If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant colors and flavors, the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Mango Dressing Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful combination brings together the fresh peppery bite of baby spinach and arugula, the juicy sweetness of strawberries, creamy avocado, and a tangy, tropical mango dressing that will make your taste buds dance. It’s a light, refreshing dish perfect for warm days, quick lunches, or as a stunning side that’s sure to impress anyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this salad is a breeze because each ingredient is simple yet plays an essential role in creating a wonderful balance of taste and texture. From the leafy greens to the fruit-forward dressing, these ingredients combine to delight all your senses.
- Baby spinach (5 ounces): The tender, mild base that’s packed with nutrients and gives the salad a fresh green foundation.
- Arugula (large handful): Adds a peppery punch that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit.
- Strawberries (8 ounces, sliced): Their juicy sweetness acts as the star fruit, complementing the citrusy mango dressing perfectly.
- Avocado (1, diced): Creamy and buttery, it softens each bite and adds richness to the salad’s texture.
- Red onion (1 tablespoon, chopped): A mild sharpness that brightens the overall flavor profile without overpowering.
- Mango salad dressing: The tropical, tangy sauce that ties everything together with vibrant sweetness and zest.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Mango Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mango Salad Dressing and Fresh Ingredients
The magic begins with your mango salad dressing. Whether you’re blending fresh mango with a splash of lime, honey, and a touch of vinegar or using a high-quality store-bought version, the dressing infuses the salad with its tropical charm. While the dressing is ready to go, prep the fresh elements by slicing the strawberries, dicing the creamy avocado, and chopping the red onion. Prepping these ingredients in advance makes assembly quick and joyful.
Step 2: Combine Greens and Fruits
In a spacious salad bowl, toss together the baby spinach and arugula for a leafy green base full of texture and gentle pepperiness. Next, add in the sliced strawberries, diced avocado, and the chopped red onion. Each component brings something special — the strawberries add sweetness, the avocado adds creaminess, and the onion adds that sharp pop of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Step 3: Toss with Mango Dressing and Serve
Drizzle your prepared mango salad dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so every bite gets a lovely coating of the tangy, fruity dressing. The key to this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Mango Dressing Recipe is enjoying it fresh, so dig in right away to enjoy the crisp, vibrant flavors at their peak.
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Mango Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Add some delightful finishing touches to your salad by sprinkling toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for crunch, or crumbled feta cheese for a salty contrast. Fresh mint leaves can also elevate the tropical vibe and bring an extra burst of freshness with each forkful.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish for a light and healthy meal. For a vegetarian spread, try serving it alongside quinoa or a warm grain pilaf to add some hearty, comforting elements to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Serve the salad in clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant colors or arrange it on a large platter layered meticulously with the avocado and strawberry slices on top for a gourmet look. Individual mason jars also make for charming, ready-to-go portions that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad (without the dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the mango dressing separately in a small jar or container to prevent the greens from getting soggy.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The delicate greens and fresh fruit won’t hold up well to freezing as they will lose their texture and freshness upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating isn’t necessary or advised. Instead, assemble fresh each time to fully appreciate the crispness and bright flavors that make this recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of greens?
Absolutely! While baby spinach and arugula work perfectly together here, you can swap in kale, mixed lettuces, or even romaine if you prefer. Just keep in mind the flavor profiles and textures you enjoy.
Is there a way to make the mango dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the mango dressing can be prepared up to three days ahead and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Just give it a good shake or stir before tossing it with your salad.
Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even some toasted chickpeas would be fantastic additions to bulk up the salad without overpowering its fresh flavors.
What if I don’t have fresh mango for the dressing?
If fresh mango isn’t available, you can use frozen mango chunks or even a mango puree from a trusted brand. Just make sure to adjust the consistency with lime juice or a splash of water as needed.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
To keep your avocado looking fresh, dice it right before assembling the salad and toss it with a bit of lime juice if possible. Serving the salad promptly will also minimize browning.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Mango Dressing Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a gift to your senses—bright, fresh, and just a touch indulgent thanks to the creamy avocado and luscious mango dressing. Whether for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a dinner party, this salad never fails to impress and refresh. Give it a go and enjoy every vibrant bite!
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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Mango Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad paired with a sweet and tangy mango dressing. This healthy and colorful salad combines baby spinach, arugula, juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and red onion for a perfect light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 (5 ounce) package baby spinach
- 1 large handful arugula
- 8 ounces strawberries, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 tablespoon red onion, chopped
Mango Salad Dressing
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Mango Dressing: In a blender, combine the chopped ripe mango, lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and set aside.
- Prep the Salad Ingredients: Wash and slice the strawberries, dice the avocado, and chop the red onion. Rinse the baby spinach and arugula and drain well.
- Assemble Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, arugula, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, and chopped red onion.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the mango dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Use ripe mangoes for the best natural sweetness in the dressing.
- If you prefer a spicier dressing, add a small pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh as the avocado tends to brown over time.
- Feel free to add toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
