Considered one of my absolute FAVORITE wholesome salads to make throughout the summer time is that this strawberry spinach salad. It was one of many first salads that my husband Tony ate with out ranch dressing and really LOVED!
I created this recipe just a few years again and are available again to it each single summer time. It’s completely candy with hits of creaminess and crunch that make it further particular. Toss it with a straightforward home made balsamic French dressing (see beneath for a enjoyable berry choice!) and serve it up as the right aspect at your subsequent BBQ.
Every time we grill up burgers or hen sausages, I all the time make certain to have these strawberry spinach salad components available so I can whip up our very favourite.
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Substances on this strawberry spinach salad
This finest ever strawberry spinach salad is filled with recent components to maintain it brilliant, flavorful, wholesome and enjoyable to eat. You’ll want:
- Spinach: there’s one thing about strawberries and spinach collectively on this salad that simply is smart. Be happy to do half arugula and half spinach for a bit extra zing when you’d like!
- Contemporary strawberries: seize a case of tremendous juicy, ripe strawberries so as to add pure sweetness to this salad.
- Avocado: you’ll love the creaminess that avocado provides to each chunk. I’d suggest selecting an avocado that isn’t too ripe in order that it’s simpler to chop and add to your salad. It ought to have simply the tiniest little bit of squeeze.
- Feta: the creamy, salty taste feta provides to the salad is out of this world. It’s also possible to use goat cheese for a bit extra tang, and even gorgonzola or blue cheese crumbles.
- Purple onion: for a bit zing to go along with the creamy feta and candy strawberries. Should you’re delicate to the onion taste, merely soak the slices in water beforehand or omit out of your salad.
- Roasted pistachios: for the right, nutty crunch. Or simply use extra almonds!
- Toasted sliced almonds: the feel of sliced almonds pairs completely properly along with the pistachios.
- Do-it-yourself strawberry balsamic French dressing: an excellent simple dressing made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, dijon mustard, strawberry jam, salt & pepper (or be happy to strive my yummy tangy and candy raspberry balsamic French dressing!).
Lastly, my choice is to make use of natural spinach and natural strawberries as a result of I feel they pack extra taste and vitamins, however the alternative is all the time yours.
In search of a protein enhance?
This strawberry salad recipe is scrumptious by itself or together with your favourite proteins. Right here’s what I recommend:
- 1 cup of chickpeas or cooked quinoa to maintain it vegetarian
- Grilled hen (use the strawberry balsamic French dressing as a marinade!)
- Grilled salmon
The way to toast almonds
You may simply toast your personal almonds proper at house, and there are two methods to do it: on the stovetop or within the oven!
- Stovetop methodology: Add sliced almonds to a pan and place over medium warmth, stirring sometimes for 2-5 minutes till almonds are barely golden brown. Take away from warmth and permit to chill earlier than including them to the salad.
- Oven methodology: Preheat the oven to 350 levels F. Place sliced almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for six to eight minutes till aromatic and golden brown, stirring as soon as midway via baking. Watch fastidiously in order that nuts don’t burn!
Ideas for making the perfect strawberry spinach salad
- Use agency avocados: firmer avocados are finest on this salad as a result of they’ll maintain their form. Take a look at precisely minimize an avocado safely right here!
- Combine and match nuts: the roasted pistachios and toasted almonds convey two completely different distinct nutty flavors and crunch to this spinach salad, which I admire, however when you desire you’ll be able to all the time sub toasted walnuts, pecans and even candied pecans! The choices are countless.
- Use a distinct fruit: if strawberries aren’t obtainable, strive blueberries, peaches, raspberries or blackberries. They’ll all be scrumptious.
- Make your personal DIY fruity balsamic French dressing: I’m in love with this dressing as a result of you should utilize any fruit jam you want to essentially make it your personal. Strive raspberry, strawberry, blackberry or one thing else for a enjoyable twist!
What to pair this strawberry salad with
The choices are really countless when pairing this wonderful strawberry salad. It’s the right aspect for events, potlucks or easy summer time dinners. I like to recommend:
It’s additionally good with cooked quinoa, barley, farro or couscous blended in.
Make it forward of time
Be happy to arrange the entire components for the strawberry spinach salad forward of time, however save the dressing till you’re able to get pleasure from. Spinach can have a tendency to absorb a number of moisture, so it’s finest to benefit from the dressed salad the day-of or at some point later.
The avocado ought to keep recent for a few days with assist from the acidity from the balsamic. It’s also possible to add a squeeze of lemon juice when you plan on storing the strawberry spinach salad earlier than dressing and serving it.
The way to retailer this strawberry spinach salad
Retailer this strawberry spinach salad in an hermetic container within the fridge, with out the dressing, for as much as 4-5 days. The dressing will keep good in a container within the fridge for as much as one week as properly.
Extra scrumptious salads to strive
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Summer season Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado
Attractive summer time strawberry spinach salad topped with avocado, feta, pink onion, toasted almonds, pistachios and drizzled with a flavorful strawberry balsamic French dressing. The perfect ever strawberry salad recipe that is candy, tangy, crunchy, creamy and the right lunch or simple aspect dish!
Substances
- For the salad:
- 1 package deal (5 ounces) natural spinach
- 8 ounces strawberries, halved (about 2 cups halved strawberries)
- 1 giant avocado, sliced
- ½ small pink onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta crumbles
- ⅓ cup uncooked sliced almonds
- ¼ cup chopped shelled roasted pistachios
- For the balsamic strawberry French dressing:
- 3 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced
- ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon strawberry jam (or jam of alternative)
- Freshly floor salt and pepper, to style
Directions
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In a mason jar or small bowl, add the entire dressing components. Shake or combine properly to mix. Style and add further salt/pepper, if obligatory.
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Toast the almonds on the stovetop: add the almonds to a pan and place over medium warmth, stirring sometimes for 2-5 minutes till almonds are barely golden brown. Take away from warmth and permit to chill.
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Add spinach to a big bowl, layer on the strawberries, avocado slices, pink onion, feta, toasted almonds, and chopped pistachios. Be happy so as to add dressing now or set it out for particular person servings. High salad bowls with further toasted almonds and drizzle every bowl with 1/4 of the dressing. Serves 4.
Recipe Notes
Use a distinct fruit: if strawberries aren’t obtainable, strive blueberries, peaches, raspberries or blackberries. They’re going to all be scrumptious.
Make your personal DIY fruity balsamic French dressing: I am in love with this dressing as a result of you should utilize any fruit jam you want to essentially make it your personal. Strive raspberry, strawberry, blackberry or one thing else for a enjoyable twist.
Diet
Serving: 1serving (1/4 of recipe)Energy: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 17.2gProtein: 8.5gFats: 28.7gSaturated Fats: 6gFiber: 6.9gSugar: 5.4g
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Bold Kitchen | Pictures by: Eat Love Eats
This publish was initially revealed on Might twenty third, 2019, republished on Might twenty third, 2021, and republished on June twenty first, 2023.