Gorgeous summer strawberry spinach salad with strawberry balsamic is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. This salad combines vibrant strawberries with fresh spinach, creamy avocado, and crunchy nuts, all drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and nutrition, making it an excellent choice for lunch or a side dish at your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing flavors: The combo of sweet strawberries and tangy balsamic creates a delicious balance.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 22 minutes, this salad is a breeze to prepare.
- Nutrient-packed: Bursting with vitamins and healthy fats, it’s good for you too!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap or add your favorite ingredients for a personal touch.
- Perfect for gatherings: Impress guests with its colorful presentation and delightful taste.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this beautiful strawberry spinach salad, a few essential tools will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mason jar or small bowl
- Pan for toasting almonds
- Large mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Mason jar or small bowl: Ideal for mixing the dressing thoroughly without spills.
- Pan for toasting almonds: Helps bring out the rich flavor of the almonds through even heating.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all salad ingredients without mess.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 package (5 ounces) organic spinach
- 8 ounces strawberries, halved (about 2 cups halved strawberries)
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta crumbles
- ⅓ cup raw sliced almonds
- ¼ cup chopped shelled roasted pistachios
For the balsamic strawberry vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon strawberry jam (or jam of choice)
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- In a mason jar or small bowl, add all of the dressing ingredients.
- Shake or mix well to combine.
- Taste and add additional salt/pepper, if necessary.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
- Add the almonds to a pan over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally for 2-5 minutes until almonds are slightly golden brown.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, add the spinach as your base.
- Layer on the strawberries, avocado slices, red onion, feta, toasted almonds, and chopped pistachios.
- Feel free to add dressing now or set it out for individual servings.
- Top each serving with extra toasted almonds and drizzle with dressing.
This refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic is sure to be a hit at your next meal! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic
Strawberry spinach salad with strawberry balsamic is a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for warm days. It can be served in various ways to enhance the experience and cater to different occasions.
For a Light Lunch
- Serve a generous portion of the salad on its own for a nutritious, light lunch.
- Pair with whole grain crackers for added crunch and fiber.
As a Side Dish
- This salad makes an excellent side dish for grilled chicken or turkey.
- It complements roasted vegetables beautifully, adding a fresh element to your meal.
For Special Occasions
- Present the salad in individual bowls at gatherings or potlucks for an elevated touch.
- Garnish with extra strawberries or nuts for a vibrant display.
With Grilled Proteins
- Top the salad with slices of grilled chicken or beef for a heartier option.
- The flavors of the grilled meat pair wonderfully with the sweet and tangy dressing.
How to Perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic
To create the best strawberry spinach salad with strawberry balsamic, consider these simple tips.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, organic strawberries and spinach for maximum flavor and nutrition.
- Toast Your Nuts: Lightly toast almonds and pistachios to enhance their flavor and add crunch to your salad.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To keep the greens crisp, add the dressing just before serving.
- Experiment with Textures: Incorporate different textures by adding seeds or crunchy vegetables like cucumbers.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the vinaigrette and adjust sweetness by adding more jam if desired.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic
Pair your strawberry spinach salad with complementary side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy skewers seasoned with herbs that pair well with the freshness of the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty, fluffy quinoa dish that adds protein and texture to your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide a savory counterpart to the sweet salad.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice or grains offer a hearty addition alongside your light salad.
- Couscous Salad: A chilled couscous salad mixed with herbs and lemon can complement the flavors beautifully.
- Hummus Platter: Serve a variety of hummus flavors alongside pita bread and veggies for added variety.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your strawberry spinach salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:
- Skipping the Toasting Step: Not toasting the almonds can result in a less flavorful salad. Toasting enhances their taste and adds a delightful crunch.
- Using Overripe Strawberries: Overripe strawberries can turn mushy and affect the salad’s texture. Always choose firm, vibrant strawberries for the best flavor.
- Neglecting the Dressing Balance: A dressing that’s too sour or too sweet can overwhelm the salad. Taste as you go and adjust with more vinegar or jam as needed.
- Adding Ingredients Too Early: Adding delicate ingredients like avocado too early can lead to browning or wilting. Combine these just before serving for freshness.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Stale spinach or old strawberries will ruin your salad’s appeal. Always opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients for optimal taste.
- Forgetting to Season: Neglecting salt and pepper can leave your salad bland. Don’t forget to season your dressing and salad lightly to enhance all flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
Freezing Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic
- Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture of ingredients, especially spinach and strawberries.
Reheating Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place salad in an oven-safe dish (remove avocado) and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet, stirring gently until warmed. Remove avocado before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making strawberry spinach salad with strawberry balsamic:
Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Yes! You can substitute mixed greens, kale, or arugula for a different flavor profile while still enjoying this refreshing salad.
How do I make my dressing creamier?
To achieve creaminess, you can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise into the vinaigrette mixture for a richer texture.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
If balsamic vinegar is unavailable, you can use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar as a tasty alternative that complements the strawberries well.
How can I customize my Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic?
Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or even grilled chicken for protein. You could also swap feta cheese for goat cheese if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
The strawberry spinach salad with strawberry balsamic is not only visually stunning but also offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s perfect as a light lunch or as an easy side dish at any gathering. Customize it by adding your favorite ingredients like nuts or proteins to match your taste preferences!
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic
Enjoy a vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic, perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch. This delightful dish features sweet strawberries paired with fresh spinach, creamy avocado, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette that elevates its flavors. Not only is it visually stunning, but it’s also packed with nutrients and can easily be customized to suit your taste. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own, this salad promises to impress!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 package (5 ounces) organic spinach
- 8 ounces strawberries, halved (about 2 cups halved strawberries)
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta crumbles
- ⅓ cup raw sliced almonds
- ¼ cup chopped shelled roasted pistachios
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon strawberry jam
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by combining balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, strawberry jam, salt, and pepper in a mason jar or bowl. Shake or mix well.
- Toast the sliced almonds in a pan over medium heat for 2-5 minutes until golden brown. Allow them to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, layer the spinach, strawberries, avocado slices, red onion, feta cheese, toasted almonds, and pistachios.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving or serve it on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg