The Strawberry Spinach Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for spring and summer dining. With the perfect balance of sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, buttery avocado, and crunchy candied pecans, this salad hits all the right flavor notes. A drizzle of tangy balsamic dressing ties it all together for a simple yet elegant meal.
Whether you’re serving this at a weekend brunch, packing it for a picnic, or pairing it with grilled chicken for a wholesome dinner, this salad brings color and joy to the table. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate fresh produce and nourish your body without sacrificing flavor.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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6 oz baby spinach
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1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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1/2 cup candied pecans
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1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
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1 avocado, sliced
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2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
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1 tablespoon honey
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Set aside.
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In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and avocado.
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Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
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Top with candied pecans and crumbled goat cheese just before serving.
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Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Story and Flavor Profile of Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese, Pecans, and Balsamic Dressing
There’s something timeless about the combination of fresh greens and sweet fruit in a salad. One recipe that beautifully showcases this balance is the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese, Pecans, and Balsamic Dressing. This salad isn’t just a light starter or a side dish it’s an experience in textures, flavors, and seasonal freshness that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, hosting a summer gathering, or planning a picnic in the park, this dish will bring color, nutrition, and elegance to the table.
The foundation of the salad lies in the tender baby spinach leaves. Spinach is not only loaded with vitamins like A and C, but it also provides a mild, earthy flavor that complements both sweet and savory ingredients. Its delicate texture makes it a perfect canvas for juicy strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans. The salad comes to life with every bite, with each component contributing to a flavorful and wholesome experience.
A Celebration of Spring and Summer Ingredients
Strawberries are at their best in the spring and early summer months, and incorporating them into salads is a fantastic way to enjoy their peak flavor. Their vibrant red color adds a pop of visual appeal, while their natural sweetness balances the acidity of the balsamic vinegar in the dressing. Unlike heavier winter salads, this one feels light and refreshing perfect for warmer weather and outdoor dining.
Goat cheese is another star in this dish. With its tangy, slightly salty flavor and creamy texture, it contrasts beautifully with the juicy strawberries. When crumbled over the salad, it melts ever so slightly into the spinach and mixes with the dressing, adding a rich, velvety element that coats the ingredients and ties them together.
Pecans bring a welcome crunch and a slightly sweet, buttery flavor that rounds out the profile of the dish. You can toast them for added depth or even candy them with a touch of maple syrup or brown sugar if you want to enhance the salad’s sweet tones.
What ties everything together is the homemade balsamic dressing. Simple yet incredibly flavorful, it’s a blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of Dijon mustard, and sometimes a drizzle of honey. The vinaigrette offers acidity and brightness, which cut through the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the fruit. It’s light enough not to overpower the other ingredients, but bold enough to add character.
Perfect Pairings and Meal Ideas
Strawberry Spinach Salad is incredibly versatile and works as both a standalone dish and a side. If you’re looking to make it the centerpiece of a meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon on top. These proteins pair beautifully with the salad’s flavors and can transform it into a satisfying main course.
For vegetarians or those opting for plant-based meals, adding quinoa or chickpeas can boost the protein content while keeping the dish meat free. Crusty artisan bread or a slice of focaccia served on the side also makes it more substantial for lunch or dinner.
If you’re preparing a meal for a gathering or special occasion, this salad makes a stunning starter. It looks sophisticated on a platter, especially when presented in a large bowl with all the ingredients layered just right. It can also be portioned into smaller dishes for a plated appetizer at dinner parties or brunches.
Pair this salad with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Rosé wine, both of which complement the fruit and vinegar notes beautifully. For non-alcoholic pairings, sparkling water infused with lemon or fresh mint adds a refreshing touch.
Health Benefits You Can Feel Good About
Beyond its vibrant taste, this salad is packed with nutrients. Spinach is rich in iron, magnesium, and antioxidants that support heart health and boost energy. Strawberries provide a healthy dose of vitamin C and fiber, helping with digestion and immune function. Goat cheese, though rich, is easier to digest than cow’s milk cheese and offers a creamy texture with slightly lower fat content.
Pecans contribute healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, making them a smart addition to any diet. The balsamic dressing is a lighter option compared to creamy dressings, and when made at home, you can control the sugar and oil content to suit your preferences.
With its colorful array of ingredients, this salad is a reminder that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. It’s proof that you can create something truly nourishing while indulging your senses.
Adaptations and Seasonal Variations
One of the beautiful things about this salad is how customizable it is. In the fall, you might swap strawberries for thinly sliced apples or pears and add roasted butternut squash for warmth. Blue cheese or feta can replace goat cheese if you’re looking for a sharper or saltier flavor. If pecans aren’t your favorite, try using walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut free alternative.
You can also play with the greens. While baby spinach is soft and mild, arugula will give the salad a peppery kick. Mixed greens or romaine work well too, depending on your texture preferences. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding thinly sliced red onions, avocado, or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds during the holidays.
The dressing can also evolve try adding a splash of orange juice or lemon zest for a citrusy twist, or incorporate a little maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation matters, especially when the ingredients are this beautiful. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the strawberries fresh. If you’re making it ahead of time, store the dressing separately and drizzle it on just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.
When serving a crowd, consider a large shallow platter instead of a deep bowl so each ingredient is visible. This not only looks more impressive but also makes it easier for guests to get a bit of everything in every scoop.
For personal servings, layering the ingredients in mason jars makes for a lovely grab-and-go option, perfect for picnics or office lunches. Just be sure to place the dressing at the bottom and the spinach on top to keep everything fresh until mealtime.
Conclusion:
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese, Pecans, and Balsamic Dressing is more than just a pretty plate it’s a harmony of fresh, flavorful, and nutritious ingredients. Each component brings something special to the table, from the juicy sweetness of strawberries to the creamy richness of goat cheese and the tangy pop of balsamic vinaigrette.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this salad delivers a memorable culinary experience that feels both indulgent and wholesome. With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors, it has the power to transform a simple meal into something truly special. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to suit seasons, dietary needs, and personal tastes.
If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a fresh and satisfying meal, this salad should definitely be on your menu. It’s a modern classic that never goes out of style beautiful, balanced, and bursting with flavor.