cup raw sliced almonds
- ¼ cup chopped shelled roasted pistachios
For the Balsamic Strawberry Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon strawberry jam (or jam of choice)
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- In a mason jar or small bowl, add all of the dressing ingredients.
- Shake or mix well to combine. Taste and add additional salt/pepper if necessary.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
- Add the almonds to a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally for 2–5 minutes until almonds are slightly golden brown.
- Remove from heat and allow them to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, add the spinach as your base layer.
- Layer on top with halved strawberries, avocado slices, red onion, feta cheese, toasted almonds, and chopped pistachios.
- You can add dressing now or set it out for individual servings.
- Top each serving with extra toasted almonds and drizzle evenly with your prepared dressing.
This delicious strawberry spinach salad is now ready to be enjoyed! It serves four people and can be your go-to recipe for any gathering or simple lunch at home. Enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic
Serving Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic is a delightful experience that combines fresh flavors and textures. This salad can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
As a Main Course
- This salad can be served as a light lunch or dinner option by adding some grilled chicken or turkey for extra protein.
As a Side Dish
- Pair this vibrant salad with grilled vegetables or roasted chicken for a refreshing side that complements hearty meals.
For Meal Prep
- Prepare the ingredients in advance and keep the dressing separate. When ready to eat, simply toss everything together for a quick and healthy meal.
At Gatherings
- Present this salad at picnics or potlucks in a large bowl. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its colorful appearance and delicious taste.
How to Perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic
To elevate your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Always choose organic spinach and ripe strawberries to enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Customize toppings: Feel free to substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or omit it altogether for a dairy-free option.
- Make it crunchy: Incorporate additional nuts or seeds, like walnuts or sunflower seeds, for an extra crunch.
- Experiment with dressings: Try adding different jams, such as raspberry or apricot, to the vinaigrette for varied flavors.
- Chill before serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Add seasonal fruits: In addition to strawberries, consider adding seasonal fruits like blueberries or peaches for added sweetness and color.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic
Strawberry Spinach Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to complement your meal.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy pieces of chicken marinated in herbs make a satisfying addition.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumber and lemon adds another layer of freshness.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Crispy sweet potato wedges provide natural sweetness that balances the tangy salad.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice and veggies offer a hearty side packed with nutrients.
- Vegetable Stir-fry: A quick stir-fry of seasonal vegetables brings vibrant colors and crunch alongside the salad.
- Cheese Platter: Include an assortment of cheeses (like goat cheese) paired with crackers for an elegant touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes you should avoid.
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and strawberries are key to vibrant flavors. Always choose organic produce for the best taste.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a little and add more as needed.
- Ignoring flavor balance: The salad needs a mix of sweet, tangy, and savory elements. Be sure to adjust the balsamic vinaigrette to find the perfect balance.
- Not toasting nuts: Toasting almonds enhances their flavor and crunch. Always take the extra step to toast them lightly before adding.
- Using old ingredients: Check expiration dates on items like feta cheese and strawberry jam. Freshness impacts taste significantly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
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- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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- Containers: Use an airtight container to keep the salad fresh.
Freezing Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic
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- Duration: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to its fresh ingredients.
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- Containers: If necessary, use freezer-safe bags but expect changes in texture.
Reheating Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. This method is not commonly used for salads.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each until just warm.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat, stirring gently until just heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about making a great Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic. Here are some common inquiries.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead but assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Try using crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.
How can I customize my Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic?
Add grilled chicken, quinoa, or other seasonal fruits like blueberries for variety.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and suitable for various diets.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic is not only vibrant and nutritious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite nuts or proteins, making it perfect as a light lunch or side dish at dinner. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings!
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of a Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic. This refreshing dish features sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, crunchy nuts, and tangy feta cheese, creating a delightful medley of textures and tastes. Perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side at gatherings, this salad is both nutritious and quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days. The homemade strawberry balsamic vinaigrette adds a unique twist that elevates each bite. Enjoy this salad as a healthy option that satisfies your palate while delivering essential vitamins and healthy fats.
Ingredients
- 1 package (5 ounces) organic spinach
- 8 ounces strawberries, halved (about 2 cups halved strawberries)
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese
- ⅓ cup raw sliced almonds
- ¼ cup chopped shelled roasted pistachios
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon strawberry jam (or jam of choice)
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- For the dressing, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, strawberry jam, salt, and pepper in a mason jar. Shake well to mix.
- Toast the almonds in a non-stick pan over medium heat for 2–5 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, layer spinach on the bottom followed by strawberries, avocado slices, red onion, feta cheese, toasted almonds, and pistachios.
- Drizzle with dressing before serving or keep it on the side for individual servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
