Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup raw pecans; ½ small red onion (very thinly sliced); 10 ounces fresh baby spinach (I also love a 50/50 arugula and spinach blend); 1 quart strawberries (hulled and quartered (about 1 pound)); ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese (buy the block-style feta, not pre-crumbled; the texture is much better); ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds; 1 ½ tablespoons honey; ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Introduction to Strawberry Spinach Salad

If you're searching for a fresh, vibrant dish that hits all the right notes, look no further than strawberry spinach salad. This delightful salad combines the earthy taste of spinach with the sweet juiciness of strawberries, creating a flavor explosion that's as invigorating as it is nutritious.

Why is Strawberry Spinach Salad a great choice?

One of the best things about this salad is its versatility. It's perfect as a light lunch, an elegant side dish at dinner, or even a stunning centerpiece for gatherings. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, taking just about 20 minutes from start to finish.

The addition of pecans adds a satisfying crunch, while feta cheese elevates the dish with its creamy texture and tangy flavor. These ingredients not only complement the strawberry spinach salad beautifully but also provide essential nutrients, making it a smart choice for those focused on healthy eating.

Did you know that strawberries are loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants? This salad is an excellent way to incorporate more of these health benefits into your diet. For a quick guide on the nutritional benefits of salads, check out resources from health organizations like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Whether you make it for yourself or impress your friends, this salad is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Creating a delightful strawberry spinach salad is all about using the freshest ingredients. Here’s what you need to gather for a vibrant and tasty dish.

Fresh Ingredients for the Salad

To achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures, make sure to include the following fresh ingredients:

10 ounces fresh baby spinach: Baby spinach adds a tender, mild flavor that complements the sweetness of strawberries.
1 quart strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy strawberries; their sweetness will shine through in the salad.
½ small red onion: Very thinly sliced to offer a subtle bite without overpowering the salad.
¾ cup raw pecans: Lightly toasted to enhance their nutty flavor and add crunch.
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese: Opt for block-style feta for the best texture.

Essential Ingredients for the Dressing

Now, let's not forget the dressing that ties everything together! Here's what you'll need:

¼ cup balsamic vinegar: For tanginess and depth.
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and a hint of fruitiness.
1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds: These tiny seeds provide a delightful texture and a pop of flavor.
1 ½ tablespoons honey: For a touch of natural sweetness.
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and ground black pepper: These seasonings bring everything together perfectly.

With these fresh and essential ingredients, your strawberry spinach salad will be a crowd-pleasing delight. Enjoy the process! For additional tips and substitutions, consider checking out sources like The Spruce Eats for more inspiration.

Preparing Strawberry Spinach Salad

Creating the perfect strawberry spinach salad is not just about combining a few ingredients; it’s an enjoyable experience! Let’s walk through each step together to craft this delicious and refreshing meal.

Toast the Pecans

To kick off our salad preparation, you’ll want to elevate the flavor of the pecans. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw pecans in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake them for about 8 to 10 minutes, keeping an eye on them—nuts can go from toasty to burnt in the blink of an eye! You’ll know they’re ready when they emit a fragrant aroma and have a light tan color when broken in half. Once out of the oven, transfer them to a cutting board and roughly chop them for later use in your strawberry spinach salad.

Soak the Onions

Next up, let’s tame those onions! Thinly slice about half a small red onion and place it in a bowl of cold water. Soaking the onions while you prepare the rest of the salad will mellow their sharpness, allowing their flavor to enhance the salad without overwhelming it. This step is particularly important in creating a harmonious taste in your dish.

Whisk the Dressing

Now that we have our flavorful components ready, let’s whisk up the dressing! In a small mixing bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, combine ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 ½ tablespoons of poppy seeds, 1 ½ tablespoons of honey, ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is thoroughly combined—this dressing will enhance our salad and bring all the elements together beautifully!

Assemble the Salad

Time to put everything together! Grab a large serving bowl and start with the base—10 ounces of fresh baby spinach. Top it with the drained onions, adding a burst of color and tang to your dish. Next, add in the hulled and quartered strawberries (about 1 quart) for a touch of sweetness. Don’t forget to drizzle on about half of your prepared dressing before gently tossing the salad to coat the spinach evenly.

Toss and Serve

Finally, it’s time for the finishing touches! Add the chopped pecans and ¾ cup of crumbled feta cheese to the salad, tossing lightly again to combine. Serving the salad immediately is key, as the fresh ingredients are at their peak. You can keep any extra dressing on the side for those who prefer a little more tang. Enjoy this delightful mix of flavors, perfect for any occasion!

By following these steps, you’ll end up with a colorful and flavorful strawberry spinach salad that's sure to impress anyone at the table. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients. What’s not to love?

Variations on Strawberry Spinach Salad

Adding Fruits Like Blueberries

While strawberries shine in this strawberry spinach salad, try mixing in blueberries for a delightful twist! Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the tartness of the strawberries, making each bite a burst of flavor. This addition not only enhances the dish visually but also boosts its health benefits, as blueberries are packed with antioxidants.

Substituting Nuts or Cheese Options

Feel free to get creative with the nuts or cheese in your salad. If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds add a satisfying crunch. For a different flavor profile, consider goat cheese instead of feta—it offers creaminess and a tangy kick. These substitutions keep your strawberry spinach salad fresh and exciting, ensuring you never get tired of this delicious staple!

For more ideas and inspiration, explore these health benefits of spinach and creative salad toppings. Enjoy experimenting!

Cooking notes for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Tips for Optimal Freshness

To ensure your strawberry spinach salad is crisp and delicious, start with fresh ingredients. When selecting spinach, look for vibrant green leaves free from yellowing. For strawberries, choose fragrant, bright red berries with no soft spots. Always wash your greens and berries just before serving to maintain their freshness.

If you're preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate until mealtime. This prevents sogginess. Store any leftovers in an airtight container: the salad can last in the fridge for up to four days, while the homemade dressing can stay fresh for five days. Don’t forget to check out this guide on salad storage for more tips on keeping your salads fresh longer!

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Perfect Pairings for the Salad

Elevate your strawberry spinach salad with complementary ingredients that enhance its freshness and flavor. Here are some delightful pairing ideas:

Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, turkey bacon, or chicken ham for a satisfying meal. These options not only elevate the protein content but also introduce savory notes.
Cheese Variations: While feta adds a lovely tang, consider goat cheese or even blue cheese for a richer taste.
Nuts and Seeds: Beyond pecans, try walnuts or sunflower seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
Fruity Twists: Sliced avocados or even segments of mandarin oranges can bring a creamy or citrusy finish.
Served with: Enjoy alongside whole-grain bread or a warm quinoa dish for a well-rounded, healthy meal.

Looking for some inspiration? Check out this guide on salad pairings for more ideas! Your strawberry spinach salad will surely impress anyone at the table!

Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad

Customizing the Dressing

The dressing is where you can truly personalize your strawberry spinach salad! While the recommended balsamic poppy seed dressing is delicious, feel free to mix it up. Consider swapping balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a tangier bite, or adding a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist. For some added richness, a dollop of Greek yogurt can enhance creaminess without overpowering the fresh flavors.

Preparing in Advance

Want to enjoy your strawberry spinach salad without the last-minute fuss? Prepare components in advance! Wash and chop the spinach and strawberries ahead of time, and store them separately in airtight containers. You can also toast and chop the pecans and make the dressing, storing each in the fridge. This way, you’ll have everything ready to go when hunger strikes!

For more tips on salad preparation, check out this guide.

Time Details for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Preparation Time

The preparation time for this delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad is a quick 15 minutes. This includes washing your fresh ingredients and prepping those luscious strawberries and finely sliced onions.

Cooking Time

Since this salad features toasted pecans, the cooking time is about 10 minutes. Just a few minutes in the oven at 350°F will bring out their nutty flavor, adding a satisfying crunch to your dish.

Total Time

In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a fresh, vibrant, and healthy Strawberry Spinach Salad ready to impress your friends or family. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a lovely gathering!

For more tips on salad-making or dressing variations, check out this handy guide from thekitchn.com. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Nutritional Information for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Calories per serving

Each serving of this delicious strawberry spinach salad contains approximately 249 calories. This makes it a lovely option for those looking to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal.

Protein content

Packed with flavor and nutrients, this salad offers about 6 grams of protein per serving. The combination of pecans and feta cheese contributes to this protein boost, making it a well-rounded choice.

Dietary benefits

This salad is not only tasty but also loaded with health benefits. It provides dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from the fresh spinach and strawberries. Enjoying it can support heart health while keeping your energy levels steady. For more on the benefits of leafy greens, check out Healthline.

FAQs about Strawberry Spinach Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can definitely prepare elements of your strawberry spinach salad ahead for convenience! While the salad itself is best when fresh, you can wash and slice your strawberries, chop the pecans, and prepare the dressing in advance. Just keep the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving to maintain optimal freshness.

What alternates can I use for the dressing?

If you're looking to mix things up a bit, there are plenty of delightful alternatives for the dressing. Consider using a honey mustard vinaigrette, a citrus vinaigrette, or even a light yogurt dressing for a creamy twist. Customize according to your taste preferences! For a healthier option, you could substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

How do I store leftovers?

Storing those delicious leftovers is a breeze! Keep the salad undressed in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. That way, the spinach remains crisp and fresh. If you have leftover dressing, it can also be stored in a sealed jar for up to five days. Just give it a little shake before using again.

For more on getting the most out of your salad, check out EatingWell for tips on ingredient storage.

Conclusion on Strawberry Spinach Salad

In conclusion, the strawberry spinach salad is a delightful addition to any meal, offering a fresh balance of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, it’s sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and savor its vibrant taste today!