The Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette is a delightful and refreshing dish, perfect for those who enjoy the sweet and savory interplay in their salads. This recipe beautifully combines the earthy tones of fresh spinach with the juicy sweetness of strawberries, all tied together with a rich and tangy honey balsamic vinaigrette. It’s an ideal salad for spring and summer gatherings, or as a light yet satisfying meal any time of the year.
Ingredients and Preparation:
The foundation of this salad is fresh baby spinach, chosen for its tender leaves and mild, slightly sweet flavor. Spinach is not only a versatile green for salads but also packs a nutritional punch, rich in iron and vitamins.
The star of the salad is ripe, juicy strawberries, sliced to reveal their vibrant red interior. The strawberries offer a natural sweetness and a pop of color, making the salad as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
For added texture and a nutty flavor, toasted almonds or pecans are sprinkled in. These nuts provide a satisfying crunch and complement the softness of the spinach and strawberries.
To enhance the salad’s flavor and add a creamy element, crumbled goat cheese or feta can be included. The tanginess of the cheese balances the sweetness of the strawberries and the earthiness of the spinach.
Dressing:
The Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette is a key component that brings all the flavors together. It’s made by whisking together balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey for a touch of sweetness, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. The vinaigrette is light yet flavorful, with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, complementing the salad’s ingredients.
Assembly and Serving:
To assemble the salad, the spinach leaves are spread out as a bed in a large bowl or platter. The sliced strawberries are then scattered over the spinach, followed by the toasted nuts and crumbled cheese. Just before serving, the Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette is drizzled over the salad, giving it a glossy finish and a burst of flavor.
Variations and Tips:
This salad is highly adaptable. For those who like a bit of extra protein, grilled chicken or shrimp can be added. For a vegan version, the cheese can be omitted or replaced with a vegan alternative, and maple syrup can be used in place of honey in the dressing.
The Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette is a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients coming together to create a symphony of flavors. It’s perfect for a light lunch, as a starter for a dinner party, or as a special addition to a picnic or potluck.
Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe | S2Recipes
Details Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipes
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients For Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipes
1 bunch fresh spinach
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
½ cup raw pecans
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
½ cup olive oil
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions: Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipes
Step 1: Combine spinach, strawberries, Gorgonzola cheese, and pecans in a large bowl.
Step 2: Stir together balsamic vinegar and honey in a medium bowl; slowly stream in olive oil while whisking continuously. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Drizzle dressing over spinach mixture just before serving.
Feedback of Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipes
This was amazing!! While on vacation in the OBX North Carolina my friend Amy Lou Callis turned me on to this amazing recipe! We pair it with fresh blackened Tuna steaks with sesame seeds. It was absolutely amazing and so fresh!! Making for my parents today at our cook out!Macy Syrovatka Wilkinson
It was delicious! I used panela cheese instead since that’s what I had at home.
Its very good I am going to be making this Salad alot.
made exactly as is. Next time will try other fruits
Love it! I added bacon that I seasoned with Big Green Egg Savory Pecan seasoning ??
Used Feta cheese instead of Gorgonzola because that's what I have in the fridge.
Took to a friends for dinner and everyone loved it. Made it exactly as recipe stated.
My (and my husband's) new favorite salad....everyone I have served it to has loved it & asked for the recipe. Just an incredible blend of flavors and so, so easy & quick to make.
So good! Perfect balance of flavors and the dressing is addicting
All Nutrifacts of Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipes
TOP 5+ FAQ Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipes
✅What are the key ingredients in a Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette?
The key ingredients for Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette include fresh spinach leaves, ripe strawberries, sliced almonds, and crumbled goat or feta cheese. The Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette is made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
✅How do you make the Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette for this salad?
To make the Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well blended. The honey adds a natural sweetness that complements the acidity of the balsamic vinegar, while the mustard provides a subtle spicy kick.
✅What makes this strawberry and spinach salad a healthy choice?
This salad is a healthy choice due to its nutrient-rich ingredients. Spinach is a great source of vitamins and minerals, strawberries provide antioxidants and vitamin C, almonds add healthy fats and protein, and the homemade vinaigrette is free from preservatives and artificial flavors, making it a wholesome and nutritious option.
✅Can this salad be adapted for vegan diets?
Absolutely, to make this salad vegan-friendly, simply replace the goat or feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it altogether. The rest of the ingredients, including the spinach, strawberries, almonds, and vinaigrette, are naturally vegan.
✅Is this Strawberry and Spinach Salad suitable for weight loss plans?
Yes, this salad is suitable for weight loss plans as it is low in calories yet high in fiber and nutrients. The fresh ingredients provide satiety without added calories. To keep it aligned with weight loss goals, be mindful of the amount of vinaigrette and cheese used.
✅What variations can be made to this salad recipe?
Variations to this salad can include adding grilled chicken or shrimp for protein, swapping almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different crunch, or including other fruits like blueberries or sliced apples. For a more robust salad, add avocado slices or cucumber for additional textures and flavors.
✅How can you ensure the salad remains fresh if not served immediately?
To keep the salad fresh, store the spinach, strawberries, and almonds separately in the refrigerator. Prepare the vinaigrette and store it in a separate container. Assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain the crispness of the ingredients.
✅What is the best way to serve this Strawberry and Spinach Salad?
The best way to serve this salad is by tossing the fresh spinach leaves with the sliced strawberries and almonds, then drizzling the Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette over the top. Finish by sprinkling crumbled goat or feta cheese for added flavor. This salad is perfect as a light and refreshing starter or a healthy side dish.
