The Zesty Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Some culinary magic happens when strawberry spinach salad meets fresh, vibrant ingredients at the intersection of health and flavor.

Crisp green leaves cradle ruby-red berries with unexpected elegance.

Mediterranean influences dance through this light dish, creating a symphony of sweet and earthy notes.

Delicate spinach leaves provide a nutritious canvas for juicy, ripe strawberries.

Summer’s bounty sparkles in every colorful bite, challenging traditional salad expectations.

Nutrients and taste combine in a playful balance that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Discover why this simple combination will become your new favorite lunch companion.

Strawberry Spinach Salad That Balances Sweet And Green

• Effortless Healthy Delight: A quick and nutritious salad that packs a punch of fresh flavors and nutrients in minutes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a light lunch that appeals to both kids and adults with its colorful ingredients.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients freely – use different nuts, change cheese types, or add protein like grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.
• Time-Saving Brilliance: Requires no cooking, minimal prep work, and can be assembled in less than 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Fresh Mix

• Spinach: Base of the salad, packed with nutrients and provides a tender green foundation.
• Baby Spinach: Softer and more delicate alternative, great for a milder flavor.

• Strawberries: Sweet and tangy fruit that adds vibrant color and fresh flavor to the salad.

• Almonds (Slivered and Toasted): Provides a rich, nutty crunch and enhances the salad's texture.
• Red Onion: Offers a sharp, zesty bite that complements the sweet strawberries.

• Feta Cheese: Adds a salty, creamy texture with a tangy Mediterranean flavor.

• Strawberry Vinaigrette: Complements the salad's strawberry theme with a sweet and tangy profile.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette: A classic dressing with rich, complex flavor that pairs well with fresh ingredients.

Strawberry Spinach Salad – Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Vibrant Spinach Base

Rinse the spinach thoroughly under cool running water if unwashed.

Gently pat dry using clean kitchen towels or a salad spinner.

Transfer the crisp, bright green leaves into a spacious serving bowl, creating a lush foundation for your salad.

Step 2: Layer Colorful Ingredients

• Thinly sliced strawberries
• Toasted slivered almonds
• Finely diced red onion
• Crumbled feta cheese

Each ingredient adds a unique texture and flavor dimension to the salad.

Step 3: Dress and Serve

Select a complementary dressing to elevate the salad’s taste profile.

Drizzle generously with either a homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette or a classic 2-Ingredient Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Toss gently to ensure every leaf is coated with delicious dressing.

Serve immediately to enjoy the maximum freshness and crunch of the ingredients.

Spinach Salad Tips With Strawberry Notes

• Thoroughly wash and dry spinach leaves to remove dirt and ensure crisp texture, using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel for best results.
• Arrange strawberries, almonds, and onions evenly across spinach to create visual appeal and guarantee balanced flavor in every bite.
• Crumble feta cheese gently over the salad to prevent clumping and allow each serving to have consistent cheese coverage.
• Select vinaigrettes that highlight strawberry's sweetness, like strawberry or balsamic dressing, which will elevate the salad's overall taste profile.
• Lightly toast slivered almonds in a dry skillet until golden brown to release their nutty flavor and add delightful crunch to the salad.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Best Stored for a Fresh Repeat

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy spinach.
• Enjoy the salad as soon as possible for the best texture and crispness of spinach and almonds.
• If salad seems wilted, refresh spinach by placing in ice water for a few minutes before serving.
• Do not freeze this salad, as it will compromise the texture of delicate ingredients like spinach and strawberries.

What Tastes Great With Spinach Salad

• Pair Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the fresh, light flavors of the strawberry spinach salad, enhancing the sweetness of strawberries and cutting through the tangy feta.
• Serve with Grilled Chicken: Add a simple grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs to transform this salad into a complete, protein-packed meal that balances the fresh ingredients and provides a satisfying main course.
• Match with Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve a slice of rustic sourdough or whole grain bread on the side to soak up the vinaigrette and add a delightful textural contrast to the crisp spinach and juicy strawberries.
• Complement with Sparkling Water: A glass of lemon-infused sparkling water with fresh mint creates a refreshing beverage that cleanses the palate and echoes the salad's bright, clean flavors.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Options

• Vegan Delight: Replace feta cheese with crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast. Swap almonds for pumpkin seeds to create a plant-based version of the salad.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Eliminate strawberries and replace with low-carb berries like raspberries. Use a sugar-free vinaigrette and add extra nuts for healthy fats.
• Protein Power Bowl: Add grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or seared salmon on top of the spinach base for a protein-packed meal.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking the dressing and nuts for any potential cross-contamination.

FAQs

• Can I use baby spinach instead of regular spinach?

Yes, baby spinach works perfectly for this salad. It’s more tender and has a milder flavor, making it an excellent alternative to regular spinach leaves.

• How do I toast slivered almonds safely?

Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes until they turn golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning, as nuts can quickly go from toasted to burnt.

• Is this salad considered healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is nutrient-dense, packed with vitamins from spinach, antioxidants from strawberries, protein from feta, and healthy fats from almonds. It’s a nutritious and delicious meal option.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and prevent sogginess. Store dressing separately and add it right before eating to maintain the salad’s freshness.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Refreshing strawberry spinach salad brings Mediterranean charm to summer dining with crisp greens and sweet berries. Delicate flavors and light vinaigrette invite you to savor each delightful bite of this elegant seasonal dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups (170 grams) baby spinach
• 12 ounces (340 grams) strawberries, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) toasted slivered almonds

Complementary Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (40 grams) finely diced red onion
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) crumbled feta cheese

Dressing:

• 1 recipe strawberry vinaigrette

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Instructions

1. Carefully rinse fresh spinach leaves under cool water, gently patting them dry with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Transfer the crisp spinach leaves into a spacious serving vessel, creating an elegant green base for the salad.
3. Artfully arrange thinly sliced ruby-red strawberries across the spinach surface, ensuring even distribution.
4. Sprinkle golden toasted slivered almonds over the strawberries, adding a delightful crunchy texture to the salad.
5. Scatter finely diced red onion pieces throughout the dish, providing a sharp, tangy accent to the sweet strawberries.
6. Generously crumble creamy feta cheese across the top, creating beautiful white clusters against the vibrant ingredients.
7. Select a complementary dressing such as a zesty strawberry vinaigrette or a classic two-ingredient balsamic vinaigrette.
8. Drizzle the chosen dressing delicately over the salad just before serving to maintain the ingredients’ crisp texture and prevent wilting.

Notes

• Thoroughly wash spinach leaves to remove any dirt or grit, ensuring a clean and crisp base for your salad.
• Toast almonds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dish.
• Slice strawberries just before serving to maintain their fresh appearance and prevent browning or becoming soggy.
• Customize the salad by swapping feta with goat cheese for a tangier profile or omitting cheese for a vegan-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg