Best Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing
The only Strawberry Spinach Salad with a homemade balsamic dressing that you will ever need! Healthy, super tasty and with tons of substitutions this simple salad takes only 20 minutes to make (including toasting nuts!).
Servings: 8 servings (side dish)
Calories: 263kcal
Ingredients
Strawberry Spinach Salad:
- 1 lb strawberries hulled and sliced in halves (quarters)
- 3 oz goat or feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups pecans
- 11 oz box baby spinach pre-washed
Balsamic Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce I used Bragg's liquid aminos
Instructions
- Preheat ceramic non-stick medium skillet on medium heat and add pecans. Toast for about 3 minutes or until fragrant, stirring frequently. Remove from heat immediately to prevent nuts from burning.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce and whisk with a fork. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, add spinach and top with strawberries, cheese, red onion and toasted pecans.
- Drizzle dressing on top and stir gently until well combined. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Store: Salad is best consumed within 1-2 hours of mixing. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 day in an airtight container but keep in mind spinach will get soggy.
- Make ahead dressing: Whether you choose to make balsamic or poppy seed dressing, both can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 4-5 days.
- Other greens: For a peppery twist, add part arugula.
- Other berries and fruit: Use fresh blueberries, raspberries or blackberries instead.
- Other cheeses: Soft mozzarella cheese, either cubed or baby mozzarella balls, and crumbled blue cheese would be delish!
- Out of pecans? Roast almonds, chopped walnuts, pistachios or even cashews.
- Added protein. Top with some healthy grilled chicken recipe for protein.
Nutrition
Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 218mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g