If you’re on the lookout for a salad that bursts with freshness, vibrant colors, and a symphony of flavors, then the Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful dish combines tender spinach leaves with the natural sweetness of apples, pears, and strawberries, all perfectly tied together by a luscious homemade strawberry vinaigrette. It’s light yet satisfying, making it a wonderful way to brighten up any meal or serve as a refreshing, healthful snack that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is delicious to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding crunch, sweetness, or that irresistible fresh tang. This straightforward list keeps preparation simple while guaranteeing a burst of flavor and a variety of textures in each bite.
- Apple: Cored and sliced for a crisp, subtly sweet crunch that balances the salad’s softness.
- Pear: Also cored and sliced, offering a gentle sweetness and a juicy, tender texture.
- Strawberries (for salad): Hulled and sliced to add juicy bursts of berry flavor and beautiful red pops of color.
- Pumpkin Seeds: A small but mighty addition, these add a satisfying crunch and a nutty undertone.
- Spinach Leaves: Fresh and tender, they build the salad’s leafy, green base filled with vitamins and a slight earthiness.
- Cold Filtered Water: Part of the vinaigrette, ensuring the dressing is light and well-mixed.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the vinaigrette.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness, balancing all the sweet flavors.
- Strawberries (for vinaigrette): Hulled and halved for blending into the dressing, infusing it with fresh berry sweetness.
- Honey: A natural sweetener to enhance the vinaigrette’s fruity notes without overpowering.
- Poppy Seeds: A sprinkle in the vinaigrette adds a subtle crunch and a visual speckled charm.
How to Make Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Start by washing all your fruit and spinach leaves thoroughly. Core and slice the apple and pear into thin, even slices that make each bite delightful. Hull and slice half a pound of strawberries to incorporate that juicy sweetness and a splash of color into the salad. Gently pat the spinach leaves dry to avoid unwanted wateriness in the salad, ensuring the leaves remain crisp and fresh.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Vinaigrette
Next, blend the vinaigrette ingredients to perfection. In a blender, combine 1/2 pound of fresh strawberries (hulled and halved), 1/4 cup of cold filtered water, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds. Blend until smooth and vibrant in color. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the acidity or sweetness by adding more red wine vinegar or honey if you like. This dressing is what transforms a simple salad into a dish that sings with fresh, fruity goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach leaves, sliced apple and pear, and the sliced strawberries. Drizzle the strawberry vinaigrette generously over the salad, then gently toss everything together so every leaf and fruit slice is kissed with dressing. Sprinkle the pumpkin seeds on top last to preserve their crunch and nutty flavor, giving the salad an irresistible texture boost.
How to Serve Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
To dress it up just a notch, consider adding thinly sliced almonds or crumbled goat cheese right before serving for an extra creamy, tangy touch. A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves can also add a refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with the strawberry notes in the vinaigrette.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a star side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or even tofu. Its bright fruitiness complements savory mains and lightens roasted or heavier dishes, making your meal feel balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visually striking presentation, serve this salad in individual clear glass bowls, layering the spinach and fruit so the colors shine through. Alternatively, arrange the salad on a large platter with edible flowers for a wow-worthy centerpiece at gatherings or brunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and strawberry vinaigrette separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the spinach and fruit from wilting or becoming soggy, keeping everything fresh for up to two days.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended for the fruit and spinach components. However, you can freeze any leftover strawberry vinaigrette in a small container or ice cube tray to use later on salads or even as a surprise breakfast drizzle.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Just toss any stored salad again gently with the vinaigrette before serving to refresh the flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! While spinach offers a mild flavor and delicate texture, you can swap in baby kale, arugula, or mixed greens for a different twist. Just keep in mind that stronger greens might change the overall flavor balance.
How long does the strawberry vinaigrette keep?
The strawberry vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Make sure to keep it in a sealed container and give it a good shake or stir before using to recombine the ingredients.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use honey alternatives like maple syrup or agave nectar for the vinaigrette. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based and fresh.
Are pumpkin seeds necessary?
While they add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, pumpkin seeds can be swapped out or omitted if you prefer. Toasted walnuts or sliced almonds are great alternatives for texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
It can be prepped ahead, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent soggy greens. Chop and store the fruit and spinach, then combine and dress fresh when ready.
Final Thoughts
This Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Its balance of sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors combined with fresh textures makes it a standout salad perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy a healthy, delicious meal packed with colors and joy.
Print
Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and vibrant fruit and spinach salad featuring crisp apples, pears, and strawberries, topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds and dressed in a homemade strawberry vinaigrette. Perfect for a light, healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 apple (cored and sliced)
- 1 pear (cored and sliced)
- 1/2 lb strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 8 oz (1/2 lb) spinach leaves
Strawberry Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup cold filtered water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or to taste)
- 1/2 lb fresh strawberries (hulled and halved, about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp poppy seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Wash and dry the spinach leaves thoroughly. Core and slice the apple and pear into thin slices. Hull and slice the 1/2 pound of strawberries. In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, apple slices, pear slices, and sliced strawberries. Sprinkle the pumpkin seeds over the top for added crunch.
- Make the Strawberry Vinaigrette: In a blender or food processor, combine the halved fresh strawberries, cold filtered water, olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds. Blend until smooth and well emulsified. Taste and adjust vinegar or honey as needed for preferred balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the prepared strawberry vinaigrette over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure everything is evenly coated with the vinaigrette. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh and ripe strawberries for the best flavor in the vinaigrette.
- Red wine vinegar can be adjusted to taste or substituted with apple cider vinegar for a different tang.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the fruits and spinach.
- For added protein, consider sprinkling some feta cheese or nuts like almonds or walnuts.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan option, but note the diet category is not marked vegan here.
