Spring in a Bowl: Strawberry Spinach Salad

Spring is the perfect time to renew our menus with something light, bright and full of flavor. This Strawberry Spinach Salad is just that—a delightful combination of sweet strawberries, crunchy almonds, and fresh spinach, all tossed in a tangy dressing. This salad is a winner whether you want a quick lunch or you want a side dish for dinner. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

• Light and healthy: Spinach, strawberry, and almond.
• Fast and simple: Done in 15 minutes.
• Spring thing: A bright, refreshing dish of the season.
• Versatile: Good as a side or a main dish with protein added.

Ingredients Overview:

Here’s what you need for this Strawberry Spinach Salad:

• 4 cups baby spinach: The salad base, full of vitamins.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced): For sweetness and a dash of color.
• 1/4 cup crushed almonds: For some crunchy satisfaction.
• 2 tbsp goji berries: For tang, rich in nutrients.
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds: Provides a juicy, tart taste.
• 1 small red onion (thinly sliced): Adds a mild, salty bite.
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar: Used to marinate onions and for some acido in the dish.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: The dressing base.
• 1 tbsp plant-based vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Gives the dressing depth.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season so that flavors are balanced.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step-by-Step Instructions:

So get ready to make your Strawberry Spinach Salad in a few simple steps:

1. Prepare the onions:

• Thinly slice the red onion.
• Put the slices in a bowl and marinate them for 10 minutes in red wine vinegar. This softens their sharpness.

2. Wash and prep your produce:

• Wash the baby spinach and dry it.
• Cut the strawberries into quarters.
• Crush the almonds lightly.

3. Assemble the salad:

• Transfer the baby spinach to a big bowl.
• Sprinkle with sliced strawberries, crushed almonds, goji berries, and pomegranate seeds.

4. Add the marinated onions:

• Add the onions to the salad, along with the drained frizzled onions.

5. Make the dressing:

• Add olive oil, plant-based vinegar, salt and pepper to a small jar.
• Shake well until emulsified.

6. Toss and serve:

• Pour the dressing over the salad.
• Gently toss to coat all the ingredients.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, Tips, and Variations

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as a light lunch or a dinner.
• Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp, for a protein boost.
• Serve alongside pasta or roasted vegetables.

Storage Suggestions:

• Refrigerate: The salad (undressed) will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
• Dressing: Make the dressing separately and put it on right before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• Add cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese goes beautifully with the strawberries.
• Change the nuts: Use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds.
• Sweeten the deal: Drizzle honey or balsamic glaze.
• For added protein: Mix in some grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegan option.

FAQs

1. What can you do with frozen strawberries?

• This recipe is ideal with fresh strawberries, but thawed frozen strawberries will do in a pinch.

    2. Can I skip the onions?

• Yes, you can omit onions if you’re not fond of them.

    3. Which substitutes can I use for goji berries?

• Dried cranberries or raisins are good substitutes.

    4. How long does the salad last?

• It’s best fresh, but you can keep it (without the dressing) for up to 1 day.

    5. Can I prep this salad ahead of  time?

• Yes, but store the dressing separately and add it before serving so the spinach doesn’t wilt.

This Strawberry Spinach Salad that is as pretty as it is tasty. For spring, this salad is going to bring some brightness to your meals. Enjoy!

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 15 Minute Cooking Time: 0 Minute 0 Minute

Nutrition facts: 180 calories 12 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

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Ingredients

MAIN INGREDIENTS

• • 4 cups baby spinach
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup crushed almonds
  • 2 tbsp goji berries
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp plant-based vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • Salt and pepper

DRESSING

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp plant-based vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Pickle onions in red wine vinegar.
• Make a salad of spinach, strawberries, almonds, goji berries and pomegranate seeds.
• Add marinated onions.
• Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar dressing.

Notes

• Add toppings of cheese, nuts, or protein to enhance flavor.