Strawberry Kiwi Spinach Salad: A Refreshing and Nutritious Delight

This Strawberry Kiwi Spinach Salad is a vibrant and flavorful explosion of healthy goodness. It’s the perfect light lunch, a refreshing side dish for dinner, or even a satisfying snack. The combination of sweet strawberries and kiwi, earthy spinach, and a tangy dressing creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritional powerhouse. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and can be customized to your liking, allowing you to create a salad that perfectly suits your preferences. Get ready to experience a salad that is both healthy and irresistibly delicious!

## Why You’ll Love This Salad

* **Flavorful and Refreshing:** The combination of sweet strawberries and kiwi, with the earthy notes of spinach, is simply irresistible. The tangy dressing adds a delightful zing that ties everything together.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** This salad is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Spinach is a great source of iron and vitamins A and C, while strawberries and kiwi are rich in vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and is incredibly easy to assemble. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and healthy meal.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** You can easily customize this salad to your liking by adding other fruits, vegetables, nuts, or cheeses. Feel free to experiment with different dressings to find your perfect combination.
* **Visually Appealing:** The vibrant colors of the strawberries, kiwi, and spinach make this salad a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Spinach:** Fresh baby spinach is the base of this salad. It’s mild in flavor and packed with nutrients. Approximately 6 ounces is ideal.
* **Strawberries:** Sweet, juicy strawberries add a burst of flavor and color. Look for ripe, firm strawberries for the best taste. One pound of strawberries will be sufficient.
* **Kiwi:** Tangy kiwi provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries. Choose kiwis that are slightly soft to the touch. Three to four kiwis depending on the size will be perfect.
* **Red Onion:** Thinly sliced red onion adds a touch of sharpness and complexity. Use about 1/4 of a medium-sized red onion.
* **Optional Toppings:**
* **Feta Cheese:** Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty and creamy element.
* **Toasted Almonds:** Toasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Sliced or slivered almonds work best.
* **Sunflower Seeds:** Sunflower seeds offer a healthy dose of protein and a pleasant texture.
* **Grilled Chicken or Shrimp:** For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp.

* **Dressing:** A homemade vinaigrette is the perfect complement to this salad. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe:
* **Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil is the base of the dressing. Use about 1/4 cup.
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Use about 2 tablespoons.
* **Honey:** Honey sweetens the dressing and balances the acidity of the balsamic vinegar. Use about 1 tablespoon.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing. Use about 1 teaspoon.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.

## How to Make Strawberry Kiwi Spinach Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

This salad is incredibly simple and quick to assemble. Follow these steps for a perfect result:

**1. Prepare the Spinach:**

* Thoroughly wash the baby spinach under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
* Use a salad spinner or gently pat the spinach dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will make the salad soggy.
* Place the spinach in a large bowl.

**2. Prepare the Strawberries:**

* Wash the strawberries under cold running water.
* Remove the stems and leaves.
* Slice the strawberries into thin slices or quarters, depending on their size. I usually go with slices for visual appeal.
* Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl with the spinach.

**3. Prepare the Kiwi:**

* Peel the kiwi using a paring knife or a vegetable peeler. Make sure to remove all the skin.
* Slice the kiwi into thin slices or half-moons. Again, thin slices are visually pleasing.
* Add the sliced kiwi to the bowl with the spinach and strawberries.

**4. Prepare the Red Onion:**

* Peel the red onion and cut it in half.
* Thinly slice one half of the red onion. You can use a mandoline for perfectly even slices, or just a sharp knife.
* Separate the slices into rings.
* Add the red onion rings to the bowl with the other ingredients. If you’re sensitive to the strong flavor of raw red onion, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow them out before adding them to the salad.

**5. Make the Dressing:**

* In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Whisk until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
* Alternatively, you can combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar, seal the lid tightly, and shake vigorously until emulsified.

**6. Assemble the Salad:**

* Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad.
* Toss gently to combine, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
* Add your desired toppings, such as crumbled feta cheese, toasted almonds, or sunflower seeds. If using grilled chicken or shrimp, arrange them on top of the salad.

**7. Serve Immediately:**

* Serve the salad immediately to prevent the spinach from wilting.
* Enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients:** The flavor of this salad depends on the quality of the ingredients. Use fresh, ripe strawberries and kiwi, and good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add more honey to the dressing. Alternatively, you can use maple syrup instead of honey.
* **Add Other Fruits:** Feel free to add other fruits to this salad, such as blueberries, raspberries, or mandarin oranges. These will complement the existing flavors beautifully.
* **Add More Vegetables:** You can also add other vegetables to this salad, such as sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded carrots.
* **Make it a Meal:** Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this salad a more substantial meal. You can also add cooked quinoa or chickpeas for added protein and fiber.
* **Experiment with Different Dressings:** Try different dressings, such as a lemon vinaigrette, a raspberry vinaigrette, or a poppy seed dressing. Each dressing will impart a unique flavor to the salad.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the individual components of the salad ahead of time and store them separately. Wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries and kiwi, and make the dressing. Store everything in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
* **Toast the Nuts:** Toasting the almonds or other nuts enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch. To toast the nuts, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.
* **Soak the Red Onion:** If you find the flavor of raw red onion too strong, you can soak the sliced red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will help to mellow out the flavor.
* **Use Different Types of Spinach:** While baby spinach is the most common choice for salads, you can also use other types of spinach, such as mature spinach or spinach blends. Mature spinach has a slightly stronger flavor than baby spinach.

## Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Kiwi Spinach Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Lunch:** This salad makes a perfect light and refreshing lunch.
* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
* **Potluck:** Bring this salad to your next potluck or barbecue. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Appetizer:** Serve it as an appetizer at a dinner party.
* **Snack:** Enjoy it as a healthy and satisfying snack.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. However, a serving of this salad typically contains:

* Calories: 200-300
* Protein: 5-10 grams
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
* Fiber: 5-8 grams

This salad is a good source of vitamins A and C, iron, and antioxidants.

## Storage Instructions

* Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the spinach may wilt slightly over time.
* It’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
* Avoid freezing this salad, as the texture of the ingredients will change.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use frozen strawberries and kiwi?**
A: While fresh strawberries and kiwi are preferred for their flavor and texture, you can use frozen fruit in a pinch. Thaw the fruit completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the salad. Keep in mind that frozen fruit may be softer than fresh fruit.

**Q: Can I make this salad vegan?**
A: Yes, this salad can easily be made vegan. Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. Also, ensure that the honey in the dressing is replaced with a vegan sweetener such as maple syrup or agave nectar.

**Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar in the dressing?**
A: Yes, you can use a different type of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or white wine vinegar. Each vinegar will impart a slightly different flavor to the dressing. Adjust the amount of honey accordingly to balance the acidity.

**Q: Can I add nuts if I have a nut allergy?**
A: If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the nuts or substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. You can also add crispy chickpeas for a similar texture.

**Q: How can I prevent the spinach from wilting?**
A: To prevent the spinach from wilting, make sure to dry it thoroughly after washing it. Also, add the dressing just before serving. Avoid adding the dressing too early, as it will cause the spinach to wilt.

This Strawberry Kiwi Spinach Salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy its vibrant flavors and the health benefits it offers. Happy cooking!