Considered one of my absolute FAVORITE wholesome salads to make in the course of 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 truly 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 additional particular. Toss it with a straightforward home made balsamic French dressing (see beneath for a enjoyable berry possibility!) and serve it up as the proper aspect at your subsequent BBQ.
Every time we grill up burgers or hen sausages, I all the time be certain to have these strawberry spinach salad elements readily available so I can whip up our very favourite.
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Components on this strawberry spinach salad
This greatest ever strawberry spinach salad is full of contemporary elements to maintain it vibrant, 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 at liberty to do half arugula and half spinach for slightly extra zing in the event 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. You can even use goat cheese for slightly extra tang, and even gorgonzola or blue cheese crumbles.
- Crimson onion: for slightly zing to go together with the creamy feta and candy strawberries. In case you’re delicate to the onion taste, merely soak the slices in water beforehand or omit out of your salad.
- Roasted pistachios: for the proper, nutty crunch. Or simply use extra almonds!
- Toasted sliced almonds: the feel of sliced almonds pairs completely effectively along with the pistachios.
- Selfmade strawberry balsamic French dressing: an excellent simple dressing made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, dijon mustard, strawberry jam, salt & pepper (or be at liberty to attempt 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 believe they pack extra taste and vitamins, however the alternative is all the time yours.
On the lookout for 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
Tips on how to toast almonds
You’ll be able to 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 often 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 by way of baking. Watch fastidiously in order that nuts don’t burn!
Suggestions for making the very best strawberry spinach salad
- Use agency avocados: firmer avocados are greatest on this salad as a result of they’ll maintain their form. Take a look at precisely learn how to minimize an avocado safely right here!
- Combine and match nuts: the roasted pistachios and toasted almonds convey two totally different distinct nutty flavors and crunch to this spinach salad, which I recognize, however in the event you favor 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, attempt 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 use any fruit jam you want to essentially make it your personal. Attempt 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 superb strawberry salad. It’s the proper 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 at liberty to organize all the elements for the strawberry spinach salad forward of time, however save the dressing till you’re able to take pleasure in. Spinach can have a tendency to absorb numerous moisture, so it’s greatest to benefit from the dressed salad the day-of or someday later.
The avocado ought to keep contemporary for a few days with assist from the acidity from the balsamic. You can even add a squeeze of lemon juice in the event you plan on storing the strawberry spinach salad earlier than dressing and serving it.
Tips on how 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 effectively.
Extra scrumptious salads to attempt
Get all of our superb salad recipes right here!
In case you make this summer time strawberry spinach salad recipe, be sure you tag #ambitiouskitchen on Instagram. We’d additionally love in the event you would depart a remark beneath and fee the recipe. We recognize you! xo.
The
Formidable Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Typically Indulgent, and Completely By no means Boring Recipes for Each Meal of the Day
Summer season Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado
Beautiful 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 proper lunch or simple aspect dish!
Components
- 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
-
In a mason jar or small bowl, add all the dressing elements. Shake or combine effectively to mix. Style and add extra salt/pepper, if vital.
-
Toast the almonds on the stovetop: add the almonds to a pan and place over medium warmth, stirring often for 2-5 minutes till almonds are barely golden brown. Take away from warmth and permit to chill.
-
Add spinach to a big bowl, layer on the strawberries, avocado slices, pink onion, feta, toasted almonds, and chopped pistachios. Be at liberty so as to add dressing now or set it out for particular person servings. High salad bowls with additional 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, attempt blueberries, peaches, raspberries or blackberries. They will all be scrumptious.
Make your personal DIY fruity balsamic French dressing: I am in love with this dressing as a result of you should use any fruit jam you want to essentially make it your personal. Attempt raspberry, strawberry, blackberry or one thing else for a enjoyable twist.
Vitamin
Serving: 1serving (1/4 of recipe)Energy: 340calCarbohydrates: 17.2gProtein: 8.5gFats: 28.7gSaturated Fats: 6gFiber: 6.9gSugar: 5.4g
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Formidable Kitchen | Pictures by: Eat Love Eats
This publish was initially printed on Might twenty third, 2019, republished on Might twenty third, 2021, and republished on June twenty first, 2023.
