This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a celebration of fresh flavors and textures. Juicy, ripe strawberries bring a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crisp baby spinach, crunchy candied pecans, and creamy goat cheese. The homemade honey balsamic dressing ties everything together, adding a tangy richness that makes every bite irresistible.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a healthy side dish, or a dish to impress at a gathering, this salad is an ideal choice. Its balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes it incredibly satisfying yet refreshing. Enjoy it as is, or add grilled chicken for a more filling meal!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup candied pecans
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing emulsifies. Set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and candied pecans.
- Drizzle the honey balsamic dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
- Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 230 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing – A Refreshing and Nutritious Delight
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory elements. It’s a wonderful combination of juicy strawberries, crisp spinach, creamy goat cheese, crunchy candied pecans, and a homemade honey balsamic dressing. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or an elegant salad for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy: Takes only 10 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.
✔ Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
✔ Flavorful Balance: The sweetness of strawberries pairs beautifully with the tangy balsamic dressing and creamy goat cheese.
✔ Versatile: Enjoy it as a light meal or add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost.
The History Behind Strawberry Spinach Salad
The combination of fruit and greens in salads has been around for centuries. In medieval Europe, fresh produce was often mixed with nuts, cheeses, and light vinegar-based dressings to create refreshing dishes. The use of strawberries in salads became popular in the mid-20th century, particularly in gourmet and health-conscious kitchens. Over time, this spinach and strawberry salad gained recognition for its nutritional benefits and delicious contrast of flavors.
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
- Baby Spinach – A nutrient-dense leafy green that provides a mild, slightly earthy flavor. Substitute with arugula, romaine, or mixed greens.
- Strawberries – The star ingredient that adds sweetness and juiciness. Swap with blueberries, raspberries, or sliced apples for variety.
- Candied Pecans – Provide a sweet crunch. Substitute with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- Goat Cheese – Adds a creamy, tangy contrast. Replace with feta, blue cheese, or a dairy-free alternative.
- Red Onion – Brings a mild sharpness that balances the sweetness. For a milder flavor, soak in cold water before adding.
- Honey Balsamic Dressing – A simple, tangy-sweet dressing that enhances all the flavors. For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup.
Best Ways to Serve This Salad
🥗 As a Main Course: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a protein boost.
🍽 As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roast chicken, steak, or grilled vegetables.
🍞 With Bread: Pair with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or garlic bread.
🍷 At a Gathering: This salad is perfect for potlucks, brunches, or BBQs as a fresh and light option.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare all ingredients separately and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.
- How to Store Leftovers: If the salad is already dressed, it is best eaten within 24 hours to prevent sogginess. If undressed, the ingredients will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- Dressing Storage: The homemade honey balsamic dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before using.
Health Benefits of This Salad
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is more than just delicious—it’s also packed with essential nutrients:
✔ Spinach – High in iron, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants that support heart and bone health.
✔ Strawberries – Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
✔ Pecans – Provide healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals for brain health.
✔ Goat Cheese – Contains calcium, protein, and probiotics that support gut health.
✔ Balsamic Vinegar – Aids digestion and contains beneficial polyphenols that promote heart health.
Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad
🔸 Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The sweeter the strawberries, the better the flavor.
🔸 Toast the Pecans: Lightly toasting them enhances their flavor and crunch.
🔸 Slice the Red Onion Thinly: Soaking the slices in water for 10 minutes helps reduce sharpness.
🔸 Drizzle Dressing Just Before Serving: This keeps the salad fresh and crisp.
Variations & Customizations
✔ Add Protein: Try grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, tofu, or chickpeas.
✔ Make it Vegan: Swap honey for maple syrup and goat cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
✔ Add More Crunch: Try adding crispy bacon bits or toasted sunflower seeds.
✔ Switch Up the Dressing: Try a poppy seed dressing, raspberry vinaigrette, or lemon tahini dressing.
Why This Salad Is a Must-Try
✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, making it a great last-minute dish.
✔ Nutritious & Healthy: Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats.
✔ Versatile: Can be customized with your favorite nuts, cheese, or protein.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, barbecues, picnics, or brunches.
✔ Homemade Dressing: The honey balsamic dressing is simple, natural, and free from preservatives.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing is a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, vibrant, and healthy dishes. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a perfect meal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a refreshing salad for lunch.
Have you tried this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know how you customized it! 💬🍓🥗