Name: Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup raw pecans (toasted); ½ small red onion (very thinly sliced); 10 ounces fresh baby spinach (can substitute with arugula); 1 quart strawberries (hulled and quartered); ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese (block-style preferred); ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds; 1 ½ tablespoons honey; ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Introduction to Spinach Strawberry Salad

If you’re looking to upgrade your meal game, the spinach strawberry salad is a delightful choice that packs both flavor and nutrition. Imagine pairing the earthiness of fresh spinach with the sweetness of juicy strawberries — it’s a match made in culinary heaven! This salad isn't just visually appealing; it's bursting with essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber, making it a fantastic option for a light lunch or a refreshing side.

What makes this spinach strawberry salad a true game-changer? First, its versatility! You can enjoy it on its own, or elevate it with protein like grilled chicken or turkey bacon for a more substantial meal. Plus, the creamy feta and crunchy pecans add exciting textures that keep each bite interesting.

And let’s not forget the homemade balsamic poppy seed dressing — it's the perfect tangy complement to the sweet and savory elements of the salad. Whether you're hosting a summer picnic or just want to enjoy something vibrant and healthy at home, this salad will not disappoint.

For more salad inspiration, consider checking out the Health Benefits of Spinach. Ready to dive in? Let’s gather our ingredients!

Ingredients for Spinach Strawberry Salad

Fresh Ingredients for the Salad

Creating the perfect spinach strawberry salad starts with high-quality fresh ingredients. You’ll need:

¾ cup raw pecans - Toasting these adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
½ small red onion, very thinly sliced - This gives your salad a mild yet zesty bite.
10 ounces fresh baby spinach - Opt for the freshest leaves; a mix with arugula can add a delightful peppery twist.
1 quart strawberries, hulled and quartered - Their natural sweetness plays beautifully off the savory feta.
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese - Block-style feta is best for a creamy texture.

These ingredients together create a colorful and vibrant salad, fresh enough to be a standout side dish or a light lunch option.

Essentials for the Poppy Seed Dressing

For the dressing, just a few ingredients elevate this salad:

¼ cup balsamic vinegar - A must for its rich flavor.
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - Adds a smooth texture.
1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds - For a touch of crunch and visual appeal.
1 ½ tablespoons honey - To balance the acidity of the vinegar.
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard - Provides depth of flavor.
½ teaspoon kosher salt and ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper - Essential seasonings to tie it all together.

This simple yet delicious dressing will transform your spinach strawberry salad into a flavor-packed experience that you’ll crave again and again!

Preparing Spinach Strawberry Salad

Making a spinach strawberry salad is not only a feast for the eyes but a deliciously healthy choice that'll make your taste buds dance. Let’s dive into the steps to prepare this vibrant dish, ensuring every layer of flavor shines through!

Toast the pecans for a rich flavor

To kick things off, we’ll want to toast our pecans for that irresistible depth and crunch. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spread the pecans in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Toast them for about 8 to 10 minutes, but don’t wander too far from the kitchen! Nuts can go from golden to burnt in a flash. When they’re fragrant and a light tan inside when halved, you’ve hit the jackpot. Once cooled, roughly chop them to create tempting little pieces that will add a delightful texture to your salad.

Soak the red onions to mellow their taste

Red onions can pack quite a punch, but we have a nifty trick to soften their bite! Slice your onion very thinly and place it in a bowl, covering it with cold water. This little soak will keep their flavor while making them less pungent. Let them chill while you prep the other ingredients. Voilà—a more palatable onion ready to mingle with the strawberries and spinach.

Whisk together the poppy seed dressing

The dressing can truly elevate your spinach strawberry salad! In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, poppy seeds, honey, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. It’s a simple yet robust blend that complements the fresh ingredients beautifully. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try shaking these ingredients in a mason jar for a fun twist! Either way, this dressing will tie everything together deliciously.

Assemble the salad with fresh spinach and strawberries

Now for the fun part—assembling our spinach strawberry salad! Take a generous serving bowl and start with the fresh baby spinach. Add the hulled and quartered strawberries, which add a pop of sweetness and color. Don’t forget about those drained, mellowed red onions. They’ll bring a crunchy contrast to the mix. Drizzle on about half of your dressing (you can always add more later) and toss gently to give those leaves a nice coating.

Toss and serve, knowing you nailed it!

Finally, add your toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese before giving it one last gentle toss. As you dish up, rest assured that you’ve crafted a beautiful spinach strawberry salad that’s both nutritious and seasonally vibrant. Serve immediately, and feel free to offer extra dressing on the side for those who like it a bit saucy.

Enjoy every bite and know you’ve created a delightful dish that’s sure to impress friends, family, or just yourself on a busy weekday evening!

Variations on Spinach Strawberry Salad

Elevate your spinach strawberry salad with delicious add-ins and seasonal fruits! For a satisfying boost of protein, consider adding grilled chicken for a heartier dish or crispy turkey bacon for a savory, crunchy contrast. Both options pair beautifully with the sweet strawberries and tangy feta.

Don’t forget to explore seasonal fruits. Fresh blueberries or juicy peaches can add a delightful twist to your salad. Their vibrant flavors not only enhance the taste but also bring a pop of color to your dish. Try mixing and matching these additions to discover your perfect summer salad!

For further inspiration, check out this guide to summer fruits or healthy protein options.

Cooking Notes for Spinach Strawberry Salad

Importance of Dressing Timing

When it comes to your spinach strawberry salad, dressing timing is crucial. Ideally, you should dress the salad just before serving. This prevents the spinach from wilting and ensures the vibrant flavors remain crisp and fresh. If you anticipate leftovers, only dress the portion you plan to eat, and store the undressed salad in the refrigerator for up to four days. The remaining dressing can be refrigerated, too—just give it a quick shake before using.

Choose the Right Feta for Texture

For a delightful texture in your salad, opt for block-style feta cheese rather than pre-crumbled versions. The block feta offers a creamier consistency and more robust flavor, making every bite of your spinach strawberry salad truly memorable. Crumbling it yourself also lets you control the size for better distribution throughout your dish.

Feel free to explore this guide on cheese selection for more tips!

Serving Suggestions for Spinach Strawberry Salad

Pairing with Grilled Protein

Elevate your spinach strawberry salad by pairing it with grilled chicken or salmon. The smoky flavor of grilled proteins complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully. Simply season the chicken or salmon with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until perfectly cooked. This not only adds heartiness but also transforms your salad into a fulfilling meal.

Serving as a Summer Party Dish

Looking for a vibrant centerpiece for your summer gathering? This spinach strawberry salad is the perfect choice! With its colorful ingredients and refreshing taste, it appeals to everyone. Serve it alongside crusty bread and lemonade for a delightful, light feast. It's simple to prepare in large quantities, making it an ideal option for potlucks or picnics. Consider adding a platter of grilled vegetables to complete the spread.

For more ideas on summer dishes, check out this website for inspiration!

Time details for Spinach Strawberry Salad

Preparation time
Get ready for a flavorful experience in just 15 minutes! This quick prep will have you slicing, dicing, and mixing in no time.

Cooking time
Toast those pecans to perfection! The cooking time is only around 10 minutes, enhancing their flavor with ease.

Total time
In just 25 minutes, you can create this delightful spinach strawberry salad, perfect for any meal or gathering. Easy and delicious—what's not to love?

By following this straightforward guide, you’ll quickly see that preparing a spinach strawberry salad can fit seamlessly into even the busiest schedules. For more tips on meal prep, check out resources like Healthline or EatingWell! Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information for Spinach Strawberry Salad

Calories per serving

Each serving of this delightful Spinach Strawberry Salad contains approximately 249 calories. It's a light yet satisfying option perfect for lunch or as a side dish.

Key nutrients to note

This salad isn’t just appetite-pleasing; it also packs a variety of essential nutrients. With 6 grams of protein, 20 grams of healthy fats, and 4 grams of fiber, it contributes to a balanced diet. The fresh strawberries provide antioxidants, while the spinach adds vitamins A and K. For more insights on nutrition, check out Healthline's guide on the benefits of spinach.

FAQs about Spinach Strawberry Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach strawberry salad in advance, but to keep it fresh, I recommend storing the components separately. Assemble the salad without the dressing and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Dress it just before serving for the best flavor and crunch.

What are some quick substitutes if I'm missing ingredients?
Don’t worry if you’re missing something! If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or sunflower seeds are excellent alternatives. No feta? Try goat cheese or even a dairy-free option. For the dressing, homemade lemon vinaigrette can give a bright twist too. Get creative; food is all about personal taste!

How do I store leftover salad and dressing?
Leftover spinach strawberry salad can last in the fridge for up to four days if undressed. Just keep it in an airtight container. For the dressing, store it in a jar for up to five days, shaking well before serving. Keeping these two separate helps maintain the salad's freshness!

Conclusion on Spinach Strawberry Salad

This spinach strawberry salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. With its vibrant colors and delicious balsamic poppy seed dressing, it’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious option. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a delightful side or a light meal!

For more salad inspirations, consider exploring this collection of fresh salad recipes. Happy cooking!