Description
Fresh Strawberry Vinaigrette Salad is a vibrant spring and summer salad made with sweet strawberries, baby spinach, creamy avocado, toasted pecans, feta cheese, and a homemade strawberry vinaigrette dressing. Light, refreshing, and full of flavor, this salad is perfect for lunch, dinner sides, or warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 5 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (for dressing)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Wash strawberries thoroughly, remove stems, and slice them into halves or quarters.
2. Rinse and dry baby spinach using a salad spinner or paper towels.
3. Slice cucumber, avocado, and red onion thinly.
4. Toast pecans in a skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
5. Prepare the dressing by blending strawberries, olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
6. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
7. Place baby spinach in a large salad bowl and add sliced strawberries.
8. Add cucumber, avocado, red onion, and chopped basil.
9. Sprinkle toasted pecans, sunflower seeds, and feta cheese over the salad.
10. Drizzle strawberry vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently before serving.
Notes
- Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier flavor.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn the salad into a complete meal.
- Store dressing separately to keep spinach fresh and crisp.
- Vinaigrette can be refrigerated for up to five days.
- Add blueberries or raspberries for extra berry flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg