Hiya friends! Today I am sharing a sweet, delicious and refreshing summer salad. It’s for a Strawberry Spinach Salad with a simple balsamic vinaigrette dressing, toasted almonds and juicy strawberries.
This is such a great summer salad recipe, that everyone will love – vegan or not. Best of all, it’s easy to throw together and for a healthy side salad at your summer bbq’s and gatherings.
I’ve been having a lot of fun this summer playing with different seasonal greens for making salad (thanks to my organic farm-share box I’ve subscribed to). And I’ll say, salads are getting much more interesting and creative. Certainly, this Strawberry Spinach Salad has been one of my fave combos.
I’ve made this salad twice now, including once over the weekend while we were at the cottage with family. It was a huge hit with our mixed crew of eaters. All-in-all, it’s a very simple and non-intimidating salad with simple ingredients. So you can rest assured it will please a crowd of skeptics.
Now, let me tell you exactly how to make this recipe. So you can enjoy it pronto!
Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Ingredients
The ingredients for this salad are simple and straightforward. You will need:
- slivered almonds
- baby spinach
- strawberries
- red onion
- baby cucumbers
As you can see it’s ultra fresh, wholesome, with simple ingredients. Which is why I have given it my Newbie Cook stamp of approval.
You should absolutely be able to find everything you need at your local grocery story to make this salad. And if you’re lucky, indulge in those fresh local strawberries to top. They are bursting with juicy flavour at this time.
Strawberry Spinach Salad: Tips & Notes
Now, as I’ve mentioned this recipe is very simple and easy to throw together. I’ve no doubt you’ll nail it. However, the no.1 important tip for ensuring this salad is fresh as can be is to dress the salad just before serving.
When it comes to greens, spinach is more on the tender side, and so it’s best to dress just before serving to ensure it stays fresh and not wilted. Another option is to serve the strawberry spinach salad dressing on the side, and have people add as much or little of the dressing as they like.
But personally, I like to be control of the final output, dressing the salad myself, to ensure the leaves are well coated and everything is combined, but not overdressed.
Bon Appetit has a helpful article for 6 common salad mistakes that’s indeed helpful for making this salad recipe. And, if you’re wondering which greens do hold up to dressing in advance (kale lovers you know what I’m talking about) than this article from Kitchn is a goodie!
Another helpful tip is to toast your slivered almonds in advance, so that they are ready for sprinkling before serving. I toast mine in the oven at 350F/175C for 5 to 6 minutes, until golden brown. Then let cool for a couple of minutes.
No oil is necessary, just pop them on a baking tray, spread to even and watch them brown. But be sure to watch them closely, as they can go from golden brown to burnt quickly!
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe
So, let’s talk a little bit about this strawberry spinach salad dressing. I’ve dressed this salad with a Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing, which is simple, healthy, slightly sweet and tart.
To make this balsamic vinaigrette dressing, you will need:
- balsamic vinegar
- olive oil
- dijon mustard
- maple syrup
- garlic
- sea salt
A few simple flavours in this dressing really takes it to the next level, from plain and boring to full of flavour. To make, simply toss together in a small bowl or jar, and whisk to combine.
The best part about the balsamic vinaigrette dressing is that it can be prepared well in advance, and it will keep in the fridge for a couple weeks. So you have a delicious balsamic vinaigrette dressing whenever you need to dress a salad.
Other recipes you might like:
If you’re digging this salad recipe, you might also like these:
- 21 best vegan salad recipes
- Kale and Quinoa Salad
- Quinoa Chickpea Salad
- Moroccan Carrot and Chickpea Salad
- Black Bean and Corn Salad
- Green Goddess Salad Dressing
So there we have it, a hella easy simple strawberry spinach salad recipe with a flavourful and easy balsamic vinaigrette dressing. It’s a lush and easy healthy salad made to please a crowd. I think you’re going to love it!
And, if you do make this recipe please let me know in the comments below what you think! I love hearing from you. And of course, tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #twospoons. Nothing makes me happier than to see your recreations.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 5 oz spinach
- 16 oz strawberries sliced
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 4 baby cucumbers or regular sized, sliced
- pinch sea salt
- pinch pepper
For the balsamic vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (176C). Sprinkle slivered almonds onto a baking tray, spreading to even and toast for 6 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl combine spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion and baby cucumbers.
- Prepare balsamic vinaigrette in a jar by combining balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dijon mustard, maple syrup, chopped garlic and sea salt. Cover with lid and shake well to combine.
- Pour half the balsamic vinaigrette over salad and toss to combine. Sprinkle with toasted almonds, and sprinkle generously with a pinch of sea salt and pepper.
Notes
Nutrition
VEGAN – WHEAT-FREE – GLUTEN-FREE – SOY-FREE – RAW
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