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Strawberry spinach salad
One afternoon, my garden threw a spinach party, and my fridge RSVP’d with a quart of perfectly ripe strawberries. Clearly, it was time for a match made in salad heaven. Enter this spinach strawberry salad recipe—a sweet, tangy, crunchy creation that’s become a family favorite faster than you can say “seconds, please.”
This isn’t just any salad. It’s the kind that’s effortless enough for a Tuesday lunch but fancy enough to steal the show at dinner. Oh, and spoiler alert: it’s not just a summer fling. This beauty works year-round—even as a holiday sidekick.
What makes it a star? The textures, baby. Crisp spinach, juicy strawberries, and almonds for that perfect crunch. And the dressing? A tangy-sweet combo that pulls it all together like it’s hosting a salad Olympics.
Now it’s on repeat in my kitchen, whether for garden parties, last-minute dinners, or just because. It’s sunshine in a bowl, no matter the season.
What makes this spinach strawberry salad recipe stand out is its blend of simplicity and sophistication. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s easy to prepare, but the flavors feel special enough to impress guests. The fresh spinach provides an earthy base, while the strawberries add natural sweetness. A sprinkle of almonds brings crunch, and the homemade dressing is a flavor-packed finale that elevates the whole dish.
This salad is also incredibly versatile. Pair it with grilled chicken for a light meal, serve it as a refreshing side, or enjoy it on its own for a healthy snack. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
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Strawberry Spinach Salad
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a match made in heaven that kids and adults will enjoy! Take it to a potluck dinner and reap the compliments! It’s also a great way to get kids to eat spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salads & Dressings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
- 1 quart (4 cups) strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and sliced
- 1/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and onion. Cover, and chill for 1 hour.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, and almonds. Pour dressing over salad, and toss. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Let’s break down what makes this salad so special:
- Spinach: The star of the show, spinach is tender yet hearty enough to hold up under the dressing. It’s also packed with nutrients like iron and vitamin C, making this dish as healthy as it is tasty.
- Strawberries: Sweet and juicy, strawberries bring a burst of brightness to the salad. Their natural sugars balance the tanginess of the dressing perfectly.
- Almonds: A sprinkle of slivered almonds adds a nutty crunch that complements the soft textures of the spinach and strawberries.
- Sesame and Poppy Seeds: These tiny powerhouses add visual appeal and a subtle nuttiness to the dressing.
- Homemade Dressing: A mix of olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar creates a sweet-tangy dressing that ties all the flavors together.
The first time I made this spinach strawberry salad recipe, I underestimated just how simple it would be. The prep work—rinsing the spinach, hulling the strawberries, and whisking the dressing—was done in under 20 minutes.
The biggest surprise was the dressing. I’m not usually a fan of sweet dressings, but this one struck the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. Mixing the sesame seeds and poppy seeds into the dressing gave it a subtle crunch that I loved.
The salad itself came together effortlessly. Tossing the spinach, strawberries, and almonds with the chilled dressing felt almost too easy for something that tastes this good. And the best part? My daughter not only helped prepare it, but she also declared it her “favorite salad ever.”
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Swap almonds for pecans or walnuts: Both bring a rich nuttiness that pairs well with the strawberries.
- Add cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese adds creaminess and tang.
- Experiment with fruit: Try substituting strawberries with blueberries, blackberries, or even sliced peaches for a seasonal twist.
- Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein.
- Use baby kale or arugula: If spinach isn’t your favorite, these greens work just as well and bring their own unique flavors.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries: The flavor of the salad depends on the sweetness of the berries, so pick the best ones you can find.
- Dry your spinach thoroughly: Wet leaves can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.
- Toast the almonds: Lightly toasting the almonds enhances their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch.
- Chill the dressing: Letting the dressing sit in the fridge for an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Toss right before serving: This keeps the salad fresh and prevents the spinach from wilting.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the sugar in the dressing slightly.
- Double the dressing: It stores well in the fridge and can be used on other salads throughout the week.
This spinach strawberry salad recipe is a feast for the senses. The sweetness of the strawberries contrasts beautifully with the earthy spinach, while the almonds add a satisfying crunch. The dressing, with its tangy vinegar and hint of paprika, ties everything together with a velvety finish.
Compared to other salads, this one feels light yet indulgent. It’s the kind of dish you could eat on repeat without ever getting bored. And because it’s so visually stunning—bright greens, vibrant reds, and golden almonds—it’s as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.
This spinach strawberry salad recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a dinner party, or a picnic, it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines fresh, wholesome ingredients with incredible flavor and texture.
Want to grow your own spinach? With our Spinach Gardening Guide, you gain comprehensive knowledge on growing and enjoying this nutritious leafy green. Discover the ideal growing zones, soil requirements, optimal watering, and fertilization methods for lush, healthy spinach. Learn to prevent common pests and diseases and Explore easy-to-follow recipes. With this guide, you’ll have everything you need to grow, harvest, and savor fresh spinach in your garden!
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own. What twists did you add? Did you fall in love with the dressing like I did? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it!
