If you’re craving a salad that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and a delightful mix of textures, the Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This refreshing salad perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe strawberries and kiwis with the crispness of fresh spinach and the subtle bite of red onion, all tossed in a tangy honey-balsamic dressing. It’s light, colorful, and full of nutrients, making it an irresistible choice for a quick lunch or a beautiful side dish at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, from the tender spinach leaves to the juicy fruit and crunchy nuts. Here’s what you’ll want to gather for this fresh and easy salad:
- 4 cups fresh spinach: The leafy base adds a mild, nutritious green that’s both tender and vibrant.
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced: Sweet and juicy, strawberries bring a lovely pop of color and natural sweetness.
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced: Their citrusy tartness beautifully complements the strawberries and spinach.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional): Adds a subtle sharpness that contrasts pleasantly with the sweet fruit.
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional): Offers a satisfying crunch and a nuttiness that rounds out the salad.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A smooth, rich base for the dressing that carries all the flavors.
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Contributes a sweet-tart complexity that enlivens every bite.
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup: Provides a natural, gentle sweetness to balance the acidity.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the fresh ingredients.
How to Make Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by placing the fresh spinach into a large mixing bowl. Add the sliced strawberries and kiwis for a burst of fruity sweetness. If you love a little bite, toss in the thinly sliced red onions. This colorful medley forms the foundation of your salad, setting the stage for all the wonderful flavors to come.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and either honey or maple syrup. Whisk these ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt and pepper—it’s these simple touches that bring the dressing to life.
Step 3: Toss the Salad Gently
Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the salad ingredients. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss gently to ensure every leaf and slice is lightly coated without bruising the delicate spinach or fruit. This step is key to achieving a perfectly balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Add Crunch and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the salad for a crunchy texture contrast that’s simply irresistible. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors at their best. It’s an ideal light lunch or a colorful side that complements a variety of main courses.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an elevated touch, garnish your salad with a few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. These additions bring an extra aroma and creaminess that pair beautifully with the fruity and tangy elements of the salad.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, salmon, or a simple crusty bread. Its bright and refreshing nature makes it an excellent contrast to richer dishes, balancing out your meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant layers of fruit and greens, or place it atop a bed of couscous or quinoa for a more filling option. Using edible flowers as a final touch adds an extra pop of color and charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeping the dressing separate prevents the spinach and fruit from becoming soggy, ensuring your salad stays fresh and crisp.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. The watery fruits and tender greens lose their texture and flavor once frozen and thawed, so it’s recommended to prepare it fresh whenever possible.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold and fresh, reheating is not necessary. Instead, just give the salad a gentle toss and add fresh dressing if needed before serving leftovers.
FAQs
Can I substitute the spinach with another green?
Absolutely! Baby kale, arugula, or mixed greens all work wonderfully if you want to switch things up or if spinach isn’t available.
What can I use if I’m allergic to nuts?
You can omit the walnuts or pecans or substitute them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the allergens.
Is the dressing suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, simply use maple syrup instead of honey to make the dressing completely vegan-friendly while keeping the lovely sweetness.
How long does the salad stay fresh once dressed?
For the best texture and flavor, consume the salad within a few hours of adding the dressing, as the fruit and spinach can start to wilt and release water.
Can I add protein to make this a complete meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, tofu, or even chickpeas are great options to boost the protein content and make the salad more filling.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe enough—it’s vibrant, easy, and endlessly refreshing. Whether you’re looking for a quick salad fix or a beautiful dish to impress guests, this recipe brings joy with every bite. Give it a try and watch how it brightens up your table and your day!
Print
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 refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad featuring fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, and tangy kiwis, tossed with a simple balsamic vinaigrette and optionally topped with crunchy nuts. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish.
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. Toss gently to mix the vibrant ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Then sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a delightful crunch if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy this fresh and healthy salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light, nutritious lunch option.
Notes
- Red onion and nuts are optional but highly recommended for added flavor and texture.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries and kiwis for the best taste.
- Can be served chilled if preferred, just refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more honey or maple syrup to taste.
- This salad is best consumed fresh to enjoy the crispness of the spinach and the juiciness of the fruit.
