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Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Fresh Strawberry Spinach
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This vibrant salad features strawberries, spinach, goat cheese, and toasted nuts tossed in a flavorful balsamic dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

  • 10 oz baby spinach (or a mix of spinach and arugula)

  • 1 lb strawberries, trimmed and sliced 1/4 inch thick

  • 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves

  • 1/4–1/2 cup thinly sliced red onions

  • 2/3 cup crumbled goat cheese (plus extra for garnish)

  • 3/4–1 cup toasted pecans or slivered almonds (or optional pecan brittle)

Strawberry Salad Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar (white balsamic preferred)

  • 1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2 tsp poppy seeds

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced

Optional Pecan Brittle:

  • 1 cup pecans

  • 1 tsp poppy seeds

  • 1–2 tbsp maple syrup (enough to coat)

  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Prepping fresh ingredients for strawberry spinach salad

 

Instructions

  1. If using, prepare the pecan brittle by toasting pecans in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant (about 5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Add maple syrup and poppy seeds, let bubble for 30–60 seconds, then cool on a plate.

  2. Mix dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar. For a smoother texture, use a mini blender and stir in poppy seeds afterward.

  3. To reduce onion sharpness, soak slices in cold salted water. Drain before using.

  4. In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, basil, onions, and most of the nuts. Re-whisk dressing and drizzle enough to lightly coat. Toss gently.

  5. Add crumbled goat cheese, saving a few tablespoons for topping.

  6. Transfer salad to a serving dish, garnish with remaining goat cheese and nuts.

Notes

  • Use smaller strawberries from the farmer’s market for best results. Halve or quarter them.

  • If using white balsamic, reduce maple syrup to 1 tbsp.

  • Make dressing up to 3 days in advance. Brittle can also be prepped ahead.

  • Cold goat cheese crumbles easier; prep and chill.

  • Assemble salad right before serving for freshness.

  • Feta can be substituted, but opt for mild, sheep’s milk feta stored in water.

Nutrition

Keywords: feta cheese, honey, poppy seed dressing, red onion, sesame seeds, worcestershire sauce, goat cheese, maple syrup, salad, strawberry jam, spinach, homemade balsamic vinaigrette

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/strawberry-spinach-salad/