Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic

Gorgeous summer strawberry spinach salad with strawberry balsamic is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This salad stands out for its vibrant colors and healthy ingredients, making it perfect for lunch, side dishes, or any gathering. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy nuts drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette creates a refreshing dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet strawberries and creamy feta paired with the tangy balsamic dressing creates an irresistible taste.
• Nutrient-Packed: Packed with vitamins from fresh spinach and strawberries, this salad is both delicious and healthy.
• Quick and Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can whip up this gorgeous salad in just 20 minutes.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a light lunch or a side for dinner; it complements various main dishes beautifully.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or family dinner, this salad fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this lovely Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mason jar or small bowl
• Pan for toasting almonds
• Large mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Mason jar or small bowl: Ideal for mixing the vinaigrette; ensures all flavors meld together well.
• Pan for toasting almonds: Enhances the flavor of the almonds, adding crunch to your salad.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine ingredients easily without making a mess.

Ingredients

Gorgeous summer strawberry spinach salad topped with avocado, feta, red onion, toasted almonds, pistachios, and drizzled with a flavorful strawberry balsamic vinaigrette. The best ever strawberry salad recipe that’s sweet, tangy, crunchy, creamy and the perfect lunch or easy side dish!

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 cheese
• 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 Vinaigrette

1. In a mason jar or small bowl, add all of the dressing ingredients.
2. Shake or mix well to combine. Taste and add additional salt/pepper if necessary.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds

1. Add the almonds to a pan over medium heat.
2. Stir occasionally for 2-5 minutes until almonds are slightly golden brown.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, add the spinach as your base.
2. Layer on the halved strawberries, avocado slices, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, toasted almonds, and chopped pistachios.
3. Serve immediately by adding dressing now or set it out for individual servings. Top each salad bowl with extra toasted almonds and drizzle each bowl with 1/4 of the dressing before serving.

Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic! It’s sure to be a hit at any meal!

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic

This vibrant strawberry spinach salad is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual lunch or a festive gathering, here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Individual Bowls

• Serve each guest their own bowl of salad for a personal touch. This allows everyone to enjoy the salad at their own pace and customize their portion of dressing.

Picnic Style

• Pack the salad in mason jars for an easy picnic option. Layer the ingredients carefully, placing the dressing at the bottom to keep everything fresh until you’re ready to eat.

Family Style

• Present the salad in a large bowl on the table for family-style dining. This encourages sharing and allows everyone to add extra toppings or dressing as they prefer.

As a Side Dish

• Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a refreshing side that enhances any meal. The sweet and tangy flavors complement savory proteins wonderfully.

Topped with Grains

• Add cooked quinoa or farro on top of the salad for extra texture and nutrition. This makes it heartier and perfect as a main dish.

How to Perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic

To ensure your strawberry spinach salad reaches its full potential, follow these simple tips. They will help you enhance flavors and textures while keeping the salad fresh and appealing.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in taste.

• Toast Nuts Carefully: Toast nuts just until they are golden brown to bring out their flavor without burning them. This adds a lovely crunch to your salad.

• Chill Before Serving: For an even more refreshing experience, chill the salad ingredients beforehand. Cold salads are particularly enjoyable on warm days.

• Adjust Dressing to Taste: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of your vinaigrette by adding more jam or vinegar according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic

This strawberry spinach salad pairs beautifully with various side dishes, enhancing your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors well.

1. Grilled Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy, grilled chicken adds protein while balancing the sweetness of the salad.

2. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf flavored with herbs makes a nutritious side that adds texture without overpowering the dish.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a rich, earthy contrast that complements the freshness of the salad.

4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with grains or beans offer a hearty option that pairs nicely with fruity salads.

5. Couscous Salad: Light couscous mixed with herbs and lemon is a simple yet flavorful side that enhances any meal.

6. Garlic Breadsticks: Crunchy garlic breadsticks create a satisfying crunch alongside your fresh salad, perfect for dipping in leftover dressing.

7. Caprese Skewers: Mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add an Italian twist that harmonizes beautifully with strawberries.

8. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with crunchy veggies provide a light yet satisfying option that complements this vibrant dish perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes when preparing your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic can enhance your dish’s flavor and presentation. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Toasting Step: Not toasting the almonds can lead to a lack of flavor. Toast them on medium heat until golden brown to enhance their nuttiness.

• Using Overripe Strawberries: Overripe strawberries can make the salad soggy and less appealing. Choose firm, ripe strawberries for the best texture and taste.

• Dressing Too Early: Adding dressing too soon can wilt the spinach and make it soggy. Dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.

• Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season your vinaigrette adequately can result in a bland salad. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.

• Not Storing Properly: Improper storage can lead to wilted or spoiled ingredients. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

• Forgetting About Texture: Neglecting to balance textures can make the salad less enjoyable. Include crunchy toppings like nuts and creamy avocado for a delightful contrast.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve.

Freezing Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic

• Freezing is not recommended due to spinach’s texture changes.
• If you must freeze, consider only freezing the vinaigrette.
• Use a freezer-safe container for storing vinaigrette, which lasts up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between, just until warmed.
• Stovetop: Place in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic:

Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

You can definitely substitute spinach with mixed greens or kale for a different flavor profile while maintaining texture.

How do I make this salad vegan?

To make this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic vegan, simply omit feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

What other toppings can I add?

Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or even roasted chickpeas for extra protein and crunch.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead but wait until serving time to dress it. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.

Is there a way to customize the vinaigrette?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding different fruits like mango or peach preserves for unique flavors that complement the strawberries well.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic is a vibrant dish that’s both sweet and tangy, perfect for lunch or as a side. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!