Strawberry Spinach Salad

Every time I whip up this delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad, I’m taken back to those sun-kissed days of summer picnics with my family. I can still hear the laughter and chatter echoing through the air as we spread out our blankets, the grass warm beneath us, and dug into delicious homemade dishes. The refreshing combination of sweet strawberries and crunchy bacon in this salad brings back so many fond memories that I treasure dearly. If you’re someone who loves light, vibrant meals that celebrate the season, then you’re in for a treat! Trust me, once you make this salad, you will find it hard to resist going back for seconds, and maybe even thirds. I promise you’ll feel the warmth and comfort every bite offers, just like I do.

How to make Strawberry Spinach Salad

Ingredients:

To create the perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad, you will need a few key ingredients, each one playing a vital role in enhancing the flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 cups fresh spinach: The base of our salad. Spinach adds a lovely, leafy green texture that’s packed with nutrients.
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced: Sweet and juicy strawberries lend that touch of sweetness we all crave. You can use fresh or, in a pinch, thawed frozen strawberries.
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: This adds a nice crunch and sharp flavor that balances out the sweetness of the strawberries. If you want a milder flavor, soak them briefly in water before adding them to the salad.
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Feta cheese introduces a creamy, tangy element that elevates the dish. You can also substitute it with goat cheese, if you prefer!
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped: Walnuts provide healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. Feel free to use pecans or almonds if you have them on hand.
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Savory bacon brings a deliciously smoky flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: This creamy dressing base adds smoothness to the salad.
• 1/4 cup milk: To lighten up the dressing just a bit, while still keeping it creamy.
• 1/4 cup sugar: A touch of sweetness, which is essential for balancing the flavors in the dressing. You can always adjust this to suit your taste.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: This adds a zesty kick to the dressing; it’s one of my favorite ingredients.
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds: For that finishing touch, poppy seeds add a lovely visual appeal and a hint of nutty flavor.

I love adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint or basil if I have them around—their fragrances will remind you of warm sunny days!

Cooking Steps:

Let’s get started with the preparation of this delightful salad. I promise not only will you enjoy it, but the entire process is also quite fun!

1. Prepare the Spinach
   Begin by rinsing your fresh spinach in cold water and gently patting it dry with a clean kitchen towel. You want to make sure it’s thoroughly dry, so the dressing clings just right.

2. Wash and Slice Strawberries
   Next, take those vibrant strawberries and give them a good wash. Lately, I love to slice them while enjoying a podcast in the background. Slice each strawberry into thin pieces and set them aside in a large mixing bowl.

3. Slice the Red Onion
   Grab your red onion and slice it thinly, just like you did the strawberries. If you’re like me and find raw onion a bit strong, soaking the slices in cool water for about 10 minutes can help mellow out the sharpness. Just drain and add to the bowl!

4. Crumble the Feta Cheese
   Grab that creamy feta and crumble it into the bowl. It adds a rich texture and tastes absolutely heavenly with the sweet strawberries.

5. Chop the Walnuts
   Take your walnuts and give them a rough chop. You can use whole walnuts or pre-chopped ones if you’re in a pinch. They’re such a flavorful addition!

6. Cook the Bacon
   Cook your bacon until it’s crispy; I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s cooked, crumble it into small pieces and toss that into the salad bowl. Your kitchen will smell fantastic!

7. Prepare the Dressing
   In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, milk, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds. I like to use a whisk for this—it gives me a moment to dance a little while I’m waiting for it to blend perfectly.

8. Combine the Salad
   With all the goodies in your large bowl, gently pour the dressing over the salad. I always find that less is more when adding dressing, so start with half and add more if needed.

9. Toss and Serve
   Make sure everything is evenly coated with that lovely dressing. Gently toss it all together. Now, I’ll admit, I usually take a little taste test at this point because it’s just too tempting!

10. Serve Immediately
    Serve the salad right away! It’s so refreshing and packed with flavor. You’ll love how each bite brings together the sweet, crunchy, and salty elements!

Why I Love Making This Dish:

As you can tell, each ingredient in this salad is carefully selected to create a beautiful symphony of flavors. I love how bright and fresh everything looks once it’s all combined. It truly brings a smile to my face, just like those family picnics. The memories of laughter and love come flooding back every time I make it.

What You’ll Need:

In addition to the ingredients, you might want to gather a few handy tools. A large mixing bowl will be vital for tossing everything together. A sharp knife is perfect for slicing those strawberries and onions, and a whisk will work wonders for blending the dressing. Don’t forget some measuring cups and spoons for accuracy!

Tips for Perfect Results:

Getting the most out of this Strawberry Spinach Salad is all about those little tweaks. One tip is to use bacon cooked in an air fryer—it gets so crispy and less greasy! Also, consider chilling the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Last but not least, always taste and adjust the seasoning or sweetness to your liking; we all have different palates!

Serving Suggestions and Sides:

This salad is a stand-alone star but serves beautifully alongside grilled chicken or fish. I often pair it with crusty artisan bread for a well-rounded meal. If you’re feeling fancy, a side of roasted vegetables can be a delightful addition! And for drinks, why not serve it with some refreshing iced tea or lemonade?

Leftovers:

If you happen to have any leftovers (not likely, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just remember that the spinach can get a little wilty over time, so I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. To reheat any bacon, just pop it in the microwave for a quick 15 seconds, and it’ll bring that crispy texture back!

FAQ Section:

Can I use other fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! While strawberries are a lovely choice, I’ve swapped them for blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches. You can experiment based on what’s in season.

How do I make this gluten-free?
Good news! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your bacon and any optional ingredients are certified gluten-free!

Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep most ingredients ahead of time, like chopping the veggies and cooking the bacon, but I recommend waiting to combine everything until just before serving.

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Spinach Salad holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait for you to try it! Every time I make this dish, I feel the joy and love of sharing a meal with friends and family. It’s fresh, it’s vibrant, and it’s bursting with flavor. I truly believe it will become a favorite in your home as well. So grab those ingredients, and let’s make some wonderful memories together! Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out, and prepare for your family to go back for seconds—just like mine does!