Sunshine Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate, love? Honestly, this spinach and strawberry salad recipe is just the ticket! Ever wondered how to jazz up those summer salads? This is how!
Quick Hook
Remember those school picnics where the soggy sandwiches ruled? I do! This spinach and strawberry salad recipe is miles away from that.
The sweetness of strawberry and earthiness of spinach works a treat.
Brief Overview
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a summertime classic. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it a crowd pleaser. It is quick, easy, and only needs about 20 minutes.
This recipe will serve about 4 people and will be the star of the show.
Main Benefits
This Sunshine Spinach & Strawberry Salad is packed with vitamins. The strawberries bring sweetness, and the spinach adds a nutritional punch.
It’s perfect for picnic salad recipes and light lunches. What makes this special is its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
I've been making it every year since 2015, and I always make it for Wimbledon finals with friends.
Ready to dive into the ingredients? This healthy strawberry spinach salad is about to be your new favourite.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Spinach and Strawberry Salad Recipe Sorted!
Right then, let's talk about what you'll need. This Strawberry Spinach Salad With Chicken is super easy. Honestly, the ingredients are pretty straightforward. Get ready to whip up a summer classic.
Main Ingredients: Sunshine in a Bowl
- Baby spinach: 6 ounces (170g) . Look for vibrant green leaves, no slime!
- Fresh strawberries: 1 pound (450g) . They should smell amazing and be a deep red.
- Pecans: ½ cup (50g) . Raw or toasted, your call! Toasted is better, trust me.
- Feta cheese: ¼ cup (40g) . Get a good quality feta for that tangy kick. Or goat cheese for a super tangy experience.
- Red onion: ¼ medium . Thinly sliced, nobody likes a massive chunk of onion.
Seasoning Notes: Sweet, Tangy & Delicious
The balsamic glaze is the magic. It takes this Spinach Strawberry Pecan Salad to another level!
- Balsamic vinegar: ¼ cup (60ml) . Go for a decent one, it makes a difference.
- Honey: 1 tablespoon . Maple syrup works great for a vegan Healthy Strawberry Spinach Salad .
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon . Adds a lovely zing.
- Extra virgin olive oil: ¼ cup (60ml) . Good quality, again!
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key .
This Easy Salad Recipe is a flavor explosion. Sometimes I like to add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing, you know? Gives it a little kick.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
Don't need fancy stuff for this Salad Strawberry Spinach .
- Large salad bowl. For tossing all that goodness.
- Small saucepan. For toasting pecans. Unless you're a pro with a skillet.
- Whisk. For the dressing, obviously.
- Measuring cups & spoons. Unless you're a "chuck it in" kind of cook.
Honestly, you could probably get away with using a fork instead of a whisk. But where's the fun in that? This Spinach Salad With Strawberries And Feta is a delightful Summer Salad Recipes , and a brilliant Picnic Salad Recipes , So grab these ingredients and let's have some fun.
Nailing the Perfect Sunshine Spinach and Strawberry Salad Recipe
Honestly, who doesn't love a good salad? Especially when the sun's shining and you fancy something light. Today, we're diving into a classic: the spinach and strawberry salad recipe .
It's proper easy and tastes like summer in a bowl! "To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.
" as La Rochefoucauld said, and this salad is peak art, my friend.
Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Right, first things first: mise en place. Sounds fancy, doesn't it? Basically, just get everything chopped and measured before you start.
- Essential Mise en Place: Wash the 6 ounces spinach. Hull and slice the 1 pound strawberries. Chop ½ cup pecans (if you're using them and you should!). Thinly slice ¼ of a red onion. Crumble ¼ cup feta or goat cheese.
- Time Saving Tips: Buy pre-washed spinach. Seriously, it's a lifesaver. You know? Slice the strawberries all at once.
- Safety First: Watch your fingers with that knife! You don't want any accidents.
step-by-step to Salad Glory
Alright, let's put this Summer Salad Recipes together, shall we?
- Toast the pecans (optional): Over medium heat, toast pecans until fragrant. About 3- 5 minutes . Keep an eye on them.
- Make the Balsamic Glaze: Whisk together ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Slowly whisk in ¼ cup olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix spinach, strawberries, red onion, and pecans. It's a proper feast for the eyes, isn't it?
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle glaze over the salad just before serving. Toss gently. Nobody likes a soggy salad.
- Garnish: Sprinkle feta or goat cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your wonderful Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Goat Cheese
Pro Tips for Salad Supremacy
Want to take your salad strawberry spinach game to the next level? Listen up!
- Toast the Pecans: Seriously, don't skip this. It adds so much flavor.
- Dress Just Before Serving: Soggy salad is a crime.
- Don't overdo the glaze: Less is more, honestly. No one wants a gloopy salad. If you love a Strawberry Spinach Salad Balsamic Glaze , then you will want to get this spot on.
Honestly, this Sunshine Spinach & Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a belter. It's perfect for a Picnic Salad Recipes , a light lunch, or even as a side dish.
The slight tang of the Spinach Salad With Strawberries And Feta really lifts it. So give it a go and let me know what you think, yeah? I think you will have a really Healthy Strawberry Spinach Salad .
It might even become your favorite Easy Salad Recipe ! Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad is calling your name.
Recipe Notes: Your Sunshine Salad Survival Guide
Right, let's chat about making this amazing spinach and strawberry salad recipe even better! Honestly, it's pretty foolproof, but a few tips and tricks never hurt anyone, eh? It’s like giving your healthy strawberry spinach salad a little personal touch, innit?
Ace-ing The Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters, even if it's just for you! Plating this salad strawberry spinach is dead simple. For a fancy touch, arrange the spinach as a base, then artfully scatter the strawberries and pecans on top.
A light drizzle of the balsamic glaze finishes it perfectly.
This easy salad recipe is fab as a side with grilled chicken or fish. Feeling peckish? Serve it with a slice of crusty bread to mop up all that lovely dressing.
A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio or even elderflower cordial would be the perfect drink. It’s perfect for summer salad recipes or even picnic salad recipes !
Storing Like A Pro
Right, so this Strawberry Spinach Salad With Chicken or without is best served fresh. You know? But life happens. If you need to prep ahead, store the dressed salad in the fridge for up to 2 hours .
Any longer and the spinach gets a bit sad. Undressed, the spinach and berries can be kept separate for up to 24 hours .
Freezing? Nah, don't even think about it! The salad will turn into a soggy mess. Reheating isn't an option either.
Best to just whip up a fresh batch. It only takes 20 minutes!
Tweaks and Twists
Want to make it vegan? Easy peasy! Swap the honey in the glaze for maple syrup and ditch the feta, or use a vegan alternative. Boom, healthy strawberry spinach salad made vegan!
Feel like switching things up seasonally? In autumn, try using pears instead of strawberries. The flavours are amazing . And honestly, using crumbled goat cheese is so good, it makes this recipe almost a Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Goat Cheese .
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, let’s get the serious bit out of the way. This spinach strawberry pecan salad is packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Spinach is a superstar for iron, while strawberries are bursting with vitamin C.
It’s also relatively low in calories, making it a cracking choice for a light meal. Just keep an eye on the balsamic glaze, as it can add a bit of sugar.
On the topic, you can opt to use a strawberry spinach salad balsamic glaze that is lighter on the sugar
Honestly, this spinach and strawberry salad recipe is so versatile, you can totally make it your own. Don't be afraid to experiment and have a bit of fun! Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this spinach and strawberry salad recipe ahead of time?
While you can prep some components ahead of time, it's best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from getting soggy. You can wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, and toast the pecans in advance.
The balsamic glaze can also be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge, ready to use.
What are some good substitutions for the ingredients in this spinach and strawberry salad?
Feeling creative? You can easily adapt this salad! For a different flavor profile, try using goat cheese instead of feta, or slivered almonds instead of pecans. Arugula (rocket) or mixed greens can substitute spinach if you're not a fan. You can even add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
Swap the balsamic vinegar for another light vinaigrette like raspberry vinaigrette.
How do I store leftover spinach and strawberry salad?
Honestly, it's best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the spinach will likely wilt and the salad may become a bit soggy. It's best consumed within 24 hours.
Next time only dress what you're going to eat in the moment to avoid excess waste.
Is this spinach and strawberry salad recipe healthy?
Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients from the spinach and strawberries. Spinach is a great source of vitamins and minerals, while strawberries are loaded with antioxidants. The pecans provide healthy fats and the balsamic glaze adds flavour without being too heavy on the sugar.
Just be mindful of portion sizes, especially with the cheese and nuts, to keep it balanced.
My balsamic glaze is too thick/thin, what can I do?
No worries, easy fixes! If it's too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time, whisking until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, simmer it in a small saucepan over low heat for a few minutes until it reduces and thickens. Just keep a close eye on it; you don't want to burn it!
Can I make this spinach and strawberry salad recipe vegan?
Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! To make this salad vegan, simply substitute the honey in the balsamic glaze with maple syrup or agave nectar. Omit the feta cheese, or use a vegan feta alternative. Bob's your uncle a delicious and completely vegan salad!
Sunshine Spinach Strawberry Salad With Balsamic
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 275 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
