Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 5 ounces fresh spinach; 1 cup thinly sliced strawberries; ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion; 1 recipe Poppy Seed Dressing (see separate recipe); ½ cup toasted pecans; 2 ounces feta cheese (crumbled); Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Introduction to Strawberry Spinach Salad

Why you should try a homemade strawberry spinach salad

If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant dish to showcase the best of spring and summer flavors, you must try a homemade strawberry spinach salad. This delightful combination of fresh greens, juicy strawberries, and a tangy dressing bursts with flavor and nutrition, making it a perfect choice for light lunches or as a side for your favorite main dishes.

But what makes this salad truly stand out? The contrast of textures plays a significant role. The crisp spinach marries beautifully with the tender strawberries, while the toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch. Plus, the richness of feta cheese brings it all together with its creamy goodness. And let's not forget about the poppy seed dressing—its sweet and tangy notes enhance the salad without overpowering the fresh ingredients.

Creating this salad at home is a breeze! Not only can you customize it to your taste, but it’s also an excellent option for meal prep or gatherings; simply toss everything together before your guests arrive. For a burst of inspiration, check out this guide on how to choose fresh strawberries to ensure your salad shines. If you’re ready to elevate your salad game, let’s dive into this strawberry spinach salad recipe!

Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Creating a vibrant strawberry spinach salad involves gathering fresh, flavorful ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Let’s break down what you need:

Fresh Spinach

Start with 5 ounces of fresh spinach. This leafy green adds a nutritious base, packed with vitamins and minerals. Opt for baby spinach if you can; its tender leaves provide a delightful crunch.

Sliced Strawberries

You’ll need 1 cup of thinly sliced strawberries. Their natural sweetness enhances the salad's flavor while adding a pop of color. Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best taste—locally sourced are often the most flavorful!

Red Onion

To add a bit of zing, incorporate ⅓ cup of thinly sliced red onion. If you find raw onion a bit too strong, soaking it in cold water for a few minutes can mellow its sharpness.

Poppy Seed Dressing

A homemade or store-bought poppy seed dressing adds a creamy, tangy finish. This dressing balances the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly and is essential for a delicious salad.

Toasted Pecans

Add ½ cup of toasted pecans for a satisfying crunch. Not only do they provide texture, but they also bring healthy fats and protein—making this salad more filling!

Feta Cheese

Lastly, top your strawberry spinach salad with 2 ounces of crumbled feta cheese. It introduces a savory element that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries.

With these ingredients, you’ll create a delightful salad that’s perfect for any gathering or a light meal. Enjoy experimenting with these fresh flavors!

Preparing Strawberry Spinach Salad

Making a vibrant and delicious strawberry spinach salad is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to create a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any gathering. Whether you're enjoying a casual lunch or serving guests at a dinner party, this salad is bound to impress. Let's get to it!

Gather and prepare your ingredients

Before you dive into making your salad, it's crucial to ensure that you have all your ingredients ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need:

Spinach: 5 ounces of fresh spinach is the base of your salad. Look for vibrant, crisp leaves.
Strawberries: 1 cup of thinly sliced strawberries will add that refreshing sweetness.
Red onion: Use ⅓ cup of thinly sliced red onion for a bit of zesty flavor.
Poppy Seed Dressing: You can either buy a pre-made option or whip up your own using this poppy seed dressing recipe.
Pecans: ½ cup of toasted pecans will add some crunch.
Feta cheese: Adding 2 ounces of crumbled feta will introduce a creamy texture that complements everything beautifully.
Seasoning: Don’t forget the basic, but indispensable, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring all the flavors together.

Combine greens and fruit

Start by placing the washed and dried spinach in a large serving bowl. Next, add the thinly sliced strawberries and the red onion. You’ll find that the vibrant colors alone will make your salad look tempting! Gently toss these ingredients together to ensure an even distribution.

Add dressing and toss everything together

Now comes the fun part! Pour your poppy seed dressing over the salad mixture. It’s crucial to start with a small amount; you can always add more later! Toss lightly, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients. This step is vital—too much dressing can overwhelm the delicate flavors of the spinach and strawberries.

Incorporate nuts and cheese

Once everything is nicely dressed, it’s time to add those crunchy pecans and crumbled feta. These elements will elevate your strawberry spinach salad, adding depth and richness. Gently toss everything together again, taking care not to crush the toppings.

Season and serve

Taste your salad and see if it needs a touch more dressing or a sprinkle of sea salt and pepper. Adjust to your liking, then serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. If you need to prepare ahead, just hold off on adding the dressing until you’re ready to serve!

Now you've got a delicious strawberry spinach salad that will surely impress anyone lucky enough to share a meal with you. Enjoy!

Variations on Strawberry Spinach Salad

Add grilled chicken for protein

For a heartier version of your strawberry spinach salad, consider adding grilled chicken. Not only does this boost the protein content, making it more filling, but it also pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of strawberries and tangy feta. Simply grill some chicken breasts, slice them thin, and toss them in just before serving. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works as a great shortcut!

Substitute nuts with seeds

If you prefer to keep things nut-free, swapping out nuts with seeds is a fantastic option. Try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to maintain that delightful crunch while adding healthy fats and protein. They’ll elevate your strawberry spinach salad without missing a beat in flavor. Plus, seeds are often more allergy-friendly, making this option perfect for gatherings.

For more inspiration on creating your perfect salad, feel free to explore other spinach salad variations that suit your taste!

Cooking tips and notes for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Choosing the right strawberries

When selecting strawberries for your strawberry spinach salad, look for berries that are firm, plump, and deep red in color. Avoid those with green or white patches, as they’re not yet ripe. If you can, buy organic strawberries to maximize flavor and minimize pesticides. In season, strawberries are their sweetest, so consider checking your local farmer’s market for the freshest options.

Tips for making the dressing

For a delightful homemade dressing, balance the sweetness of the strawberries with the tartness of vinegar. Whisk together olive oil, poppy seed dressing, and a splash of lemon juice for an extra zing. Taste as you mix to tailor the flavor to your preference—don’t hesitate to add honey if you like it sweeter! For a unique twist, try adding a touch of Greek yogurt to your dressing for creaminess.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Perfect pairings for lunch or dinner

The strawberry spinach salad makes a fantastic standalone dish, but it truly shines when paired with complementing flavors. For a delightful lunch or dinner, consider adding grilled chicken or turkey bacon for extra protein. The sweetness of the strawberries balances beautifully with savory options like chicken ham or beef. For a vegetarian twist, toss in some chickpeas or avocado. Serve it alongside whole grain bread or a hearty soup for a satisfying meal.

Great for potlucks and gatherings

Planning a potluck? Your strawberry spinach salad will be the star of the show! It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and transports well. Consider pairing it with a platter of assorted cheeses or charcuterie to elevate the presentation. Guests will love the fresh, vibrant flavors, making it a perfect choice for summer gatherings or holidays. With research indicating that colorful salads encourage healthier eating, this dish not only pleases the palate but also adds a nutritious touch to your potluck spread.

Time Breakdown for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Preparation Time
You’ll spend about 20 minutes prepping this delicious salad. It’s mostly about washing and slicing the fresh ingredients to get everything ready for a delightful meal.

Total Time
In just 20 minutes, you can have your strawberry spinach salad ready to serve! Perfect for when you're short on time yet want to impress your guests. Consider making the dressing ahead of time for even more convenience.

For more tips on meal prep and quick recipes, check out Love and Lemons.

Nutritional facts for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Calories

This vibrant strawberry spinach salad is a delightful choice with approximately 200 calories per serving. It's perfect for a light meal or a refreshing side dish.

Protein

Packed with nutrients, this salad offers about 6 grams of protein per serving, primarily from the feta cheese and pecans. It's a great way to add some protein to your lunch or dinner!

Sugar

With only 8 grams of sugar coming mostly from the juicy strawberries, this salad keeps your sweet tooth satisfied without overwhelming you with added sugars. Enjoy this guilt-free treat any time of the year!

For more details on the nutritional benefits of spinach and strawberries, consider checking Healthline or EatingWell.

FAQs about Strawberry Spinach Salad

How do I keep my salad fresh?

To keep your strawberry spinach salad fresh, store the ingredients separately until serving. Keep the spinach, strawberries, and toppings like pecans and feta in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply toss the ingredients together and add your poppy seed dressing. This method prevents wilting and keeps the flavors vibrant.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare your strawberry spinach salad up to a day in advance, making it the perfect choice for potlucks or special gatherings. Just remember to add the dressing right before serving to maintain the salad's crisp texture and prevent sogginess.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you're not a fan of feta or are looking for alternatives, try using crumbled goat cheese or even a dairy-free option like almond feta for a deliciously tangy kick. Additionally, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor that's entirely plant-based! Consider checking out the benefits of these alternatives on Healthline.

Conclusion on Strawberry Spinach Salad

In summary, the strawberry spinach salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that truly captures the essence of spring. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and versatile. Whether served as a side or a main meal, this salad is bound to impress your guests and family alike!