Strawberry Spinach Salad

Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 6 cups fresh spinach; 2 cups strawberries, sliced; 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup pecans, toasted; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook:

🍽 Serves: 4

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This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic salad, perfect for a summer day or any time you're craving something light and flavorful. With the sweetness of strawberries and the tanginess of the vinaigrette, it’s a delightful way to enjoy fresh produce.

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Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Spinach forms the base of the salad, providing a fresh, leafy texture that complements the other ingredients. Choose fresh, crisp leaves for the best results.

Strawberries add a burst of natural sweetness and a pop of color. Slice them thin for even distribution throughout the salad.

Goat cheese lends a creamy, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the sweet strawberries.

Pecans bring a nutty crunch and richness. Toasting them enhances their flavor, making the salad even more delicious.

Red onion offers a mild sharpness that cuts through the sweetness, adding depth to the overall flavor profile.

The balsamic vinegar and olive oil create a simple, classic vinaigrette that ties everything together with a touch of honey for balanced sweetness.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If they're in season, even better!
To quickly toast pecans, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.
If goat cheese isn't your favorite, feta is a great substitute.
For a bit of extra crunch, add some sliced almonds or sunflower seeds.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Alternatively, serve it as a side dish with a light pasta or alongside a hearty sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to dress the salad until right before serving to keep everything crisp.
What if I don't have balsamic vinegar?: You can substitute with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Is there a vegan version of this salad?: Simply replace goat cheese with a vegan cheese alternative, and swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large salad bowl. Add 6 cups of fresh spinach leaves as your base. This will be the foundation of your salad, so make sure your spinach is crisp and fresh.

Next, slice up about 2 cups of strawberries. You want them thin enough to be bite-sized but thick enough to hold their shape. Toss these in with the spinach.

Now, crumble 1/2 cup of goat cheese over the salad. Goat cheese is quite soft, so just break it apart gently with your fingers and sprinkle it evenly across the top.

For the nuts, toast 1/4 cup of pecans. You can do this quickly in a dry skillet over medium heat; just keep an eye on them and stir frequently until they're fragrant. Add these to your salad bowl.

Thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion and scatter the slices over the salad. It adds a nice bite and a bit of color.

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.

Drizzle your homemade vinaigrette over the salad. Toss everything gently to ensure that each ingredient is coated with that delicious dressing.

Once mixed, serve the salad immediately to enjoy all those fresh flavors at their peak.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick to make — ready in just 15 minutes.
Loaded with fresh, vibrant ingredients.
Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Healthy and satisfying without being heavy.
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

6 cups fresh spinach

2 cups strawberries, sliced

1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup pecans, toasted

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large salad bowl, combine fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, toasted pecans, and thinly sliced red onion.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined to make the vinaigrette dressing.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated.

4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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