Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic

Gorgeous summer strawberry spinach salad topped with avocado, feta, red onion, toasted almonds, and pistachios, all drizzled with a flavorful strawberry balsamic vinaigrette. This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Perfect for lunch or as an easy side dish, it combines sweet and tangy elements along with crunchy and creamy textures. You’ll find this salad to be a delightful addition to any gathering or casual meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: Made with organic spinach and ripe strawberries, this salad is packed with nutrients.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 22 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy days.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy balsamic creates a delightful dressing that enhances the salad.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or a side; it fits perfectly into various meal scenarios.
• Nutty Crunch: With almonds and pistachios, this salad offers a satisfying texture that complements the softness of avocado and feta.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your salad, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mason jar or small bowl: Ideal for mixing your vinaigrette; it allows you to easily shake or whisk the ingredients together.
• Pan for toasting nuts: A good quality pan ensures even heating, which is crucial for achieving that perfect golden brown color on the almonds.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining all ingredients without spills, making mixing easier.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic, you’ll need the following 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 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 Dressing

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

Step 2: Toast the Almonds

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

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, add the spinach first as your base.
2. Layer on the strawberries, avocado slices, red onion, feta cheese, toasted almonds, and chopped pistachios.
3. You can either add dressing now or serve it on the side for individual servings.
4. For extra crunch and flavor, top each serving with additional toasted almonds before drizzling on ¼ of the dressing.

Enjoy your fresh and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic!

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic

This delightful strawberry spinach salad with strawberry balsamic is a refreshing dish that works beautifully for various occasions. You can serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even at gatherings. Here are some suggestions to elevate your serving experience.

As a Light Lunch

• Pair with grilled chicken: Add slices of grilled chicken breast on top for extra protein.
• Serve with whole grain bread: A slice of whole grain bread or a roll complements the salad perfectly.

For a Dinner Side

• Accompany roasted vegetables: This salad pairs well with roasted seasonal vegetables for a colorful plate.
• Serve alongside fish: Lightly seasoned grilled or baked fish enhances the meal’s flavor.

At Gatherings

• Present in individual bowls: Create personal servings by plating in small bowls for an elegant touch.
• Offer as part of a buffet: Include this salad among other side dishes to surprise your guests.

How to Perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic

Creating the perfect strawberry spinach salad with strawberry balsamic involves attention to detail and freshness. Here are some tips to enhance your salad-making skills.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries and spinach make all the difference in flavor and texture.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of strawberry jam in the dressing according to your taste preference.
• Incorporate textures: Add elements like crunchy nuts or creamy avocado for an exciting mouthfeel.
• Make ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it separately until serving for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic

Pairing side dishes with your strawberry spinach salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers – Marinated chicken skewers provide protein and pair well with the fruity notes of the salad.
2. Quinoa Pilaf – A light quinoa pilaf adds a nutty flavor and is packed with nutrients.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes bring a comforting sweetness and work harmoniously with strawberries.
4. Cucumber Tomato Salad – This fresh, crunchy option adds brightness and complements the flavors beautifully.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices make a hearty addition.
6. Vegetable Spring Rolls – Light and crispy spring rolls filled with fresh veggies are perfect for dipping into the vinaigrette.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Toasting: Not toasting the almonds can lead to a lack of flavor. Toasting enhances their nuttiness and crunch. Always toast your nuts for extra depth.
• Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the fresh flavors of the ingredients. Start with half and add more as needed to keep it balanced.
• Using Unripe Strawberries: Unripe strawberries can be sour and ruin the sweetness of your salad. Always choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to season with salt and pepper can make your dish bland. A pinch of each enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip this step.
• Improperly Storing Leftovers: Storing leftovers in an airtight container without separating components can lead to soggy spinach. Keep the salad and dressing separate until serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• • Containers: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic

• • Duration: Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to its fresh ingredients.
• • Containers: If you must freeze, store only the dressing separately in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic

• Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes until just heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between, until warm but not hot.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid wilting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic.

Can I prepare Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all ingredients ahead but mix them just before serving for optimal freshness.

What substitutions can I make in this recipe?

You can swap feta for a different cheese or leave it out entirely for a dairy-free version.

How do I make the vinaigrette less sweet?

To reduce sweetness in your vinaigrette, simply use less strawberry jam or replace it with additional balsamic vinegar.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just keep dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for lunch or as a side dish. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different nuts or fruits based on your preferences. Don’t hesitate to try this refreshing salad—it’s sure to impress!