Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Balsamic Maple Dressing

A simple and delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe featuring a homemade Balsamic Maple Dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal!

Looking for a salad that’s anything but ordinary? My Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe combines fresh, vibrant flavors with a secret ingredient that will both surprise and impress.

This isn’t just a healthy meal; it’s a dish born from our visits in Vermont, adding a unique twist that makes it truly unforgettable. Whether you need a quick, light dinner or a standout side for your next gathering, this salad is packed with lots of nutrients and great flavor.

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The Vermont Twist That Changed Everything

Every time our family visits Vermont, I’m always struck by how many local restaurants expertly infuse their dishes with pure maple syrup. From savory glazes to unexpected desserts, maple is literally everywhere! So, it got me thinking: if maple syrup works so beautifully in all these diverse dishes, why not try it with my balsamic dressing for this Strawberry Spinach Salad?

Wait until you try the rich, earthy sweetness of authentic maple syrup that perfectly harmonizes with the tang of balsamic vinegar, making those fresh strawberries truly pop. It’s a simple addition that takes this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Ready to prepare this vibrant and delicious salad? Here’s everything you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1 package (5-6 oz) fresh baby spinach
• 1 package (16 oz) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 package (8 oz) ciliegine fresh mozzarella balls, drained
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ⅛ cup balsamic vinegar
• ⅛ cup real maple syrup (fake syrup need not apply)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional protein: 1 lb cooked chicken, shrimp, fish, turkey, or your favorite lean meat (for a more substantial meal)

Directions to Make Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad With Balsamic Maple Dressing

1. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the fresh spinach, halved strawberries, and fresh mozzarella balls. If you’re adding protein, now is the ideal time to incorporate it.
2. Whisk the Dressing: In a separate small bowl or, for ease, a salad dressing shaker bottle, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and real maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Remember to taste and adjust—sometimes a bit more tang or sweetness can perfect it!
3. Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the assembled salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors!

Serving Suggestions For Your Strawberry Spinach Salad

This Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many dishes:

• Light Meal: Enjoy it as a refreshing and healthy stand-alone lunch or dinner.
• Accompaniment: It complements grilled chicken, salmon, or steak beautifully.
• Gatherings: This is a fantastic dish to bring to potlucks or picnics; simply keep the dressing separate until just before serving.
• Added Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, consider adding toasted pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

To make your salad preparation even smoother, here are a couple of my favorite tools:

• Wood Salad Bowl with Tongs: A beautiful wood salad bowl with tongs not only enhances your table setting but also provides ample space for tossing your salad without spills. It adds a lovely rustic touch to your meal.
• Salad Dressing Shaker Bottle: This is a true time-saver! A good salad dressing shaker bottle allows you to whip up your dressing quickly and cleanly. Just combine your ingredients, shake vigorously, and pour—no more struggling with forks to emulsify!

Strawberry Spinach Salad Variations

Feel free to customize your Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe to suit your taste:

• Cheese Alternatives: Feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese can be excellent substitutes for mozzarella, adding a different salty or tangy profile.
• Nutty Additions: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds contribute a delightful crunch.
• Other Berries: While strawberries are central, a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries can also be a delicious complement.
• Extra Vegetables: Thinly sliced red onion, cucumber, or bell peppers can boost the vegetable content and add more flavor.

Storage Information

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers or are preparing it in advance:

• Undressed Salad: Store the undressed salad (spinach, strawberries, mozzarella, and any other solid ingredients) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Dressing: Keep the dressing in a separate airtight container (your salad dressing shaker bottle works perfectly!) in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• Combine Just Before Serving: To maintain the freshness of the spinach and prevent the strawberries from becoming soggy, always add the dressing just before you plan to serve.

Final Thoughts About This Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Balsamic Maple Dressing

I truly hope you and your loved ones enjoy this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe as much as my family does. It’s a simple creation that brings a touch of Vermont charm and a whole lot of deliciousness to this dish.

Have you made this before? How do you like to make your spinach salad? Let’s chat more about it in the comments below.

For more Vermont-style recipes, check out Vermonter.com!

Thank you for visiting the blog today!

Enjoy your day! xo

Try These Salad Recipe Ideas

• Melon and Proscuitto Salad with Burrata
• Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Mozzarella Recipe
• Creamy Potato Salad Recipe
• Easy Chicken Salad With Grapes
• Authentic Caprese Salad Recipe
• Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad Recipe
• Easy and Refreshing Cucumber Salad With Dill Recipe

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