Oh friends, let me tell you about a salad that just sings of sunshine! This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette is one of my absolute favorites, especially when those beautiful berries are perfectly ripe. It’s so incredibly fresh and vibrant, bursting with sweet and tangy flavors that just make your taste buds do a little happy dance.

Making that strawberry vinaigrette myself? That’s where the magic really happens. It takes this simple salad to a whole new level! I remember the first time I made it, the color was just stunning, and the taste was even better than I imagined. It’s amazing how a little homemade touch can make such a big difference, right?

For me, cooking has always been about creating those special moments and sharing delicious things with the people I love. It all started in my neighbor’s kitchen when I was a girl, learning her cherished recipes. Now, sharing recipes like this one with you here on The Cook Chic feels like passing on that same warmth and joy.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette

Honestly, this salad is a winner for so many reasons. It’s just so easy to throw together, which is perfect for busy nights. And the taste? Oh my goodness, it’s a beautiful mix of sweet from the strawberries and that little bit of tang from the vinaigrette. Plus, it just feels good to eat something so fresh and vibrant!

It’s super light and refreshing.
The sweet and tangy flavors are just amazing together.
It’s really simple to prepare, even for beginners.
It looks absolutely gorgeous on the plate!

The Perfect Summer Salad

When summer rolls around, this strawberry spinach salad becomes my go-to. The fresh strawberries are at their peak, and the spinach is so crisp and green. It’s the kind of salad that just screams warm weather picnics and backyard barbecues. The colors are so bright and happy, it just feels like summer in a bowl!

Gather Your Ingredients for the Strawberry Spinach Salad

Alright, let’s get everything ready! The beauty of this strawberry spinach salad is that it uses simple, fresh ingredients you can easily find. You’ll need a big bunch of fresh spinach, rinsed really well. Then, we need those sweet stars of the show: sliced fresh strawberries. Make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor!

For that lovely crunch, grab some sliced almonds or pecans. I love the nutty contrast they bring. And if you like a little extra something, crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a nice creamy, salty bite. Thinly sliced red onion is optional, but I think it adds a nice zing!

Ingredients for the Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette

Now, for that incredible homemade strawberry vinaigrette! This is where things get really exciting. You’ll need about a cup of fresh strawberries. Just hull them and quarter them roughly. We’ll also need some good olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar for tang, and a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. A little bit of Dijon mustard helps bring it all together, and of course, salt and black pepper to taste. It’s all pretty straightforward!

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette

Okay, let’s get cooking! Or, well, assembling and blending! This strawberry spinach salad comes together so quickly, you’ll be enjoying it in no time. We’ll start with that fantastic vinaigrette, then put the salad together. It’s really quite simple, I promise!

Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful, delicious salad ready to go. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process!

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Making the Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette

Making this strawberry vinaigrette is the best part! It’s so much better than anything you can buy at the store. Grab your hulled and quartered strawberries. Pop them into your blender or food processor. Now, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and the Dijon mustard. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and some black pepper!

Blend it all up until it’s really smooth. Give it a taste. Does it need a little more sweetness? A touch more tang? Adjust the seasoning until it’s perfect for you! This homemade strawberry vinaigrette is truly the heart of the salad.

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Assembling the Strawberry Spinach Salad

Now for the easy part – putting the salad together! In a big bowl, toss in your fresh spinach. Add the sliced strawberries, almonds or pecans, and any cheese or red onion you’re using. Give everything a gentle mix. The key here is to wait until right before serving to add that delicious strawberry vinaigrette. This keeps the spinach from getting wilty. Drizzle on as much dressing as you like, give it a final toss, and you’re ready to eat!

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Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Strawberry Spinach Salad

One of the things I love about this strawberry spinach salad is how flexible it is! You can totally make it your own. Don’t have almonds? Pecans work beautifully too, and walnuts would be lovely for a different flavor. If you’re not a fan of feta or goat cheese, you can just leave it out, or try a little shaved Parmesan for something different.

For the vinaigrette, if you prefer a different sweetener, agave or even just a little sugar would work instead of honey or maple syrup. And if you want to boost the protein, grilled chicken or shrimp would be fantastic additions to this salad. Feel free to play around and see what you like best!

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Tips for Success with Your Strawberry Spinach Salad

Getting this strawberry spinach salad just right is easy with a few simple tricks! First off, make sure your spinach is super clean and dry. No one wants watery greens! A salad spinner is your best friend here.

When you slice your strawberries, try to make them pretty uniform so they mix well. And that homemade strawberry vinaigrette? You can totally make it ahead of time! Just keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. Give it a good shake before you use it, as it might separate a little. Tossing the salad right before you serve is key for keeping the spinach fresh and crisp. Trust me on this one!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Spinach Salad

I get asked a few things about this strawberry spinach salad recipe, which is totally understandable! It’s always good to know a little extra about what you’re making. Here are some common questions folks have about whipping up this delicious dish.

Hopefully, these answers help you feel even more confident in making your own amazing strawberry spinach salad with that tasty homemade strawberry vinaigrette!

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Can I Make the Strawberry Spinach Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can definitely prep parts of the strawberry spinach salad ahead of time! You can wash and dry the spinach and slice the strawberries. Keep them separate in airtight containers in the fridge. And that homemade strawberry vinaigrette? Make that a few days early! Just be sure to toss everything together with the dressing right before you plan to serve. This keeps your spinach from getting sad and wilted.

Homemade Black Raspberry Jam

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just so you have an idea, here’s a peek at the estimated nutritional info for a serving of this strawberry spinach salad. Keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates! They can change depending on the exact ingredients you use, like the type of nuts or if you add cheese. Think of it as a helpful guide!

Per serving, you’re looking at around 250 calories, with about 18g of fat, 5g of protein, and 18g of carbohydrates. It’s a pretty balanced and satisfying option!

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Enjoy and Share Your Creation

Well, there you have it! Your beautiful, vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad with Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette is ready to be enjoyed. I truly hope you love making and eating this salad as much as I do. It’s such a simple pleasure!

If you make it, please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, maybe give it a rating, or even share a picture on social media. I love seeing your culinary creations! Happy cooking, friends!

Unbelievable Strawberry Spinach Salad with 3 Secrets

Author: Sienna Hartwell
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A light and refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, crunchy nuts, and a vibrant homemade strawberry vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale

8 cups fresh spinach
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup sliced almonds or pecans
1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Vinaigrette:
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the vinaigrette: Combine the quartered strawberries, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, sliced almonds or pecans, crumbled cheese (if using), and sliced red onion (if using).
Drizzle the desired amount of strawberry vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
Gently toss the salad to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
Serve immediately.

Notes

You can customize this salad with other ingredients like grilled chicken, shrimp, or other berries.
The vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Toss the salad right before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American