Look no further if you’re looking for a new and exciting dish to add to your summer meal rotation. This Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette mixes delicious flavors and textures that will wow your taste buds and guests. It’s loaded with healthy ingredients and a homemade vinaigrette, making it great for a light lunch, side dish, or even a main course.
I always look forward to a non-lettuce-based salad, and this variety delivers just that. It is colorful, healthy, and delicious – even my picky eater devours it quickly.
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Why I love this summer delight
Spinach is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, while strawberries contain antioxidants. Together, they create a tasty and nutritious combo for your health.
The sweetness of the strawberries perfectly complements the earthy taste of the spinach. The red onion and orange slices give it a delightful zing, and the balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a rich, slightly sweet finish. The crunch of walnuts and the creaminess of goat cheese add layers of flavor, making every bite a delightful experience.
This salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a starter for a more elaborate meal. It’s simple to prepare, and you can customize it by adding grilled chicken for extra protein or swapping walnuts for almonds.
What you need to make the salad?
The baby spinach provides a mild taste and a burst of nutrients, while the strawberries’ sweetness adds a delightful touch. This is a nutritious and tasty treat that you’ll love!
Red onion slices introduce a sharp, tangy bite that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the fruit, adding depth and complexity to each forkful. The juicy, vibrant orange slices bring a burst of citrusy freshness, enhancing the overall flavor profile with their bright, zesty notes.
Strawberries, the salad star, provide a natural sweetness and a pop of color. Their juicy, tender texture complements the crispness of the spinach, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. These berries are also packed with antioxidants, adding a healthful element to the dish.
The dressing is a simple yet flavorful blend of balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard. The balsamic vinegar adds a rich, tangy depth, while the olive oil lends a smooth, silky texture. Honey provides a touch of natural sweetness, balancing the acidity of the vinegar, and the Dijon mustard offers a subtle kick, enhancing the overall flavor.
Toppings of roughly chopped walnuts and crumbled goat cheese complete the salad, adding crunch and creaminess. Walnuts introduce a satisfying crunch and a hint of nuttiness, while goat cheese offers a creamy, tangy contrast that ties all the ingredients together. Together, these elements create a visually appealing salad and a delightful blend of flavors and textures that satisfy both the palate and the body.
Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach rinsed and patted dry
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 large orange peeled and sliced
- 1 cup strawberries sliced
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons honey preferably local
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Salad Topping Ingredients
- 1/4 cup walnuts roughly chopped
- 2 ounces goat cheese crumbled
Instructions
Prepare the Salad:
- Combine the baby spinach, red onion, orange slices, and strawberries in a large bowl—season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Make the Dressing:
- Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl—season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and crumbled goat cheese over the top.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Delicious Pairings for Your Spinach and Strawberry Salad
This Spinach and Strawberry Salad is adaptable and pairs beautifully with various dishes. Enjoy it as a light, refreshing meal or with a slice of crusty bread. It also makes an excellent side dish for grilled chicken or fish, adding freshness to your plate. Add protein like grilled shrimp, sliced steak, or chickpeas to transform this salad into a more substantial main course.
Adapting the recipe
Making this perfect Spinach and Strawberry Salad can be as straightforward or creative as possible. One easy method is to switch up the greens. While baby spinach is a classic choice, you can use arugula or mixed greens for a different texture and flavor profile. For the fruit component, if strawberries are out of season or you want to mix things up, consider using blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced apples or pears.
The balsamic vinaigrette is a delicious option, but you can also try a honey mustard dressing or a light citrus vinaigrette for a zesty twist. If you prefer a creamy dressing, a yogurt-based poppy seed dressing will pair wonderfully with the fruit and spinach.
Adding protein can transform this salad into a hearty main dish. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are excellent choices that complement the sweet and tangy flavors. For a plant-based protein boost, add chickpeas or quinoa.
Don’t forget to play around with the toppings; instead of walnuts, you might enjoy pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds for added crunch. Feta cheese can be a great alternative to goat cheese if you prefer a different flavor.
We’d like to hear how you have customized your spinach and strawberry salad. Feel free to drop us a comment and share.
Happy cooking!