One in every of my absolute FAVORITE wholesome salads to make through 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 a number of 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 further particular. Toss it with a simple selfmade balsamic French dressing (see beneath for a enjoyable berry possibility!) and serve it up as the proper facet at your subsequent BBQ.
Every time we grill up burgers or rooster sausages, I at all times be certain to have these strawberry spinach salad elements readily available so I can whip up our very favourite.
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Elements on this strawberry spinach salad
This greatest ever strawberry spinach salad is filled with recent 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 sensible. Be at liberty to do half arugula and half spinach for a bit of extra zing if you happen to’d like!
- Recent 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 chew. I’d advocate 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 offers to the salad is out of this world. You may as well use goat cheese for a bit of extra tang, and even gorgonzola or blue cheese crumbles.
- Pink onion: for a bit of zing to go along with the creamy feta and candy strawberries. If you happen to’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 desire 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 at all times yours.
Searching for a protein increase?
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 rooster (use the strawberry balsamic French dressing as a marinade!)
- Grilled salmon
The right way to toast almonds
You may 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 sometimes 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 via baking. Watch fastidiously in order that nuts don’t burn!
Suggestions for making the most effective strawberry spinach salad
- Use agency avocados: firmer avocados are greatest on this salad as a result of they’ll hold their form. Try precisely the best way to reduce an avocado safely right here!
- Combine and match nuts: the roasted pistachios and toasted almonds deliver two completely different distinct nutty flavors and crunch to this spinach salad, which I admire, however if you happen to favor you may at all times sub toasted walnuts, pecans and even candied pecans! The choices are infinite.
- Use a special fruit: if strawberries aren’t accessible, 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 need to use any fruit jam you want to actually make it your personal. Strive raspberry, strawberry, blackberry or one thing else for a enjoyable twist!
What to pair this strawberry salad with
The choices are really infinite when pairing this wonderful strawberry salad. It’s the proper facet 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 a variety of moisture, so it’s greatest to benefit from the dressed salad the day-of or at some point later.
The avocado ought to keep recent for a few days with assist from the acidity from the balsamic. You may as well add a squeeze of lemon juice if you happen to plan on storing the strawberry spinach salad earlier than dressing and serving it.
The right way 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 wonderful salad recipes right here!
If you happen to make this summer time strawberry spinach salad recipe, remember to tag #ambitiouskitchen on Instagram. We’d additionally love if you happen to would go away a remark beneath and charge the recipe. We admire you! xo.
The
Formidable Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Generally 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, crimson onion, toasted almonds, pistachios and drizzled with a flavorful strawberry balsamic French dressing. One of the best ever strawberry salad recipe that is candy, tangy, crunchy, creamy and the proper lunch or simple facet dish!
Elements
- For the salad:
- 1 package deal (5 ounces) natural spinach
- 8 ounces strawberries, halved (about 2 cups halved strawberries)
- 1 massive avocado, sliced
- ½ small crimson 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 further salt/pepper, if obligatory.
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Toast the almonds on the stovetop: add the almonds to a pan and place over medium warmth, stirring sometimes for 2-5 minutes till almonds are barely golden brown. Take away from warmth and permit to chill.
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Add spinach to a big bowl, layer on the strawberries, avocado slices, crimson onion, feta, toasted almonds, and chopped pistachios. Be at liberty so as to add dressing now or set it out for particular person servings. Prime salad bowls with further toasted almonds and drizzle every bowl with 1/4 of the dressing. Serves 4.
Recipe Notes
Use a special fruit: if strawberries aren’t accessible, 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 need to use any fruit jam you want to actually make it your personal. Strive 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 put up was initially printed on Could twenty third, 2019, republished on Could twenty third, 2021, and republished on June twenty first, 2023.
