Description
This 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is a quick, vibrant, and refreshing dish made with tender spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts. Tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette, it’s perfect as a light lunch, a colorful side, or an easy crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- ¼ cup toasted pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds
- Optional: sliced avocado or grilled chicken for added protein
For the Vinaigrette:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together olive oil, vinegar, honey/maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, red onion, cheese, and nuts.
- Dress and serve: Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving. Toss gently to coat. Top with avocado or grilled chicken if desired.
Notes
- Swap spinach for arugula or mixed greens.
- Add blueberries or mandarin oranges for a fruity variation.
- Mix in cooked quinoa or farro to make it more filling.
- Use sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
- Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the dressing for creaminess.
