30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Introduction

The 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that perfectly combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the rich, earthy flavor of fresh spinach. The bright colors and delicious flavors make it an ideal side dish or light meal that works wonderfully for spring and summer gatherings, picnics, or even a quick weeknight dinner. This salad is not only quick to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile, allowing for a range of optional ingredients and dressings to customize it to your taste.

With a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, this strawberry spinach salad delivers a burst of flavor and texture that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Paired with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette or your dressing of choice, the result is a well-balanced dish with a delightful combination of sweetness, acidity, and crunch. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish to complement your main course, or a healthy snack, this salad is sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Fresh and Flavorful: The juicy sweetness of strawberries contrasts beautifully with the peppery taste of fresh spinach, while the crunch of almonds and the tangy dressing create a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Quick and Easy: As the name suggests, this salad comes together in just 30 minutes. You don’t need to be an expert cook to prepare it, and it’s perfect for those busy days when you’re looking for something healthy yet delicious.
• Nutritious and Light: Loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, this salad is a healthy choice. Strawberries and spinach are rich in vitamin C, while almonds offer a good dose of healthy fats and protein.
• Customizable: This salad is highly customizable. Add or remove ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. You can switch up the nuts, use different cheeses, or even experiment with dressings.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual lunch or part of a larger spread for a holiday meal, this salad is versatile enough for any occasion. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, BBQs, or potlucks.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings (can be adjusted based on portion size)
• Calories per Serving: Around 200-250 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 200-250 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Protein: 4-6g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 10-12g

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Spinach Salad:

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ½ cup sliced almonds (toasted if preferred)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette or your preferred salad dressing

Special Equipment

Although this salad doesn’t require many special tools, a few items can make the process smoother and ensure the salad is prepared perfectly:

1. Salad Spinner or Kitchen Towels: To wash and dry the spinach quickly, a salad spinner is very helpful. Alternatively, you can gently pat the spinach dry with clean kitchen towels.
2. Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing the strawberries and red onion (if using), a sharp knife and a cutting board are essential.
3. Toasting Pan or Oven: If you’re toasting the almonds, you’ll need a small pan or an oven to give them a little extra flavor and crunch.
4. Large Salad Bowl: A large bowl is ideal for tossing the salad ingredients together without spilling. It also helps to give you plenty of room to mix everything evenly.
5. Small Bowl for Dressing: A small bowl is useful for whisking together the dressing, whether you’re making your own balsamic vinaigrette or using a pre-made option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Start by washing the spinach leaves thoroughly. Use a salad spinner to dry them quickly, or spread them out on kitchen towels to pat them dry. Ensure that the spinach is completely dry to avoid sogginess when mixing the salad.

Next, wash and hull the strawberries. Remove the green tops, then slice them into thin slices or quarters, depending on your preference. For added visual appeal, you can leave the strawberries whole and arrange them beautifully on top of the salad before serving.

If you’re including red onion, slice it thinly. The onion adds a sharp bite to the salad, balancing the sweetness of the strawberries.

2. Toast the Almonds (Optional)

Toasting the almonds adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch to the salad. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don’t brown too much. Once toasted, set them aside to cool.

3. Prepare the Dressing

While the salad ingredients are being prepped, you can make the dressing. If you’re using store-bought balsamic vinaigrette, simply measure out the amount you need. If you prefer homemade dressing, whisk together ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ cup olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until fully combined and emulsified.

4. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion (if using). Toss gently to combine.

Sprinkle the toasted almonds and feta cheese over the top of the salad, then drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Toss the salad again until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

5. Serve the Salad

Once the salad is fully dressed, serve immediately. If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and dress the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.

For a nice touch, you can garnish the salad with additional strawberry slices, crumbled feta, or a few sprigs of fresh herbs like basil or mint.

Tips for Perfect 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Use Fresh Spinach: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh spinach. Baby spinach is preferred for its tender leaves, but regular spinach can also be used.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a bit of honey or maple syrup to your dressing. Alternatively, you can use a sweeter vinaigrette or add more sliced strawberries.
• Use High-Quality Olive Oil: The olive oil in the dressing plays a big role in the overall flavor. Opt for extra-virgin olive oil for the best taste.
• Toast the Almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their natural flavor, making them even crunchier. However, if you’re in a hurry, raw almonds work just fine.
• Customize the Salad: Don’t be afraid to add your own twist to this salad. You can swap the almonds for other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or cashews, or use goat cheese in place of feta. For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.

Variations of 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Strawberry Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken: Add sliced grilled chicken breast for a protein-packed version of this salad. The smoky flavor of grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of strawberries.
• Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese: If you’re a fan of goat cheese, you can swap out the feta for crumbled goat cheese. It adds a creamy, tangy element that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Strawberry Spinach Salad with Walnuts: For a different nutty flavor, substitute toasted walnuts for the almonds. Walnuts bring an earthy richness that balances the freshness of the salad.
• Vegan Strawberry Spinach Salad: Omit the feta cheese and use a plant-based dressing to make this salad vegan-friendly. You can also add avocado for a creamy texture.
• Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado: Adding avocado provides a creamy element to the salad, making it even more satisfying. Simply slice or cube an avocado and toss it in with the other ingredients.

Storage and Shelf Life

This salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, as the spinach wilts quickly when dressed. If you have leftovers, store the undressed salad ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The strawberries will not keep as long, so it’s best to prepare them fresh.

For the dressing, you can store it separately in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure to shake or whisk the dressing before using it again, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Side Dishes and Pairings for 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Pair this light and refreshing salad with a variety of main dishes to make it a complete meal:

• Grilled or Roasted Chicken: Serve the salad alongside grilled or roasted chicken for a healthy, satisfying meal. The flavors of the chicken complement the sweetness of the strawberries and the tanginess of the dressing.
• Grilled Salmon: The rich, smoky flavor of grilled salmon pairs beautifully with this salad, making it a great choice for a light dinner.
• Quinoa or Couscous: If you want to add more grains to your meal, serve the salad with a side of quinoa or couscous. Both are light and nutritious options that complement the fresh flavors of the salad.
• Flatbreads or Croissants: For a more substantial meal, serve this salad with a side of warm, crusty flatbreads or buttery croissants. The crunch of the bread pairs perfectly with the fresh and crunchy salad.

Print

Conclusion

The 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is a quick, easy, and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its balance of flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your collection. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish, or a healthy snack, this salad delivers in both taste and convenience. Fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, and crunchy almonds come together in a dish that is as delicious as it is beautiful. Make it today, and enjoy the fresh, wholesome flavors

of this delightful salad!