Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado

One among my absolute FAVORITE wholesome salads to make in the course of the summer time is that this strawberry spinach salad. It was one of many first salads that my husband Tony ate with out ranch dressing and really LOVED!

I created this recipe a number of years again and are available again to it each single summer time. It’s completely candy with hits of creaminess and crunch that make it additional particular. Toss it with a straightforward do-it-yourself balsamic French dressing (see beneath for a enjoyable berry choice!) and serve it up as the proper aspect at your subsequent BBQ.

Every time we grill up burgers or rooster sausages, I all the time ensure to have these strawberry spinach salad elements readily available so I can whip up our very favourite.

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Substances on this strawberry spinach salad

This finest ever strawberry spinach salad is full of recent elements to maintain it brilliant, flavorful, wholesome and enjoyable to eat. You’ll want:

• Spinach: there’s one thing about strawberries and spinach collectively on this salad that simply is smart. Be at liberty to do half arugula and half spinach for just a little extra zing for those who’d like!
• Contemporary strawberries: seize a case of tremendous juicy, ripe strawberries so as to add pure sweetness to this salad.
• Avocado: you’ll love the creaminess that avocado provides to each chew. I’d advocate selecting an avocado that isn’t too ripe in order that it’s simpler to chop and add to your salad. It ought to have simply the tiniest little bit of squeeze.
• Feta: the creamy, salty taste feta provides to the salad is out of this world. It’s also possible to use goat cheese for just a little extra tang, and even gorgonzola or blue cheese crumbles.
• Pink onion: for just a little zing to go together with the creamy feta and candy strawberries. Should you’re delicate to the onion taste, merely soak the slices in water beforehand or omit out of your salad.
• Roasted pistachios: for the proper, nutty crunch. Or simply use extra almonds!
• Toasted sliced almonds: the feel of sliced almonds pairs completely nicely along with the pistachios.
• Do-it-yourself strawberry balsamic French dressing: an excellent simple dressing made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, dijon mustard, strawberry jam, salt & pepper (or be happy to attempt my yummy tangy and candy raspberry balsamic French dressing!).

Lastly, my choice is to make use of natural spinach and natural strawberries as a result of I feel they pack extra taste and vitamins, however the alternative is all the time yours.

On the lookout for a protein increase?

This strawberry salad recipe is scrumptious by itself or along with your favourite proteins. Right here’s what I counsel:

• 1 cup of chickpeas or cooked quinoa to maintain it vegetarian
• Grilled rooster (use the strawberry balsamic French dressing as a marinade!)
• Grilled salmon

The way to toast almonds

You may simply toast your individual almonds proper at dwelling, and there are two methods to do it: on the stovetop or within the oven!

• Stovetop technique: Add sliced almonds to a pan and place over medium warmth, stirring often for 2-5 minutes till almonds are barely golden brown. Take away from warmth and permit to chill earlier than including them to the salad.
• Oven technique: Preheat the oven to 350 levels F. Place sliced almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for six to eight minutes till aromatic and golden brown, stirring as soon as midway by way of baking. Watch fastidiously in order that nuts don’t burn!

Ideas for making the perfect strawberry spinach salad

• Use agency avocados: firmer avocados are finest on this salad as a result of they’ll maintain their form. Try precisely the right way to lower an avocado safely right here!
• Combine and match nuts: the roasted pistachios and toasted almonds convey two completely different distinct nutty flavors and crunch to this spinach salad, which I respect, however for those who want you’ll be able to all the time sub toasted walnuts, pecans and even candied pecans! The choices are infinite.
• Use a distinct fruit: if strawberries aren’t out there, attempt blueberries, peaches, raspberries or blackberries. They’ll all be scrumptious.
• Make your individual DIY fruity balsamic French dressing: I’m in love with this dressing as a result of you should use any fruit jam you want to essentially make it your individual. Attempt raspberry, strawberry, blackberry or one thing else for a enjoyable twist!

What to pair this strawberry salad with

The choices are actually infinite when pairing this wonderful strawberry salad. It’s the proper aspect for events, potlucks or easy summer time dinners. I like to recommend:

It’s additionally excellent with cooked quinoa, barley, farro or couscous combined in.

Make it forward of time

Be at liberty to arrange the entire elements for the strawberry spinach salad forward of time, however save the dressing till you’re able to get pleasure from. Spinach can have a tendency to take in loads of moisture, so it’s finest to benefit from the dressed salad the day-of or someday later.

The avocado ought to keep recent for a few days with assist from the acidity from the balsamic. It’s also possible to add a squeeze of lemon juice for those who plan on storing the strawberry spinach salad earlier than dressing and serving it.

The way to retailer this strawberry spinach salad

Retailer this strawberry spinach salad in an hermetic container within the fridge, with out the dressing, for as much as 4-5 days. The dressing will keep good in a container within the fridge for as much as one week as nicely.

Extra scrumptious salads to attempt

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Should you make this summer time strawberry spinach salad recipe, remember to tag #ambitiouskitchen on Instagram. We’d additionally love for those who would depart a remark beneath and fee the recipe. We respect you! xo.

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Bold Kitchen | Images by: Eat Love Eats

This publish was initially printed on Could twenty third, 2019, republished on Could twenty third, 2021, and republished on June twenty first, 2023.