Spring Strawberry Spinach Salad

Bring the fresh flavors of the season to your table with this vibrant Spring Strawberry Spinach Salad. A refreshing blend of sweet and savory notes, this dish is perfect for an Easter gathering or a light springtime lunch.

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This salad features baby spinach and ripe strawberries dressed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. The addition of red onion and pecans adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

Ingredients

• Salad
• 5 oz (140 g) baby spinach, washed and dried
• 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/3 cup (50 g) goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup (60 g) candied pecans (or walnuts), roughly chopped
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Balsamic Vinaigrette
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1

In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and candied pecans.

Step 2

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Step 3

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 4

Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the salad just before serving. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Ensure the baby spinach is thoroughly dried after washing so the vinaigrette coats the leaves properly. For a nut or dairy allergy, omit the pecans or goat cheese accordingly, and always check product labels for potential allergens.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese or omit it, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette. You can also add grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for extra protein, or substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.

Serviervorschläge

This salad pairs beautifully with a chilled rosé or a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Serve it as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.

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Simple, elegant, and full of seasonal flavor, this Spring Strawberry Spinach Salad is sure to become a favorite in your spring recipe rotation.

Questions & Answers

→ Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can prep all components ahead, but combine the greens and dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.

→ What are alternatives for goat cheese?

Try feta, plant-based cheese, or simply omit it for a dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor.

→ How can I make the dressing sweeter or tangier?

Adjust the amount of honey or vinegar as desired. Maple syrup works well for extra sweetness or vegan needs.

→ What protein options pair well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or even quinoa blend smoothly with the other fresh ingredients.

→ Are there nut-free alternatives for crunch?

Sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds offer a safe, crunchy alternative if avoiding tree nuts.

→ Which wines complement these flavors?

A chilled rosé or crisp Sauvignon Blanc enhances the fruity and tangy notes of the salad beautifully.