If you’re searching for a salad that’s bursting with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, the Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe combines juicy strawberries and tangy kiwis with tender spinach leaves to create a refreshing and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any season. With a simple homemade dressing that complements the fruit’s natural sweetness, it’s a salad that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or a beautiful side, this salad will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are fresh, straightforward, and each one adds its special touch to the overall experience. From the crispness of the spinach to the luscious berries and the subtly sweet dressing, every component plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and satisfying bowl of goodness.
- 4 cups fresh spinach: The leafy green base provides a tender texture and a boost of nutrients, making the salad hearty yet light.
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced: These add a juicy sweetness and vibrant red color that makes the salad visually stunning.
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced: Their tartness and unique flavor offer a beautiful contrast to the sweet strawberries.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional): Adds a subtle sharpness and crunch, enhancing the salad’s complexity.
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional): Provides a delightful crunch and nutty depth to the salad.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: The base of the dressing, bringing a smooth mouthfeel and healthy fats.
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Adds acidity and a touch of sweetness that ties the dressing together perfectly.
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup: Gives a gentle sweet edge to counterbalance the tangy vinegar.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors without overwhelming them.
How to Make Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by gathering your fresh ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, and peeled, sliced kiwis. If you enjoy a little bite, toss in thinly sliced red onion. This combination creates a colorful and vibrant foundation ready to be dressed.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the dressing emulsifies, blending the flavors into a smooth, glossy dressing that will perfectly coat the salad ingredients.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over the fruit and spinach mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure every leaf and slice is lightly coated without bruising the delicate fruit. This careful tossing balances the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Crunch
Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a satisfying crunch. This step is optional but highly recommended for adding texture and a nutty richness that complements the fresh fruit and greens.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Finish this salad with edible flowers or a small handful of crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy element that plays nicely with the fruit’s sweetness. Fresh mint leaves can also add an invigorating herbal note that breathes brightness into every bite.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light and wholesome meal. It also serves as a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes like creamy pastas or roasted meats, helping to lighten the overall dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual clear glass bowls or on flat white plates to make the colors pop. For a fun twist, skewer some fruit and spinach spear bites as appetizers or arrange the fruit decoratively on top for an eye-catching presentation that will invite everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To keep the spinach from wilting, it’s best to store the dressing separately and toss right before serving.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. The delicate fruit and spinach will lose their texture and flavor once thawed.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating is not recommended. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute other greens for spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale, arugula, or mixed salad greens can work wonderfully if you want a different texture or flavor profile. Just keep in mind that spinach’s mild taste is part of what allows the fruit to shine in this recipe.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
You can substitute with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. These alternatives will still offer acidity but slightly change the flavor, so adjust the honey or syrup quantity to maintain balance.
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Frozen fruit tends to release more water when thawed, which can make the salad soggy. It’s best to use fresh strawberries and kiwis to preserve the crisp, fresh texture of the salad.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan, especially if you use maple syrup instead of honey for the dressing. The nuts and fresh produce provide plenty of nutrition and flavor without animal products.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Adding a protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas can turn this refreshing salad into a complete meal. You could also sprinkle some quinoa or cooked farro for extra fiber and substance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe that brightens up any table with its gorgeous colors and fresh, lively flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned salad lover or just looking for a vibrant new dish to add to your rotation, this recipe comes together quickly and delivers incredible taste and textures with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how effortlessly delicious healthy eating can be!
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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 refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad featuring fresh spinach leaves, juicy strawberries, and sweet kiwis, tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette. This colorful salad combines sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors perfect as a healthy side dish or light lunch.
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 using. Gently mix these ingredients to distribute evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, along with salt and pepper to taste until the dressing is well emulsified.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients without bruising the fruit. Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added texture and flavor, if desired.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh, crisp flavors as a vibrant side dish or a light, nutritious lunch.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts or pecans with almonds or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
- To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, add the dressing just before serving.
- Optional red onion adds a slight sharpness, but can be omitted if preferred.
