Strawberry Spinach Salad

Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients that strike a perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The juicy, ripe strawberries add a natural sweetness, while the tender baby spinach leaves provide a fresh, earthy base. The crumbled feta cheese (optional) contributes a creamy, slightly salty element that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the berries.

This delightful salad showcases simplicity at its finest with just five ingredients: tender baby spinach, juicy strawberries, zesty green onions, rich goat cheese, and sweet, crunchy candied pecans. It’s proof that creating something mouthwatering doesn’t require a long list of ingredients. If you’re a fan of fresh and flavorful dishes, you’ll also love exploring the classic Waldorf salad!

The poppy seed dressing adds the perfect finishing touch—it’s light, subtly sweet, and bursting with flavor. In just a few minutes, you can whisk together this elegant dressing that effortlessly brings out the best in every ingredient, making this salad a showstopper.

Strawberry Spinach Salad: Ingredients & Substitutions

Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredient Substitutions

Baby Spinach: Opt for baby spinach for its soft texture and mild flavor. However, feel free to swap it with other greens like spring mix, romaine, or even arugula for a slightly peppery kick.

Strawberries: Ensure your strawberries are fresh, rinsed, and dried. You can also experiment with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches for a fruity variation.

Green Onions: If the mild bite of green onions isn’t your preference, substitute with thinly sliced red onions for a pop of color, or go for white or yellow onions for a more pungent flavor.

Goat Cheese: The creamy tanginess of goat cheese complements this salad beautifully. Alternatives include crumbly feta for a similar tang or sharp white cheddar for a bold flavor profile.

Candied Pecans: Homemade cinnamon-sugar pecans add an irresistible crunch. As substitutes, candied walnuts or almonds work equally well, or try toasted sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

Dressing Ingredients

Apple cider vinegar: Provides a tangy, slightly fruity base for your dressing. You can easily swap this with white vinegar for a neutral flavor or balsamic vinegar for a richer, sweeter undertone.

Honey: A natural sweetener that balances acidity. If honey isn’t on hand, maple syrup adds a deep, earthy sweetness, or you can use granulated sugar for a simpler option.

Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a slight zing to the dressing. Not a fan of Dijon? Experiment with other varieties, like whole-grain mustard for texture or yellow mustard for a milder taste.

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad

Creating this strawberry spinach salad is straightforward and quick! Follow the step-by-step guide to bring this delicious dish to life. It’s a breeze to prepare, and you’ll have it ready in no time. Be sure to check out the detailed video tutorial for extra guidance and tips along the way!

Jump To The Recipe

Start by preparing the homemade poppy seed dressing ahead of time. It’s easy to make, and you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for added convenience!

In a small mixing bowl or glass jar, gather all the dressing ingredients. Use a whisk to blend them together or secure the lid on the jar and give it a good shake. For the best flavor, refrigerate the dressing for a minimum of 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld perfectly.

JOIN UP

After chilling the dressing, it’s time to bring the salad together.

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the spinach, juicy strawberries, sliced green onions, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans.

To add a decorative touch, set aside about 1 tablespoon of the goat cheese, onions, berries, and pecans to sprinkle on top for a polished presentation. Your salad is now ready to impress!

Mix the salad with the prepared dressing until evenly coated, then carefully transfer it to a large serving bowl or platter. Add the finishing touch by sprinkling the reserved toppings over the top for a beautifully garnished presentation. Serve right away for the freshest flavors.

Prefer to let guests customize their salad? Simply layer the salad ingredients in your serving dish and present the dressing on the side, allowing everyone to drizzle their preferred amount over their portions. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!

Serve

Pair this dish as a delightful side or transform it into a wholesome meal by adding protein! Here are a few ideas:

• Serve alongside juicy grilled steak or tender roasted salmon.
• Pair it with freshly baked focaccia or a warm baguette for a rustic touch.
• Elevate it with a cozy soup night by adding a creamy tomato bisque or hearty vegetable chowder.

Feel free to mix and match for a meal that satisfies any occasion!

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make the salad ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. However, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and fresh.

2. What other toppings can I use? Feel free to get creative! Other great additions include sliced avocado, candied walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, or dried cranberries.

3. Is there a substitute for goat cheese? Absolutely! You can use feta, blue cheese, or even small cubes of brie for a different twist.

4. How do I store leftovers? If you anticipate leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate. Once tossed, the salad is best consumed immediately, as the spinach can wilt.

5. Can I make this dairy-free or vegan? Certainly! For a vegan version, use a plant-based mayo in the dressing and swap goat cheese with a vegan alternative or omit it altogether.

6. Can I add protein to make it a full meal? Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would pair beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors of this salad.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Recipe by StephenCourse: Appetizer, SaladDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

128

kcal

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves (washed and dried)

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds or candied pecans (toasted for extra flavor)

• 1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced)

• For the dressing:
  3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  2 tablespoons olive oil
  1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
  1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

• Prepare the salad base: In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and almonds/pecans.
• Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
• Assemble the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
• Serve: Transfer to a serving dish or plates and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Baby spinach: Opt for baby spinach due to its tenderness, or replace it with your favorite greens like spring mix, romaine, or arugula.
• Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Feel free to experiment with other berries like raspberries or blueberries.
• Green onions: Substitute with finely sliced red, yellow, or white onions for different flavor profiles. Shallots are a great alternative, too.
• Goat cheese: For a creamy, tangy taste, goat cheese works wonderfully. You can swap it for feta, gorgonzola, or even a mild shredded cheddar.
• Candied pecans: Homemade candied pecans are ideal, but candied walnuts or almonds are equally delicious options. Toasted nuts without the candy coating also work if you prefer a simpler flavor.

Dressing Ingredient Substitutions

• Use your preferred store-bought dressing as a quick alternative to homemade.
• Apple cider vinegar: White vinegar or balsamic vinegar are excellent replacements. Lemon juice can also add a bright tang.
• Honey: Swap with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness, or use granulated sugar dissolved in a small amount of water.
• Dijon mustard: Any mustard variety, like whole-grain or yellow mustard, can be used based on your preference.

Storage Tips

• Keep undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• If the salad is dressed, aim to consume within 1-2 days to avoid sogginess.

Feel free to mix and match substitutions to suit your taste and dietary needs!