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 salad perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and earthy notes with every bite, combining juicy strawberries and kiwi with tender spinach leaves, dressed in a simple yet luscious balsamic dressing. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing side, this recipe will brighten your table and refresh your palate in just minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but all play an essential role in making this salad truly magical. Each component contributes a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color that will make your Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe come alive.
- Fresh spinach (4 cups): The vibrant base of the salad, providing a fresh, leafy crunch and bright green color.
- Strawberries, sliced (1 cup): Adds juicy sweetness and a beautiful pop of red that makes the salad visually inviting.
- Kiwis, peeled and sliced (2): Offers a tart, tropical twist that complements the strawberries perfectly.
- Red onion, thinly sliced (1/4 cup, optional): Provides a subtle sharpness and crisp texture for those who love a little bite.
- Walnuts or pecans, chopped (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor to elevate the salad’s texture.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): The rich base for the dressing that carries all the flavors together smoothly.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 tbsp): Brings acidity and depth to the dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 tsp): A touch of natural sweetness to tame the vinegar’s bite and harmonize the dressing.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the ingredients, ensuring every flavor shines.
How to Make Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad
Begin by gathering your fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, and zesty kiwi slices. Toss them together in a large bowl, adding thin slices of red onion if you want an extra layer of flavor. This combination sets the stage for a salad that’s both colorful and refreshing.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Next, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. This simple homemade dressing is where the magic starts, as it ties together the sweetness of the fruit with the earthiness of the greens.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Drizzle the dressing gently over your salad mix. Toss everything with care so all the ingredients get evenly coated without bruising the delicate fruit or greens. If you’re adding nuts, sprinkle them on top last for a delightful crunch that will keep every bite interesting.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
This salad shines best when served fresh. Grab your fork and dig in for a light lunch, or serve as an inviting side dish alongside your favorite entrée for a vibrant and nutritious boost.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Get creative with garnishes by adding fresh mint leaves for a hint of coolness or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a tangy contrast. A few edible flowers can make the presentation stunning and perfect for special occasions.
Side Dishes
The Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe is a wonderful companion to grilled chicken, fish, or even a simple quiche. Its bright flavors can also balance out rich, creamy dishes wonderfully, providing a fresh counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in individual mason jars for an on-the-go option or plate it on large white platters to showcase the vivid colors. Layer the ingredients instead of tossing for a pretty visual effect that surprises your guests as they mix it up themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. This keeps the leaves crisp and prevents the fruit from becoming mushy. Enjoy within a day for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended as the fruit and greens will lose their texture and freshness once thawed.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t necessary or advised for this refreshing salad. Instead, give it a quick toss and add fresh fruit or nuts if needed to revitalize it before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use other greens besides spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale, arugula, or mixed spring greens work wonderfully too, each bringing its unique flavor and texture to your salad.
Is it okay to omit the nuts?
Yes, the nuts are optional and meant to add crunch. If you have a nut allergy or prefer a softer texture, simply leave them out without losing the salad’s charm.
How long does the salad stay fresh?
For the best experience, enjoy the salad on the day it’s made. If needed, it can be kept for up to 24 hours when stored properly with the dressing separate.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! The dressing can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, just give it a quick stir before drizzling it over the salad.
What other fruits could I add or substitute?
Feel free to experiment with fruits like blueberries, mango, or mandarin orange segments. These will add a new twist while keeping with the fresh, fruity vibe of the Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe enough if you want a dish that’s quick, beautiful, and bursting with fresh flavors. Whether for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests, it’s sure to become one of your go-to favorites. Give it a try and watch how this simple combination turns into a vibrant celebration on your plate!
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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 refreshing Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad that combines fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, and sweet kiwis with a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect as a healthy side dish or light lunch, enhanced by optional crunchy nuts and a hint of red onion for extra flavor.
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 fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, sliced kiwis, and red onion if you choose to use it. Toss gently to mix all the fresh ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, along with salt and pepper to taste, until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat the spinach and fruit evenly without bruising them. Add chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a delightful crunch if desired.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors and crisp textures, making it a perfect light lunch or side dish.
Notes
- For added sweetness, use fresh ripe strawberries and perfectly ripe kiwis.
- Walnuts and pecans add healthy fats and crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- The salad is best served fresh as spinach can wilt over time with dressing.
- Honey can be replaced by maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Red onion is optional; omit or reduce to taste if sensitive to raw onions.
