Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe – Sweet & Tangy Mix

Fresh summer greens burst with vibrant flavors in this delightful strawberry spinach salad recipe that promises a burst of color and nutrition.

Crisp baby spinach leaves dance with juicy, ripe strawberries, creating a refreshing harmony on your plate.

Sliced almonds add a delightful crunch, while a tangy balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully.

The combination of sweet berries and earthy greens offers a perfect balance of taste and texture.

Light yet satisfying, this salad works wonderfully as a quick lunch or elegant side dish.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of fresh ingredients that will make your taste buds sing.

Prepare to fall in love with this simple yet sophisticated salad that celebrates seasonal produce.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Taste Notes

• Combine sweet strawberries, tangy dressing, creamy cheese, and crunchy pecans for a delightful flavor explosion that surprises your palate with every bite.
• Swap ingredients based on preferences – switch cheeses, add protein, or adjust dressing intensity to match your mood and dietary needs without compromising the salad's core appeal.
• Pack your plate with spinach's iron, strawberries' vitamin C, and pecans' healthy fats, creating a nutrient-dense dish that supports overall wellness while tasting incredible.

Ingredients in Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Spinach: A nutritious leafy green that provides a fresh and vibrant base for the salad.
• Mixed Greens: Adds variety and additional texture to the salad's foundation.
• Strawberries: Fresh, sweet berries that bring a burst of color and juicy flavor to the dish.

• Goat Cheese, Gorgonzola Cheese, Blue Cheese, Feta Cheese: Creamy cheeses that add rich, tangy notes and complement the sweetness of the strawberries.

• Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar: Form the smooth, silky base of the salad dressing.
• Maple Syrup: Provides a natural sweetness to balance the tangy vinegar.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dressing.

• Pecans: Offer a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese and juicy strawberries.

Making Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Craft the Zesty Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, combine olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Whisk in maple syrup and Dijon mustard to create a vibrant flavor profile.

Season with salt and pepper.

Whisk thoroughly until the dressing becomes smooth and well-blended, developing a silky consistency that promises to elevate the entire salad experience.

Step 2: Slice Strawberries with Precision

Remove stems from fresh strawberries.

Using a sharp knife, slice strawberries into thin, uniform pieces.

Aim for bite-sized cuts that will distribute beautifully throughout the salad.

Careful slicing ensures each piece looks appetizing and integrates perfectly with other ingredients.

Step 3: Build the Salad Foundation

In a large salad bowl, spread out fresh spinach and mixed greens.

Gently distribute sliced strawberries across the greens.

• Goat cheese
• Gorgonzola
• Blue cheese
• Feta

Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top, creating layers of texture and flavor.

Step 4: Final Flourish and Serving

Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad, ensuring even coverage.

Use salad tongs to gently toss ingredients.

Alternatively, serve dressing on the side to keep greens crisp.

The result is a vibrant, fresh salad bursting with complementary flavors and textures that will delight anyone’s palate.

Tips for Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Use a sharp knife to create clean, even cuts that preserve the berries' shape and prevent bruising.
• Adjust the maple syrup and Dijon mustard ratios to create a personalized sweet-tangy profile that suits your taste preferences.
• Add dressing just before serving to maintain the spinach and mixed greens' crisp texture and vibrant appearance.
• Choose soft, creamy cheeses like goat or blue cheese to complement the strawberries' sweetness and add rich depth to the salad.
• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more intense, aromatic crunch in the salad.

How to Keep Strawberry Spinach Salad Fresh

• Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container, keeping dressing separate. Store greens and ingredients separately to prevent wilting. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and crunch.
• Not recommended due to high water content in strawberries and delicate spinach leaves. Freezing will significantly compromise texture and quality of ingredients.
• Store homemade dressing in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator. Will stay fresh for up to one week. Shake well before reusing to re-emulsify ingredients.
• Skip reheating entirely. Enjoy salad cold or at room temperature. If cheese and nuts are desired warm, gently toast separately before adding back to salad components.

Pairings for Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the strawberries' sweetness and cuts through the salad's creamy cheese notes.
• Match with Grilled Protein Partner: Add a side of lemon-herb grilled chicken or seared salmon to transform this salad into a complete meal, balancing the light greens with protein-rich accompaniments.
• Create Artisan Bread Companion: Serve alongside a rustic sourdough or crusty baguette to provide a crunchy texture contrast and help soak up the tangy balsamic dressing.
• Enhance with Sparkling Beverage: Choose a chilled sparkling water with cucumber or a light prosecco to elevate the salad's fresh flavor profile and add a festive touch to the dining experience.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Twists

• Vegan Berry Spinach Salad: Replace cheese with crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast, swap honey or maple syrup with agave nectar, use plant-based nuts like almonds or walnuts.
• Keto-Friendly Green Salad: Substitute maple syrup with stevia, remove pecans and replace with macadamia nuts, use extra virgin olive oil, add avocado slices for healthy fats.
• Gluten-Free Summer Salad: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, use certified gluten-free Dijon mustard, swap pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for alternative crunch.
• Low-Carb Herb Infusion: Reduce strawberry quantity, add fresh herbs like basil or mint, incorporate grilled chicken strips for protein, use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic for lighter dressing.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best in this salad?

Goat, gorgonzola, blue, or feta cheese all work wonderfully. Each brings a unique creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements the sweet strawberries and fresh spinach.

• Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! The balsamic maple dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator and give it a quick whisk before using.

• How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Add the dressing just before serving and toss gently. If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and add it right before eating to maintain the crisp texture of the spinach and greens.

• Are pecans mandatory for this recipe?

Not at all. While pecans add a delightful crunch, you can substitute with other nuts like almonds or walnuts based on your preference or what you have on hand.