If you’re searching for a vibrant, refreshing salad that bursts with flavor and nutrients, the Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe is your new go-to. This delightful combination of juicy strawberries, tangy kiwis, and tender spinach creates a colorful dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. The sweet and tangy dressing perfectly balances the fresh ingredients, making every bite exciting and wholesome. Whether you want a quick lunch or a beautiful side salad for dinner, this recipe brings freshness and a little touch of elegance with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully selected not only for its flavor but also for adding texture, color, or nutritional value. Fresh produce shines here, while the optional nuts introduce a lovely crunch, and the dressing ties everything together with a hint of sweetness and acidity.
- 4 cups fresh spinach: The leafy base offers a mild, slightly earthy flavor and loads of vitamins.
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced: Adds sweetness and a juicy burst that contrasts perfectly with the greens.
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced: Introduces a tangy zest and exotic flair.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional): Provides a sharp bite and extra depth if you love a little zing.
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional): Offers crunch and a slight earthiness, complementing the fruit beautifully.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A smooth, fruity base for the dressing that enhances all the flavors.
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Brings a tangy sweetness that brightens the salad’s taste.
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup: Just a touch of natural sweetness to balance the acidity.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for rounding out and elevating all the flavors.
How to Make Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad
Begin by gathering your fresh ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, and kiwis, making sure the fruit is evenly distributed. If you’re opting for red onion, add those thin slices now to introduce a slightly sharp contrast. This fresh mixture is the vibrant heart of your salad.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Next, in a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey or maple syrup along with a pinch of salt and pepper. This homemade dressing is wonderfully simple but absolutely essential — it ties all the flavors in the salad together with its balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss, being careful not to bruise the delicate fruit and spinach. If you’ve chosen to include nuts, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans on top now for that irresistible crunch in every bite. Your salad is fresh, vibrant, and ready to enjoy!
Step 4: Serve Immediately
For the best taste and texture, serve the salad right away. It’s a perfect light lunch on its own or a refreshing side dish to accompany any meal, providing a deliciously healthy balance to your plate.
How to Serve Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Try adding some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit. Fresh mint leaves can also elevate the freshness, adding a burst of aromatic flavor and a lovely green pop that complements the spinach.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, offering a bright and fruity balance to savory, smoky proteins. Alternatively, it can complement a cheese platter or a simple crusty bread to round out a light meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this salad in elegant glass bowls or on wide plates to showcase its brilliant colors. Layering the fruit and nuts on top of the spinach rather than tossing right away can create an eye-catching presentation that makes this simple salad feel special. For a fun twist, stuff it into a pita or wrap it for a fresh handheld lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the spinach and fruit from becoming soggy. This salad is best enjoyed within a day to savor its fresh texture and vibrant flavors.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the fresh fruit and tender spinach can become mushy and lose their appeal once thawed. Fresh is truly best with the Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold and fresh, so reheating is not suitable. Instead, prepare it fresh each time for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute the spinach for another green?
Absolutely! Baby kale, arugula, or mixed greens work beautifully and give the salad a different flavor profile while maintaining a fresh base.
Is there a vegan option for the dressing?
Yes, simply replace honey with maple syrup to keep the dressing vegan-friendly without sacrificing sweetness.
Can I add other fruits to the salad?
Definitely! Blueberries, mandarin oranges, or sliced apples would all complement the Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe nicely, offering additional layers of flavor and texture.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
Because of the fresh fruit and greens, it’s best consumed within 24 hours if stored properly. Beyond that, the quality and texture begin to decline.
Can I omit the nuts if I have allergies?
Yes, feel free to leave out the walnuts or pecans. You could also try seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch if you can tolerate them.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad Recipe is a shining example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s quick to make, bursting with flavor, and a joy to eat whether it’s a sunny summer day or you need a bright lift to your lunch. Give it a try soon — I promise it will become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
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 vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Kiwi and Spinach Salad featuring fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, and tangy kiwi, topped with a simple honey balsamic dressing and optional crunchy nuts for added texture. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish, ready in just 10 minutes.
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. Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed for balanced flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Add the chopped walnuts or pecans on top if desired for extra crunch.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and crisp textures, perfect as a side or a light, healthy lunch.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Red onion is optional but adds a nice mild sharpness; omit if preferred.
- Walnuts or pecans provide a crunchy texture but nuts can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries and kiwis for the best flavor.
- The salad is best served fresh; if preparing ahead, keep dressing separate until ready to serve.
