Delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe: A Taste of Portland Sunshine
Hello, friends! Avery Collins here, from my cozy Portland kitchen, where the scent of rosemary hangs in the air and the market is always calling my name. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart: a vibrant, refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients and a reminder that healthy eating can be joyful and deeply satisfying. If you’re looking for a way to brighten your day, this strawberry spinach salad is the answer.
My journey to loving salads, especially spinach salad, wasn’t always a straight path. There were definitely some soggy lettuce days in my past. But, this particular salad, with its perfect balance of sweet and savory, has won me over completely. It’s so easy to make, and I truly believe it will win you over too. It’s a dish that embodies my philosophy: nourishing the body and soul with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad
This salad isn’t just another leafy green dish; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect side for a summer barbecue, a light and refreshing lunch, or even a simple dinner alongside grilled chicken or fish. Here’s why I think you’ll absolutely adore it:
- It’s incredibly easy to make: From start to finish, this salad comes together in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- The perfect balance of flavors: The sweetness of the strawberries, the slight tang of the balsamic, the salty feta, and the earthy spinach create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
- It’s packed with nutrients: Spinach is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, and the almond slices add a healthy dose of fats and protein.
- It’s endlessly customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. More on that later!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re serving it at a potluck or enjoying it with your family, this salad is always a hit.
Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredients: A Symphony of Freshness
Let’s talk ingredients! Each component of this salad plays a crucial role in creating its overall deliciousness. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 10 ounces fresh baby spinach: The base of our salad! Look for spinach that’s vibrant green and crisp.
- 1 quart strawberries (quartered): The star of the show! Fresh, ripe strawberries are a must.
- 1/2 red onion (sliced thin): Adds a subtle bite and beautiful color.
- 1/4 cup almond slices (toasted (see note)): For crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting them brings out their best.
- 4 ounces feta cheese: Adds a salty, tangy creaminess that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil: The base of our dressing. Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity and depth to the dressing.
- 1/2 cup white sugar: Sweetens the dressing. I sometimes use honey or maple syrup instead of the sugar.
- 1 tablespoon poppyseeds: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon minced red onion: Enhances the onion flavor in the dressing.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get to the fun part: putting this salad together! The process is incredibly simple, and I promise you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl of goodness in no time. This strawberry spinach salad is easy to make, and the steps are very easy to follow:
- Prepare the Spinach: Gently wash and thoroughly dry the spinach. A salad spinner is your best friend here! Place the spinach in a large bowl.
- Add the Goodies: Add the quartered strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, toasted almond slices, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the spinach.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, white sugar, poppy seeds, and minced red onion. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as it can become soggy.
- Enjoy! Serve immediately and savor every bite.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad
Want to take your strawberry spinach salad to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks:
- Toast Your Almonds: Toasting the almond slices really enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Watch them closely, as they can burn easily.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your salad will taste. Splurge on fresh, ripe strawberries and a good quality olive oil.
- Don’t Overdress: Overdressing the salad can make it soggy. It’s always better to start with a little dressing and add more as needed.
- Chill the Strawberries: Chilling the strawberries before adding them to the salad will help keep it cool and refreshing.
- Make the Dressing Ahead of Time: The dressing can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this salad is easy to make, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Using Soggy Spinach: Make sure your spinach is thoroughly dry before adding the other ingredients. Soggy spinach will make the salad taste watery.
- Overdressing the Salad: As mentioned before, over dressing this spinach and strawberry salad is a big no-no. It will make the salad soggy and less enjoyable.
- Using Underripe Strawberries: Underripe strawberries will be tart and not as flavorful. Make sure to use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best taste.
- Not Toasting the Almonds: Toasted almonds add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor to the salad. Don’t skip this step!
- Adding the Dressing Too Early: Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.
Strawberry Spinach Salad Variations: Make It Your Own!
One of the best things about this salad is that it’s so versatile. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and make it your own! Here are a few variations to try:
- Add Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Turn this salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Swap the Feta: Try goat cheese, blue cheese, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Add Other Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries would all be delicious additions.
- Use a Different Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar would also work well in the dressing.
- Add Avocado: Sliced avocado adds a creamy, healthy fat to the salad.
- Try Different Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or pistachios would all be great alternatives to almonds.
How to Store Leftover Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ideally, this salad is best enjoyed immediately after it’s made. However, if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- Store the Dressing Separately: If possible, store the dressing separately from the salad. This will help prevent the spinach from wilting.
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Expect Some Wilting: Keep in mind that the spinach will likely wilt a bit as it sits in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients ahead of time (wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, toast the almonds, make the dressing), but I recommend assembling the salad just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries are best for this salad, but if you only have frozen, thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the salad.
- Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free.
- Can I make this salad vegan? Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or use a vegan feta alternative. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of sugar in the dressing.
- How long will the dressing last? The dressing will last for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of other dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: This salad is the perfect complement to grilled chicken, salmon, or tuna.
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Serve it alongside your favorite sandwich or wrap for a light and healthy lunch.
- Quiche or Frittata: It’s a great side dish for a quiche or frittata.
- Soup: Pair it with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or butternut squash soup for a comforting meal.
- As a Starter: Serve it as a refreshing starter for any meal.
And there you have it! My go-to Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe. I hope you love it as much as I do. Remember, cooking should be a joyful experience, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. From my Portland kitchen to yours, happy cooking!
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 10 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1 quart strawberries (quartered)
- 1/2 red onion (sliced thin)
- 1/4 cup almond slices (toasted (see note))
- 4 ounces feta cheese
Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon poppyseeds
- 1 tablespoon minced red onion
Notes
Nutrition
