This easy spinach strawberry salad with balsamic dressing is bursting with flavor, is easy, and is perfect for spring and summer dinners. Add some grilled chicken and a slice of bread to your salad to make it a full meal. Try this summer berry salad if you're on a berries & greens kick.
[This recipe was originally posted in June 2018. It has been updated with new photos, cooking instructions, expert tips, FAQ, related recipes, video and ways to repurpose/use up ingredients]
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Table of contents
How will this salad make your life easier?
Salads can get really complicated, that's why I love this spinach strawberry salad. It's easy, quick, and uses the best produce of the season. Swap the strawberries for other berries/fruit you have, same with the spinach. Swap it for kale, arugula, or romaine lettuce if you have it. This warm kale salad, avocado grapefruit salad, and shaved zucchini salad with corn and feta are all great simple salad options!
What makes it so good?
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Balsamic vinegar
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Baby spinach
- Strawberries
- Avocado
- Pistachios
- Hemp hearts
- Grilled chicken breast
How do I make this salad?
Start making your spinach strawberry salad by adding all salad dressing ingredients to a small mixing bowl. (¼ tsp dijon mustard, ¼ tsp minced garlic, ¼ c balsamic vinegar, 1 T olive oil and salt/pepper to taste). Whisk until well incorporated. Set aside.
Add 2 c spinach, 1 c sliced strawberries, ¼ c pistachios, and 1 T hemp hearts, ½ avocado-sliced, and 3-4 oz grilled chicken to serving bowl. Drizzle dressing over salad right before serving. Enjoy your spinach strawberry salad.
Expert Tips
- Buy pre-minced garlic in a jar to save time on this spinach strawberry salad
- Make extra dressing for more salads or to marinate chicken or steak.
- Swap chicken for steak, edamame, or tofu
- Dress your spinach strawberry salad right before serving so it doesn't get soggy
FAQ
My favorite balsamic dressing is found in the recipe card below. It has balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, dijon mustard, garlic, and a pinch of salt & pepper in it. It's delicious on this spinach strawberry salad, but also lots of other salads.
I like to have some chicken or steak and a slice of bread or rice with my spinach strawberry salad. It makes me feel more full and makes the dinner more satisfying. By practicing mindful eating, you can realize what you'd like to eat with your strawberry salad.
What can I make with leftover ingredients?
- Spinach: Thai Beef Bowl with Spinach, Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges.
- Strawberries: Sparkling Berry Lemonade, Strawberry Sauce, Dark Chocolate Waffles.
- Avocado: 3 Ingredient Guacamole, Avocado Grapefruit Salad, and Fish Tacos with White Sauce.
- Pistachios: Pistachio Pesto, Warm Kale Salad w/ Pomegranate Balsamic, Beet & Arugula Salad.
Did you make this spinach strawberry salad? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!
Easy Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Equipment
- knife
- cutting board
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- tongs
Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon dijon mustard for salad dressing
- ¼ teaspoon minced garlic for salad dressing
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar for salad dressing
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for salad dressing
- salt & pepper to taste for salad dressing
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach washed & dried
- 1 cup fresh strawberries thinly sliced
- ¼ cup pistachios
- 1 tablespoon hemp hearts
- grilled chicken breast
- ½ whole avocado
Instructions
- Add all salad dressing ingredients (¼ tsp dijon, ¼ tsp garlic, ¼ c balsamic vinegar, 1 T olive oil and salt/pepper) to mixing bowl. Whisk until well incorporated. Set aside.
- Add 2 c spinach, 1 c strawberries, ½ avocado-sliced, ¼ c pistachios, and 1 T hemp hearts to serving bowl. Add grilled chicken. Drizzle dressing over salad right before serving. Enjoy
Video
Notes
- Buy pre-minced garlic in a jar to save time
- Make extra dressing for more salads or to marinate chicken or steak.
- Swap chicken for steak, edamame, or tofu
- Dress salad right before serving so it doesn't get soggy
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Natalie says
This salad looks absolutely perfect! So colorful, healthy and delicious. Can't wait to try this recipe, the dessing sounds yummy in any salad, that's for sure ♥
Rebecca says
thanks natalie!
Elysia | Haute & Healthy Living says
I LOVE strawberries in salad! Such a refreshing salad for this time of year!
Rebecca says
same here! they're sooo good!
Tara Bench says
such a simple recipe but this salad looks amazing! Perfect summer choice 🙂
Rebecca says
thanks Tara
Alina | Cooking Journey Blog says
Perfect fresh salad for summer!
Rebecca says
right?! thanks
Denise says
Oh my, so fresh and easy to make! I love this!
Rebecca says
thanks!
Pam says
I just love that this salad has just a few, but perfect, ingredients. Hemp hearts will be a new experience for me.
Rebecca says
oh yes, they add a great flavor and crunch to the salad
Andrea Metlika says
I can get in to this salad. The strawberries and the balsamic dressing sound awesome together.
Rebecca says
it's heaven for sure
Alison Marras says
All my faves in one salad! Looks so fresh and flavorful.
Rebecca says
right?! the best flavors!
Jessica Formicola says
This is my all time favorite salad recipe! So refreshing and perfect for summer!
Rebecca says
great to hear! thanks