Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Say hello to spring with this strawberry spinach salad. A beautiful and delicious way to enjoy fresh spinach and strawberries. This gorgeous, full meal salad includes nuts, fruit, cheese and chicken finished off with a fruity balsamic vinaigrette. Yum!
Also Read: Honey Glazed Pecans, Chicken with Summertime Fruit Salad, Strawberry Basil Salad
I love the combination of the creamy goat cheese, sweet crunchy pecans and fruity strawberries on top of the bed of greens. Topping it off with some well seasoned chicken is perfect for a full meal salad.
To serve, I arrange this salad on a big plate and drizzle the dressing on top, rather than mixing it in. It looks so pretty and everyone can serve themselves with salad tongs. Of course, you could also serve the salad on individual plates with the dressing on the side so everyone can add their own.
What is Balsamic Vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar is a sweet, tangy, dark vinegar that originates from Italy and is made from grapes. Traditionally the grapes are cooked down and left to ferment in wooden barrels for a minimum of 12 to 25 years or more. The longer the darker, more complex, sweeter – and expensive!
If you’re looking for classic, traditional balsamic vinegar look for products that are labeled as “Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale” or “Traditional Balsamic Vinegar.” These products are made using traditional methods and are of higher quality than other varieties that are made with added ingredients or artificial flavors. You may also see labels with the mention of “Modena” – this is one of the regions in Italy where traditional balsamic vinegar is made.
Today, balsamic vinegar is often made in faster, more affordable ways. These vinegars are typically made from a blend of grape must, which is freshly pressed grape juice, and wine vinegar. The grape must is cooked down and then blended with the vinegar to create a sweet and tangy flavor. These vinegars are only aged for a few months and may have added coloring, thickeners and sweeteners. These balsamic vinegars often do the trick and can be very tasty – just be aware!
As always, it’s up to us home cooks to read the label carefully and choose ingredients we enjoy.
The difference in balsamic vinegars may also cause differences in how the dressing in this recipe tastes. That’s why I encourage you to taste your dressing and adjust accordingly.
Recipe for Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad with or without Chicken
Ingredients
- 8 cups spinach or mixed greens
- 1 cup cooked cubed or shredded chicken (optional)
- 1/2 to 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup honey glazed pecans
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar*
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp honey
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry spinach or salad greens.
- Gently toss spinach, chicken, strawberries, pecans, and goat cheese. Or arrange on a large platter or plate.
- Make vinaigrette by pouring all ingredients in a screw top jar and shaking vigorously. Taste and adjust to your liking. Because all balsamic vinegar is different, you may want to add a little honey to sweeten your dressing.
- Just before serving, drizzle vinaigrette on top of salad or serve on the side to allow people to dress their own salad.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Taste and Adjust – Always
It’s important to taste your dressing before you serve it. Every bottle of balsamic vinegar and brand of Dijon tastes different with some being super acidic and some being quite sweet. So always do a little taste test.
If you find your dressing is a little too tart, add a little more honey.
If you feel it’s too sweet, add a touch of Dijon mustard to give it a little more edge or add a touch of water or a little more oil.
I’d love to see your creations! Please take a photo, post it on Instagram and tag @getgettys so I can see it and like it!
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Select, store and serve seasonal food for everyday cooking with Getty. Getty is a food educator and Professional Home Economist, who loves sharing tips and recipes following the seasons from her Canadian kitchen. Sign up to get seasonal tips and recipes delivered to your inbox. Learn more about Getty or check out her books and pdf guides.