Strawberry Spinach Salad with Walnuts

In our home, weeknight dinners can sometimes feel a bit rushed, and finding something healthy and satisfying that everyone enjoys can be a challenge. That’s where this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Walnuts has become an absolute lifesaver. Honestly, it’s more than just a salad; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that even my picky eaters adore. The sweetness of the strawberries perfectly complements the earthy spinach and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. The first time I made it, my family devoured it in minutes, and it’s been a requested staple ever since. Whether as a light lunch, a side dish for grilled chicken or fish, or even a refreshing main course on a warm day, this salad is incredibly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both delicious and nutritious, look no further – this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Walnuts is guaranteed to become your new favorite too!

Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Walnuts

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh Spinach: (10 ounces) The base of our salad, providing a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a wealth of nutrients. Look for pre-washed spinach to save time. Baby spinach is particularly tender and works wonderfully.
• Fresh Strawberries: (1 pint) The star of the show! Ripe, juicy strawberries bring a burst of sweetness and vibrant color. Choose bright red, fragrant berries for the best flavor.
• Walnuts: (½ cup) Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the earthiness of the spinach. Raw or toasted walnuts work well.
• Red Onion: (¼ cup, thinly sliced) Provides a zesty bite that cuts through the sweetness and adds complexity to the salad. Thinly slicing is key for a milder flavor.
• Feta Cheese: (½ cup, crumbled) Offers a salty, tangy counterpoint to the sweet strawberries and rich walnuts. Look for block feta in brine for the best flavor and texture, and crumble it yourself.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing: (½ cup, or to taste) The perfect dressing to tie all the flavors together. A homemade balsamic vinaigrette is highly recommended for the best taste, but a good quality store-bought version will also work.

Instructions: How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Walnuts

Making this Strawberry Spinach Salad is incredibly easy and quick. Follow these simple steps for a perfect salad every time:

1. Prepare the Spinach: Begin by thoroughly washing your spinach, even if it’s pre-washed. Place the spinach in a large salad spinner and rinse it under cold water. Spin it dry to remove excess moisture. If you don’t have a salad spinner, gently pat the spinach dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as excess water will dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. Once dried, place the spinach in a large serving bowl.
2. Prepare the Strawberries: Wash the strawberries under cool running water. Gently pat them dry with paper towels. Remove the green hulls from the strawberries using a paring knife or a strawberry huller. Slice the strawberries into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Larger strawberries should be quartered, while smaller ones can be halved. Sliced strawberries release their flavor more readily and are easier to eat in a salad. Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl with the spinach.
3. Prepare the Red Onion: Peel a small red onion and cut it in half. Thinly slice one half of the red onion using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for uniform slices. Thin slices are important to prevent the onion from overpowering the salad. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 5-10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This helps to reduce the sharpness. Add the thinly sliced red onion to the spinach and strawberries.
4. Prepare the Walnuts: If using raw walnuts, you can toast them for enhanced flavor. To toast walnuts, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned, being careful not to burn them. Alternatively, you can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently. Toasting brings out the natural oils and nutty flavor of the walnuts. Once toasted, let them cool slightly. If using pre-toasted walnuts, you can skip this step. Roughly chop the walnuts if desired, or leave them as halves or pieces for a more rustic texture. Add the walnuts to the salad bowl.
5. Add the Feta Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese over the spinach, strawberries, red onion, and walnuts. Distribute it evenly for a balanced flavor in each bite. If you bought block feta in brine, drain it well before crumbling. You can crumble it with your fingers or use a fork. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use goat cheese instead of feta.
6. Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing: If making homemade balsamic vinaigrette, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup (for sweetness), salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. A good ratio is typically 3 parts olive oil to 1 part balsamic vinegar, but adjust to your preference. If using store-bought dressing, ensure it’s a good quality balsamic vinaigrette.
7. Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad. Start with about half of the dressing and toss gently to combine all the ingredients and ensure the spinach is lightly coated. Add more dressing to your liking, being careful not to oversaturate the salad, which can make it soggy. It’s always better to start with less dressing and add more as needed.
8. Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Walnuts immediately after dressing. This prevents the spinach from wilting and the walnuts from becoming soggy. If you are preparing the salad ahead of time, you can prepare all the components (spinach, strawberries, red onion, walnuts, feta) and store them separately. Keep the dressing separate as well. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving.

Nutrition Facts for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Walnuts (per serving)

This Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a general overview of the nutritional content per serving (based on a recipe divided into 4 servings; nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and dressing quantity):

• Calories: Approximately 250-350 calories per serving. This makes it a relatively light and healthy option for a meal or side dish. The calorie count will depend on the amount of dressing used and the specific ingredients.
• Vitamin C: High in Vitamin C. Strawberries and spinach are excellent sources of this powerful antioxidant, which supports immune function, skin health, and iron absorption. A single serving can easily provide more than 100% of your daily recommended Vitamin C intake.
• Vitamin K: Excellent source of Vitamin K. Spinach is particularly rich in Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health. This salad contributes significantly to your daily Vitamin K needs.
• Healthy Fats: Contains healthy fats from walnuts and olive oil (in the dressing). Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat, also known for its heart-healthy properties.
• Fiber: Good source of dietary fiber. Spinach and strawberries contribute to the fiber content, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Fiber is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.

Note: These are estimated nutritional values and can vary. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input the exact ingredients and quantities used.

Preparation Time for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Walnuts

This salad is wonderfully quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

• Total Preparation Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes. This includes washing and prepping the ingredients, slicing strawberries and red onion, crumbling feta, and making the dressing (if homemade). The majority of the time is spent on washing and chopping, which is minimal. If using pre-washed spinach and store-bought dressing, the preparation time can be even shorter, around 10 minutes or less.

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Walnuts

This versatile salad can be served in numerous ways. Here are some ideas:

• As a Light Lunch: Enjoy a generous portion of the salad as a refreshing and satisfying light lunch. It’s packed with nutrients and flavor to keep you energized throughout the afternoon.
• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, steak, or pork. The salad’s fresh flavors and vibrant colors complement heavier main courses beautifully, adding a healthy and bright element to the meal.
• As a Vegetarian Main Course: Add protein to make it a more substantial vegetarian main course. Consider adding:
  • Grilled or Roasted Chicken or Shrimp: For a non-vegetarian protein boost.
  • Grilled Halloumi Cheese: Adds a salty and satisfying vegetarian protein option.
  • Chickpeas or White Beans: For a plant-based protein source, roasted or pan-fried chickpeas add great texture and flavor.
  • Quinoa or Lentils: Mix in cooked quinoa or lentils for added protein and fiber, turning it into a heartier salad.
• For Brunch: Include it as part of a brunch spread. It pairs well with egg dishes, quiches, and breakfast pastries, offering a fresh and healthy counterpoint to richer brunch items.
• Potlucks and Gatherings: Perfect for bringing to potlucks, picnics, and summer barbecues. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and travels well if you keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.

Additional Tips for the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad

Elevate your Strawberry Spinach Salad with these helpful tips:

1. Use High-Quality Balsamic Vinegar: The quality of your balsamic vinegar significantly impacts the dressing’s flavor. Opt for a good quality balsamic vinegar for a richer, more complex taste. Look for balsamic vinegar of Modena IGP for a guaranteed quality product.
2. Toast the Walnuts for Enhanced Flavor: Toasting walnuts brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Don’t skip this step for a more flavorful salad. Even a few minutes in a dry pan or oven makes a big difference.
3. Don’t Overdress the Salad: Start with a small amount of dressing and add more gradually. Overdressing can make the salad soggy and mask the fresh flavors of the ingredients. It’s always better to add a little more dressing at the end if needed.
4. Add a Touch of Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor profile by adding fresh herbs like basil or mint. Chopped fresh basil or mint leaves add a refreshing and aromatic dimension to the salad, complementing the strawberries and balsamic.
5. Experiment with Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try other cheeses like goat cheese, crumbled blue cheese, or even shaved Parmesan. Each cheese will bring a different flavor profile to the salad, allowing for customization to your taste.
6. Make it Vegan: Easily make this salad vegan by omitting the feta cheese. It’s still delicious without it! You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor alternative or include avocado for creaminess.
7. Prepare Ingredients Ahead of Time: To save time, wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries and red onion, crumble the feta, and toast the walnuts ahead of time. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Make the dressing and store it separately as well. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving.
8. Add Other Fruits: While strawberries are the star, you can add other fruits for extra flavor and variety. Blueberries, raspberries, or even mandarin oranges can be delicious additions, creating a mixed berry spinach salad variation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Strawberry Spinach Salad with Walnuts

Here are some common questions people ask about making and serving Strawberry Spinach Salad:

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: It’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting and the walnuts from becoming soggy. However, you can prepare all the components (spinach, strawberries, red onion, walnuts, feta, dressing) separately and store them in the refrigerator. Then, simply combine them and dress the salad right before serving.

Q2: Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?
A: Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even pistachios would be delicious substitutes for walnuts. Each nut will offer a slightly different flavor and texture. Consider toasting any nuts you use for the best flavor.

Q3: What if I don’t like red onion? Can I omit it?
A: Yes, you can omit red onion if you don’t like it. Alternatively, you can use a milder onion like shallots or sweet onion. Soaking red onion in cold water for a few minutes can also reduce its sharpness.

Q4: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Fresh strawberries are highly recommended for the best flavor and texture in this salad. Frozen strawberries can become watery and mushy when thawed. If you must use frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and drain off excess liquid before adding them to the salad. However, the texture will be compromised.

Q5: What are some variations for the dressing?
A: There are many ways to customize the dressing! You can add a touch of Dijon mustard for tanginess, honey or maple syrup for sweetness, or garlic for a bolder flavor. You can also experiment with different vinegars like apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a different flavor profile. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the dressing.

Q6: Is this salad suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
A: Yes, this salad can be easily adapted for various dietary needs. It’s naturally gluten-free. To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or use a vegan feta alternative. For those watching their sodium intake, use low-sodium feta or reduce the amount of feta.

Q7: How long will leftover Strawberry Spinach Salad last?
A: It’s best to consume the salad immediately after dressing. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The spinach may wilt and the salad may become slightly soggy, especially if it’s already been dressed. It’s best to eat leftovers within 1-2 days for optimal quality. Undressed salad components will last longer separately.

Q8: Can I add protein to make it a more complete meal?
A: Yes! Adding protein is a great way to make this salad a more substantial meal. Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, lentils, quinoa, or halloumi cheese are all excellent protein additions that pair wonderfully with the flavors of this salad. Consider adding grilled salmon or tofu for other protein options.

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