Strawberry Spinach Arugula Salad: A Burst of Spring Flavors

This Strawberry Spinach Arugula Salad is the perfect way to celebrate the vibrant flavors of spring and early summer. It’s a delightful combination of sweet strawberries, peppery arugula, tender spinach, and a light, tangy vinaigrette. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy and satisfying meal or side dish.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a refreshing side for your next barbecue, or a light and healthy dinner, this salad is sure to please. The bright colors and textures make it visually appealing, and the flavors are a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and peppery notes.

## Why You’ll Love This Salad

* **Flavorful Combination:** The sweetness of the strawberries perfectly complements the peppery arugula and mild spinach, creating a balanced and delicious flavor profile.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** This salad is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the greens and berries.
* **Easy to Make:** It comes together in just minutes with minimal effort.
* **Versatile:** It can be customized with your favorite toppings and additions.
* **Visually Appealing:** The vibrant colors and textures make it a feast for the eyes.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful salad:

* **Spinach:** 6 ounces, baby spinach is preferred for its tenderness. Make sure to wash it thoroughly and remove any wilted leaves.
* **Arugula:** 4 ounces, also known as rocket, adds a peppery and slightly bitter note to the salad. Choose fresh, vibrant green arugula.
* **Strawberries:** 1 pound, fresh, ripe strawberries are essential. Hull and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
* **Red Onion:** ¼ cup, thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp and slightly sweet flavor. You can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the intensity.
* **Toasted Almonds:** ¼ cup, slivered almonds, toasted to bring out their nutty flavor. You can also use other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or pistachios.
* **Feta Cheese:** ¼ cup, crumbled feta cheese adds a salty and tangy element. Goat cheese is a good alternative.

**For the Vinaigrette:**

* **Olive Oil:** ¼ cup, extra virgin olive oil is best for its flavor and health benefits.
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons, adds a sweet and tangy depth to the dressing.
* **Honey:** 1 tablespoon, or maple syrup, to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon, adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
* **Salt:** ¼ teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Strawberry Spinach Arugula Salad:

**Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients**

* **Wash and Dry the Greens:** Thoroughly wash the spinach and arugula in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a salad spinner or pat them dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.
* **Prepare the Strawberries:** Hull the strawberries (remove the green tops) and slice them into bite-sized pieces. The size of the slices is up to you, but generally, quarters or halves are ideal.
* **Slice the Red Onion:** Thinly slice the red onion. If you find the flavor too strong, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow the sharpness. Drain the water before adding the onion to the salad.
* **Toast the Almonds:** Toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly. Alternatively, you can toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
* **Crumble the Feta Cheese:** If you’re using a block of feta, crumble it into small pieces. Store-bought crumbled feta is also convenient.

**Step 2: Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette**

* **Combine the Ingredients:** In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Make sure the honey is well dissolved.
* **Emulsify the Dressing:** Whisk vigorously until the vinaigrette is emulsified, meaning the oil and vinegar are combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy. If using a jar, you can simply shake the ingredients together until emulsified.
* **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 3: Assemble the Salad**

* **Combine the Greens:** In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach and arugula.
* **Add the Toppings:** Add the sliced strawberries, red onion, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.
* **Drizzle with Vinaigrette:** Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Start with a small amount and add more to taste, tossing gently to coat all the ingredients.
* **Toss Gently:** Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients, being careful not to bruise the spinach or arugula. You want the ingredients to be evenly distributed and lightly coated with the vinaigrette.

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**

* **Serve Immediately:** Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, you can assemble the salad ingredients but wait to add the vinaigrette until just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.
* **Garnish (Optional):** You can garnish the salad with a few extra strawberries, almonds, or feta cheese for a more visually appealing presentation.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Protein:** Make it a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or tofu.
* **Add Other Fruits:** Other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries would be delicious additions.
* **Substitute Greens:** Use all spinach or all arugula if you prefer.
* **Change the Nuts:** Use pecans, walnuts, or pistachios instead of almonds.
* **Swap the Cheese:** Goat cheese, blue cheese, or Parmesan cheese would also work well.
* **Add Avocado:** Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fats.
* **Use Different Dressing:** If you don’t like balsamic vinaigrette, try a lemon vinaigrette, raspberry vinaigrette, or poppy seed dressing.
* **Make it Vegan:** Omit the feta cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette.
* **Prep Ahead:** You can wash and dry the greens, slice the strawberries and red onion, toast the almonds, and make the vinaigrette ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad.
* **Soaking Red Onions:** As mentioned before, soaking red onion slices in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the salad significantly reduces their sharp bite and makes them more palatable. This is especially helpful if you’re sensitive to raw onion flavor.
* **Toasting Nuts Perfectly:** When toasting nuts, whether in a skillet or oven, keep a close eye on them. They can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of seconds. The aroma is a good indicator – when you start to smell a nutty fragrance, they are likely done.
* **Strawberry Selection:** Choose strawberries that are bright red, plump, and have fresh-looking green tops. Avoid any strawberries that are bruised, soft, or moldy.

## Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Spinach Arugula Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

* **As a Side Salad:** Serve it alongside grilled meats, fish, or chicken.
* **As a Light Lunch:** Enjoy it as a refreshing and healthy lunch.
* **As a Potluck Dish:** It’s a crowd-pleasing salad to bring to potlucks and gatherings.
* **As a Dinner Salad:** Add protein to make it a satisfying dinner salad.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)**

* Calories: Approximately 250-350 per serving (depending on additions)
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Protein: 5-10g

This salad is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and antioxidants.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I make this salad ahead of time?**
* Yes, you can prepare the individual components of the salad ahead of time – wash and dry the greens, slice the strawberries and red onion, toast the almonds, and make the vinaigrette. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad. Add the vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.
* **Can I use frozen strawberries?**
* While fresh strawberries are preferred for their flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the salad. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries may be softer than fresh ones.
* **What if I don’t like arugula?**
* If you don’t like the peppery taste of arugula, you can substitute it with more spinach or another mild green like butter lettuce or romaine lettuce.
* **Can I use a different type of vinegar?**
* Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with other types of vinegar, such as red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar. The flavor of the vinaigrette will be slightly different depending on the type of vinegar you use.
* **How long will the salad last in the refrigerator?**
* The salad is best served immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The greens may become slightly wilted over time.

## Variations on the Vinaigrette

The balsamic vinaigrette provided is a classic pairing for this salad, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other vinaigrette variations to suit your personal taste.

* **Lemon Vinaigrette:** Replace the balsamic vinegar with lemon juice for a brighter, citrusy flavor. Add a bit of lemon zest for extra zing.
* **Raspberry Vinaigrette:** Use raspberry vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar for a fruity and vibrant dressing. A little raspberry jam can enhance the raspberry flavor.
* **Poppy Seed Dressing:** Combine mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar (white or apple cider), Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and a touch of onion for a sweet and tangy dressing with a delightful texture. Adjust the sugar and vinegar to your liking.
* **Honey Mustard Vinaigrette:** Combine olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a balanced sweet and tangy dressing.
* **Strawberry Vinaigrette:** Blend a few fresh strawberries into your basic vinaigrette recipe for an intensified strawberry flavor and a beautiful pink hue.

## Beyond the Basics: Creative Additions

While the core recipe is fantastic on its own, consider adding other elements to elevate your Strawberry Spinach Arugula Salad even further:

* **Grilled Halloumi:** This salty, firm cheese grills beautifully and adds a savory component that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries.
* **Prosciutto Crisps:** Crispy prosciutto provides a salty and crunchy element that adds another layer of texture and flavor.
* **Candied Pecans:** Add a touch of sweetness and crunch with candied pecans. You can buy them pre-made or easily make your own.
* **Sunflower Seeds or Pumpkin Seeds:** These seeds offer a healthy dose of healthy fats and a pleasant crunch.
* **Shaved Fennel:** The anise-like flavor of shaved fennel adds a refreshing and subtle complexity to the salad.
* **Edible Flowers:** Add edible flowers like pansies or violets for a beautiful and elegant presentation.
* **Quinoa or Farro:** For a more substantial salad, add cooked quinoa or farro to provide a boost of protein and fiber.

## Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Salad

This salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.

* **Grilled Chicken or Fish:** The light and refreshing salad complements the flavors of grilled chicken, salmon, or tuna perfectly.
* **Quiche or Frittata:** Serve it alongside a slice of quiche or frittata for a complete and satisfying brunch or lunch.
* **Pasta Salad:** Pair it with a light pasta salad for a summer-inspired meal.
* **Soup:** It makes a great side dish for a hearty soup.
* **Sandwiches or Wraps:** Serve it with your favorite sandwiches or wraps for a balanced lunch.
* **Pizza:** The salad’s acidity cuts through the richness of pizza, making it a refreshing accompaniment.

## A Salad for All Seasons (and Occasions)

While this Strawberry Spinach Arugula Salad is particularly delightful in spring and summer when strawberries are at their peak, it can be adapted to other seasons as well.

* **Fall:** Replace the strawberries with sliced apples or pears, and add toasted pecans or walnuts.
* **Winter:** Use mandarin oranges or pomegranate seeds instead of strawberries, and add candied pecans or crumbled goat cheese.

This salad is also perfect for various occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant dinner parties.

* **Picnics:** It’s a great salad to pack for a picnic, as it’s easy to transport and doesn’t require any heating.
* **Barbecues:** It’s a refreshing and healthy side dish to serve at barbecues.
* **Potlucks:** It’s a crowd-pleasing salad to bring to potlucks and gatherings.
* **Dinner Parties:** The beautiful presentation and delicious flavors make it a great salad to serve at dinner parties.

By following these detailed steps and suggestions, you can create a Strawberry Spinach Arugula Salad that is not only delicious but also visually stunning and perfectly tailored to your taste. Enjoy the burst of spring flavors!