![- 4 cups fresh baby spinach - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste This salad shines with fresh and colorful ingredients. Each one adds a special touch. You start with the baby spinach, which is tender and vibrant. It gives the salad a nice base. Then, you add juicy strawberries. Their sweetness pairs well with the spinach. The red onion adds a bit of crunch and a hint of sharpness. This balance makes the salad more interesting. It’s not just one flavor; it’s a mix that dances on your taste buds. Next, we have goat cheese. Its creaminess brings a rich texture. It complements the crunch of the walnuts perfectly. Toasted walnuts add warmth and depth. They also give the salad a satisfying crunch. Finally, the dressing is simple but flavorful. Balsamic vinegar brings acidity. Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness. Olive oil ties everything together. You can adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. These ingredients come together to create a healthy and flavorful meal. You can find the full recipe for this Strawberry Spinach Salad to try it out at home! Start by taking a large bowl. Add 4 cups of fresh baby spinach. Then, toss in 1 cup of hulled and sliced strawberries. These two ingredients create a bright base full of flavor. Next, it's time to add some richness. Incorporate 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese into the mix. Then, add 1/2 cup of toasted walnuts for a nice crunch. Finally, include 1/4 of a thinly sliced red onion for a bit of zing. Now, let's make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix until everything is well blended. This dressing will tie all the flavors together. Drizzle the dressing over your salad ingredients. Gently toss the salad to combine all the flavors. Be careful not to bruise the spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can serve it right away or chill for 15 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together. Enjoy your fresh, healthy Strawberry Spinach Salad! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get the best spinach and strawberries, look for bright colors. Spinach should be deep green and crisp. Avoid any wilted or yellow leaves. For strawberries, pick ones that are plump and vibrant red. Check for firmness and a sweet scent. If they smell great, they are likely fresh. Always wash your produce well before use. You can adjust the sweetness and acidity in the dressing to suit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup. For a tangy kick, increase the balsamic vinegar. Taste the dressing before pouring it on the salad. This way, you can ensure it matches your flavor preference. Presentation is key to a lovely salad. Serve it in a large, shallow bowl for easy sharing. Add some extra strawberries on top for color. Crumbled goat cheese can also be sprinkled on top. For a final touch, sprinkle a few toasted walnuts for crunch. This makes the salad not only tasty but beautiful too. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above and enjoy your delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad! {{image_2}} You can boost your salad's nutrition by adding protein. Grilled chicken makes a great choice. It brings a savory taste that pairs well with the sweet strawberries. Chickpeas are another option. They add a nice texture and are great for plant-based diets. Simply toss in the protein of your choice to make it heartier. Try adding apples for a crunchy touch. Sliced apples give a sweet bite that balances the salad. Feta cheese can also enhance the flavor. Its tangy taste contrasts nicely with the strawberries. You might enjoy adding dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins. They bring extra sweetness and chewiness to each bite. Experiment with different dressings to add more flavor. A honey mustard dressing can bring a sweet and tangy twist. You could also try a lemon vinaigrette for a zesty kick. Homemade dressings are easy to prepare and can enhance your salad. Just mix basic ingredients like oil, vinegar, and your favorite spices. These options let you create a unique flavor every time. For the full recipe, check out the Strawberry Spinach Delight 🥗. Store leftover salad in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to one day. This helps keep the spinach fresh and crisp. If you have dressing left, store it separately to prevent sogginess. Just toss it in before you eat. To prep for long-term storage, you can freeze some parts. Spinach and strawberries do not freeze well. Instead, freeze nuts and cheese. Place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can add the fresh spinach and strawberries when you are ready to serve. This salad is best served cold, so reheating is not needed. If you want it a bit warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. This helps blend the flavors. Just remember to toss the salad gently after sitting to mix everything nicely. For the freshest taste, use the [Full Recipe] right before serving. When selecting strawberries, look for bright red color. The berries should feel firm and plump. Avoid any with dull spots or green patches. Smelling the berries can help, too. Ripe strawberries have a sweet aroma. If you see any mold, skip those. Fresh strawberries make your salad taste great. Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead. To do this, keep the dressing separate. Mix the spinach and strawberries in a bowl. Store them in the fridge, covered. Add the cheese and nuts just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy. If you want, chill the salad for 15 minutes before serving. If you don't have goat cheese, try feta cheese. It has a similar tangy taste. You can also use ricotta for a creamier texture. If you prefer, try a vegan cheese made from nuts. Each option gives the salad a nice twist while keeping it tasty. To make the salad vegan, skip the goat cheese. Replace it with a nut cheese or avocado. This keeps the salad creamy and rich. For the dressing, use maple syrup instead of honey. This way, you have a delicious, plant-based meal that everyone can enjoy. This salad combines fresh spinach, strawberries, walnuts, and goat cheese for a tasty dish. You learned how to mix the base, whisk the dressing, and serve it beautifully. Remember to keep ingredients fresh for that perfect crunch. Feel free to add protein or try different dressings for variety. Proper storage can keep your salad tasty for days. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this vibrant meal. It’s a simple way to keep eating healthy and delicious!](https://mycookingcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c1780da9-4b11-4ca6-bc15-fc2c40aaa35a-768x768.webp)
Looking for a quick, healthy meal that bursts with flavor? This Strawberry Spinach Salad is the perfect solution! With fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts, each bite is a mix of textures and tastes. Plus, I’ll guide you through a simple dressing that ties it all together. Dive in to discover how to whip up this delicious salad and elevate your everyday meals!
Ingredients
Fresh Produce
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach
– 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Cheese and Nuts
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
Dressing Components
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
This salad shines with fresh and colorful ingredients. Each one adds a special touch. You start with the baby spinach, which is tender and vibrant. It gives the salad a nice base. Then, you add juicy strawberries. Their sweetness pairs well with the spinach.
The red onion adds a bit of crunch and a hint of sharpness. This balance makes the salad more interesting. It’s not just one flavor; it’s a mix that dances on your taste buds.
Next, we have goat cheese. Its creaminess brings a rich texture. It complements the crunch of the walnuts perfectly. Toasted walnuts add warmth and depth. They also give the salad a satisfying crunch.
Finally, the dressing is simple but flavorful. Balsamic vinegar brings acidity. Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness. Olive oil ties everything together. You can adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
These ingredients come together to create a healthy and flavorful meal. You can find the full recipe for this Strawberry Spinach Salad to try it out at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mixing the Base Ingredients
Start by taking a large bowl. Add 4 cups of fresh baby spinach. Then, toss in 1 cup of hulled and sliced strawberries. These two ingredients create a bright base full of flavor.
Adding Cheese and Nuts
Next, it’s time to add some richness. Incorporate 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese into the mix. Then, add 1/2 cup of toasted walnuts for a nice crunch. Finally, include 1/4 of a thinly sliced red onion for a bit of zing.
Whisking the Dressing
Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix until everything is well blended. This dressing will tie all the flavors together.
Tossing and Serving
Drizzle the dressing over your salad ingredients. Gently toss the salad to combine all the flavors. Be careful not to bruise the spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can serve it right away or chill for 15 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together. Enjoy your fresh, healthy Strawberry Spinach Salad! For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Freshness
To get the best spinach and strawberries, look for bright colors. Spinach should be deep green and crisp. Avoid any wilted or yellow leaves. For strawberries, pick ones that are plump and vibrant red. Check for firmness and a sweet scent. If they smell great, they are likely fresh. Always wash your produce well before use.
Perfecting the Dressing
You can adjust the sweetness and acidity in the dressing to suit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup. For a tangy kick, increase the balsamic vinegar. Taste the dressing before pouring it on the salad. This way, you can ensure it matches your flavor preference.
Presentation Ideas
Presentation is key to a lovely salad. Serve it in a large, shallow bowl for easy sharing. Add some extra strawberries on top for color. Crumbled goat cheese can also be sprinkled on top. For a final touch, sprinkle a few toasted walnuts for crunch. This makes the salad not only tasty but beautiful too.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above and enjoy your delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad!
Variations
Adding Protein
You can boost your salad’s nutrition by adding protein. Grilled chicken makes a great choice. It brings a savory taste that pairs well with the sweet strawberries. Chickpeas are another option. They add a nice texture and are great for plant-based diets. Simply toss in the protein of your choice to make it heartier.
Sweet and Savory Twists
Try adding apples for a crunchy touch. Sliced apples give a sweet bite that balances the salad. Feta cheese can also enhance the flavor. Its tangy taste contrasts nicely with the strawberries. You might enjoy adding dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins. They bring extra sweetness and chewiness to each bite.
Alternative Dressings
Experiment with different dressings to add more flavor. A honey mustard dressing can bring a sweet and tangy twist. You could also try a lemon vinaigrette for a zesty kick. Homemade dressings are easy to prepare and can enhance your salad. Just mix basic ingredients like oil, vinegar, and your favorite spices. These options let you create a unique flavor every time.
For the full recipe, check out the Strawberry Spinach Delight 🥗.
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
Store leftover salad in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to one day. This helps keep the spinach fresh and crisp. If you have dressing left, store it separately to prevent sogginess. Just toss it in before you eat.
Long-term Storage
To prep for long-term storage, you can freeze some parts. Spinach and strawberries do not freeze well. Instead, freeze nuts and cheese. Place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can add the fresh spinach and strawberries when you are ready to serve.
Reheating Instructions
This salad is best served cold, so reheating is not needed. If you want it a bit warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. This helps blend the flavors. Just remember to toss the salad gently after sitting to mix everything nicely. For the freshest taste, use the [Full Recipe] right before serving.
FAQs
How do I choose ripe strawberries?
When selecting strawberries, look for bright red color. The berries should feel firm and plump. Avoid any with dull spots or green patches. Smelling the berries can help, too. Ripe strawberries have a sweet aroma. If you see any mold, skip those. Fresh strawberries make your salad taste great.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead. To do this, keep the dressing separate. Mix the spinach and strawberries in a bowl. Store them in the fridge, covered. Add the cheese and nuts just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy. If you want, chill the salad for 15 minutes before serving.
What can I substitute for goat cheese?
If you don’t have goat cheese, try feta cheese. It has a similar tangy taste. You can also use ricotta for a creamier texture. If you prefer, try a vegan cheese made from nuts. Each option gives the salad a nice twist while keeping it tasty.
How do I make it vegan-friendly?
To make the salad vegan, skip the goat cheese. Replace it with a nut cheese or avocado. This keeps the salad creamy and rich. For the dressing, use maple syrup instead of honey. This way, you have a delicious, plant-based meal that everyone can enjoy.
This salad combines fresh spinach, strawberries, walnuts, and goat cheese for a tasty dish. You learned how to mix the base, whisk the dressing, and serve it beautifully. Remember to keep ingredients fresh for that perfect crunch. Feel free to add protein or try different dressings for variety. Proper storage can keep your salad tasty for days. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this vibrant meal. It’s a simple way to keep eating healthy and delicious!
![- 4 cups fresh baby spinach - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste This salad shines with fresh and colorful ingredients. Each one adds a special touch. You start with the baby spinach, which is tender and vibrant. It gives the salad a nice base. Then, you add juicy strawberries. Their sweetness pairs well with the spinach. The red onion adds a bit of crunch and a hint of sharpness. This balance makes the salad more interesting. It’s not just one flavor; it’s a mix that dances on your taste buds. Next, we have goat cheese. Its creaminess brings a rich texture. It complements the crunch of the walnuts perfectly. Toasted walnuts add warmth and depth. They also give the salad a satisfying crunch. Finally, the dressing is simple but flavorful. Balsamic vinegar brings acidity. Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness. Olive oil ties everything together. You can adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. These ingredients come together to create a healthy and flavorful meal. You can find the full recipe for this Strawberry Spinach Salad to try it out at home! Start by taking a large bowl. Add 4 cups of fresh baby spinach. Then, toss in 1 cup of hulled and sliced strawberries. These two ingredients create a bright base full of flavor. Next, it's time to add some richness. Incorporate 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese into the mix. Then, add 1/2 cup of toasted walnuts for a nice crunch. Finally, include 1/4 of a thinly sliced red onion for a bit of zing. Now, let's make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix until everything is well blended. This dressing will tie all the flavors together. Drizzle the dressing over your salad ingredients. Gently toss the salad to combine all the flavors. Be careful not to bruise the spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can serve it right away or chill for 15 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together. Enjoy your fresh, healthy Strawberry Spinach Salad! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get the best spinach and strawberries, look for bright colors. Spinach should be deep green and crisp. Avoid any wilted or yellow leaves. For strawberries, pick ones that are plump and vibrant red. Check for firmness and a sweet scent. If they smell great, they are likely fresh. Always wash your produce well before use. You can adjust the sweetness and acidity in the dressing to suit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup. For a tangy kick, increase the balsamic vinegar. Taste the dressing before pouring it on the salad. This way, you can ensure it matches your flavor preference. Presentation is key to a lovely salad. Serve it in a large, shallow bowl for easy sharing. Add some extra strawberries on top for color. Crumbled goat cheese can also be sprinkled on top. For a final touch, sprinkle a few toasted walnuts for crunch. This makes the salad not only tasty but beautiful too. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above and enjoy your delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad! {{image_2}} You can boost your salad's nutrition by adding protein. Grilled chicken makes a great choice. It brings a savory taste that pairs well with the sweet strawberries. Chickpeas are another option. They add a nice texture and are great for plant-based diets. Simply toss in the protein of your choice to make it heartier. Try adding apples for a crunchy touch. Sliced apples give a sweet bite that balances the salad. Feta cheese can also enhance the flavor. Its tangy taste contrasts nicely with the strawberries. You might enjoy adding dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins. They bring extra sweetness and chewiness to each bite. Experiment with different dressings to add more flavor. A honey mustard dressing can bring a sweet and tangy twist. You could also try a lemon vinaigrette for a zesty kick. Homemade dressings are easy to prepare and can enhance your salad. Just mix basic ingredients like oil, vinegar, and your favorite spices. These options let you create a unique flavor every time. For the full recipe, check out the Strawberry Spinach Delight 🥗. Store leftover salad in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to one day. This helps keep the spinach fresh and crisp. If you have dressing left, store it separately to prevent sogginess. Just toss it in before you eat. To prep for long-term storage, you can freeze some parts. Spinach and strawberries do not freeze well. Instead, freeze nuts and cheese. Place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can add the fresh spinach and strawberries when you are ready to serve. This salad is best served cold, so reheating is not needed. If you want it a bit warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. This helps blend the flavors. Just remember to toss the salad gently after sitting to mix everything nicely. For the freshest taste, use the [Full Recipe] right before serving. When selecting strawberries, look for bright red color. The berries should feel firm and plump. Avoid any with dull spots or green patches. Smelling the berries can help, too. Ripe strawberries have a sweet aroma. If you see any mold, skip those. Fresh strawberries make your salad taste great. Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead. To do this, keep the dressing separate. Mix the spinach and strawberries in a bowl. Store them in the fridge, covered. Add the cheese and nuts just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy. If you want, chill the salad for 15 minutes before serving. If you don't have goat cheese, try feta cheese. It has a similar tangy taste. You can also use ricotta for a creamier texture. If you prefer, try a vegan cheese made from nuts. Each option gives the salad a nice twist while keeping it tasty. To make the salad vegan, skip the goat cheese. Replace it with a nut cheese or avocado. This keeps the salad creamy and rich. For the dressing, use maple syrup instead of honey. This way, you have a delicious, plant-based meal that everyone can enjoy. This salad combines fresh spinach, strawberries, walnuts, and goat cheese for a tasty dish. You learned how to mix the base, whisk the dressing, and serve it beautifully. Remember to keep ingredients fresh for that perfect crunch. Feel free to add protein or try different dressings for variety. Proper storage can keep your salad tasty for days. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this vibrant meal. It’s a simple way to keep eating healthy and delicious!](https://mycookingcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c1780da9-4b11-4ca6-bc15-fc2c40aaa35a-250x250.webp)
