If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, then the Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe is absolutely for you. This salad brings together the crisp freshness of spinach with juicy strawberries and tart kiwi, all elevated by a simple homemade dressing that perfectly ties the ingredients together. It’s a quick, nourishing dish that feels like a celebration of the best flavors of spring and summer, yet light and versatile enough for any time you want a refreshing meal or side.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these fresh, straightforward ingredients is the first step toward making this salad shine. Each one plays a vital role: the leafy spinach adds a tender green base, the strawberries and kiwi introduce a juicy sweetness and tang, while optional additions like nuts and red onion bring crunch and subtle spice.
- 4 cups fresh spinach: Use tender baby spinach for a soft, flavorful foundation that’s packed with nutrients.
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced: Ripe and juicy strawberries add vibrant color and a natural sweetness that brightens the salad.
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced: Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the strawberries and complements the greens.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional): Adds a gentle sharpness that cuts through the sweetness and adds complexity.
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional): A crunchy texture that adds earthy depth and richness to the salad.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: The base of the dressing, providing fruity richness and smooth mouthfeel.
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Brings a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the fruits and greens.
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the acidity in the dressing.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances all the flavors in the salad and dressing.
How to Make Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by washing and drying your fresh spinach thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Place the spinach in a large bowl, then add the sliced strawberries and kiwi. If you like a bit of bite, toss in the thinly sliced red onion too. This combination is already a feast of flavors and colors before you even add the dressing.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing
Next, create your dressing in a small bowl by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey or maple syrup. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, which helps bring all the flavors alive and ties the salad together with a perfect balance of tang and sweetness.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over your prepared salad bowl and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every leaf, slice, and topping. The light vinaigrette beautifully glazes the spinach and fruit without overpowering their natural freshness.
Step 4: Add Crunch and Serve
Finish the salad by sprinkling on chopped walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch that adds texture and a nutty flavor contrast. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and freshness, whether as a refreshing side dish or a light, nourishing lunch.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese for creamy richness, or fresh mint leaves for a burst of herbal brightness. Thinly shaved almonds can also enhance visual appeal and offer a delicate crunch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal. It also complements lighter fare such as quinoa bowls or whole-grain sandwiches, bringing a fresh, fruity contrast to more savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this strawberry kiwi and spinach salad recipe in individual mason jars layered for a portable and pretty presentation, perfect for picnics or packed lunches. You can also use colorful bowls that highlight the salad’s vibrant reds and greens to make it even more inviting at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Add the dressing fresh before serving to keep the greens crisp and the flavors bright.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for the Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe as the delicate fruits and leafy greens lose their texture and freshness when thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and cold. Reheating is unnecessary and will diminish its crisp textures and fresh flavors, so enjoy it right away for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit instead of kiwi?
Absolutely! You can substitute kiwi with other tart fruits like green grapes or green apple slices to maintain that refreshing contrast with the sweet strawberries and spinach.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes! Just ensure you use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based and perfect for vegan diets.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Add a protein element such as grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas. Quinoa or couscous also work well to turn this light salad into a more substantial meal.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be whisked together and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just give it a quick shake or stir before drizzling it over your salad.
What type of vinegar works best in this recipe?
Balsamic vinegar is the star here because of its sweet and tangy profile, but you can also experiment with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor twist.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe is a delightful way to add freshness and color to your meals with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a vibrant side, or a healthy snack, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to fresh dish for any occasion!
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Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and healthy Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad featuring fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, and tangy kiwis, topped with a simple balsamic vinaigrette dressing. This quick and easy salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light lunch, enhanced by optional red onion and crunchy nuts.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, sliced kiwis, and thinly sliced red onion if using. Mix the ingredients gently, ensuring an even distribution.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Add the chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and texture.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light and nutritious lunch.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
- Red onion and nuts are optional but add great texture and flavor.
- To keep the salad crisp, dress just before serving.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts or pecans with your favorite nuts or seeds.
