Hey there, friend! Avery Collins here, from my little kitchen in Portland, where even the rain smells like rosemary sometimes. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s become a staple in my life – a vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing. It’s more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients, and a reminder that healthy eating can be both delicious and joyful.

My journey into cooking started not from a love of food, but from a desperate need to feel better. Years ago, I was burnt out, stressed, and relying way too much on takeout. This salad, in its many forms, was one of the first dishes I truly mastered. It’s incredibly forgiving, endlessly adaptable, and always leaves me feeling nourished and energized. I hope it brings you the same joy!

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the strawberries perfectly complements the earthy spinach, while the tangy red onion adds a delightful bite. Toasted pecans provide a satisfying crunch, and the homemade balsamic dressing ties everything together with its rich, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. It’s a salad that’s both healthy and satisfying, perfect for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or even a complete meal with the addition of some grilled chicken or chickpeas. Are you ready to make this amazing salad?

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad

There are so many reasons to adore this Strawberry Spinach Salad. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. But beyond that, it’s a salad that truly nourishes you from the inside out. Here’s a few reasons why I think you’ll fall in love with it:

Fresh and Flavorful: This salad is a vibrant mix of sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors that will awaken your taste buds.
Quick and Easy to Make: From start to finish, this salad comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this salad is a powerhouse of nutrients that will leave you feeling energized and revitalized.
Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different fruits, nuts, cheeses, or proteins.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, packing a picnic lunch, or simply looking for a healthy and delicious meal, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser.

And let’s be honest, it’s just plain pretty! The vibrant colors of the strawberries and spinach make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. I’m telling you, this spinach salad is a winner.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful salad:

5 ounces baby spinach
1 1/4 cup sliced strawberries
3/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 cup pecan halves
1 teaspoon avocado oil
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
salt and pepper
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey (use agave nectar for a vegan salad)
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing: Step-by-Step

Making this salad is a breeze! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Place the spinach, strawberries, and onion in a large salad bowl. Set aside.
Toss the pecan halves with the oil and cinnamon. Toast in a small pan over medium low heat until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
Add the pecans to the salad.
To make the dressing, place all of the ingredients in a jar with a tight lid and shake until well-combined. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and season well with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

See? Told you it was easy! This recipe is so simple. The dressing is what really elevates this spinach salad with balsamic dressing.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Salad

Here are a few tips to help you create the best Strawberry Spinach Salad:

Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the salad. Opt for fresh, organic spinach, ripe strawberries, and good-quality balsamic vinegar.
Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. Keep a close eye on them while they’re toasting to prevent burning.
Don’t Overdress the Salad: Start with a small amount of dressing and add more to taste. Overdressing can make the salad soggy.
Make the Dressing Ahead of Time: The balsamic dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen.
Serve Immediately: This salad is best served immediately after dressing to prevent the spinach from wilting.

These tips will help you make a spinach salad that is restaurant quality! It’s so easy to make, and it tastes amazing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this salad is simple to make, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

Burning the Pecans: Pecans can burn easily, so keep a close eye on them while toasting and stir them frequently.
Using Too Much Dressing: Overdressing can make the salad soggy and overwhelm the other flavors. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more to taste.
Not Washing the Spinach Properly: Spinach can be gritty, so be sure to wash it thoroughly before using it in the salad.
Using Dull Knives: Dull knives can make it difficult to slice the strawberries and red onion thinly. Use a sharp knife for best results.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you create a perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad every time. Nobody wants burnt pecans. Speaking of, did you know pecans are a great source of healthy fats? It’s just one of the reasons why I call this a happy healthy salad!

Variations and Additions

One of the best things about this salad is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for variations and additions:

Add Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese, feta cheese, or blue cheese would all be delicious additions.
Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would make this salad a complete meal.
Add Other Fruits: Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries would be a great addition to the strawberry spinach combination.
Add Different Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios could be used in place of the pecans.
Try a Different Dressing: If you’re not a fan of balsamic dressing, try a lemon vinaigrette or a poppy seed dressing.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad. I’ll send you some more ideas straight to your email if you want! Just enter your email in the form at the end of this post, and I’ll make sure you’re on the list! This recipe is a great base for so many variations. It’s one of the reasons it’s a staple in my kitchen.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. The salad will keep for up to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. The balsamic dressing can be stored separately for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about this salad:

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to dress the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the salad.
Can I make this salad vegan? Yes, simply substitute the honey in the dressing with agave nectar or maple syrup.
How long does the balsamic dressing last? The balsamic dressing will last for up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

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:

Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
Add it to a sandwich or wrap for a healthy and flavorful lunch.
Serve it as a starter for a dinner party.
Bring it to a potluck or barbecue.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is sure to be a hit. I hope you enjoy this salad as much as I do. It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious way to nourish your body and soul. Happy healthy mama, that’s what I always say!

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