What Is Strawberry Spinach Salad?
Strawberry spinach salad is a refreshing salad that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the fresh spinach leaves. This spinach salad is enjoyed during the spring and summer when strawberries are in season.
In addition to spinach and strawberries, other ingredients are often added in the salad, such as cheese, nuts, and vegetables. This salad is typically dressed with a light vinaigrette or a dressing that complements the flavors of the strawberries and spinach. A classic dressing is a balsamic vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and dijon mustard. However, other dressings, like poppy seed dressing or a lemon vinaigrette, can also be used.
Spinach and strawberry salad is delicious and packed with nutrients. Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, while strawberries are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C. The combination of these ingredients makes for a healthy and satisfying salad option.
How To Clean Strawberries and Spinach For The Salad?
To clean strawberries and spinach for your salad, follow these steps:
Cleaning Strawberries:
- Remove the green stems and leaves from the strawberries with a small knife.
- Rinse the strawberries under cool, running water. Gently rub each strawberry with your fingers to remove any dirt or debris.
- Place them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to dry. Pat them gently to remove excess moisture.
- Slice them as desired for your salad, whether they're thin slices or halved.
Cleaning Spinach:
- Fill a large bowl or clean sink with cold water.
- Place the spinach leaves in the water and swish them around gently.
- Let it sit in the water for a few minutes to allow any dirt or debris to settle at the bottom.
- Lift the spinach leaves out of the water, being careful not to disturb the sediment at the bottom.
- Rinse the spinach under cold, running water.
- Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
How To Prevent Spinach From Wilting?
To prevent spinach from wilting when making a salad, follow these tips:
- Choose fresh spinach leaves that are crisp and vibrant green. Avoid spinach that appears wilted or has brown spots.
- Properly wash and dry the spinach. Thoroughly rinse the spinach leaves under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a salad spinner to remove moisture.
- Store the spinach in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. This helps maintain the freshness and crispness of the spinach. Keep all the other salad ingredients, such as strawberries or toppings, chilled as well.
- Add dressing just before serving. To avoid wilting, dress the salad just before serving. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss it gently to ensure all the leaves are coated.
- Don't overdress the salad. Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more if needed. Otherwise, it can get wilted faster.
- Serve immediately. Serve the salad as soon as possible to keep the spinach fresh and crunchy.
What To Serve with Strawberry Spinach Salad?
Strawberry spinach salad is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. Serve a bowl of vegetable soup alongside the salad. It can be served with grilled chicken or shrimp. Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, make a hearty side dish. A savory quiche or frittata can be a great complement to the salad.
Here are our delicious recipes that you can serve with Strawberry Spinach Salad:
How To Store Strawberry Spinach Salad?
This strawberry spinach salad is best enjoyed when it is fresh. The spinach leaves may start to wilt and the strawberries may lose their texture. However, you can store this spinach salad in the refrigerator.
How Long Does Spinach Salad Last In The Fridge?
Although this salad is best consumed fresh, when properly stored in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap, a strawberry and spinach salad can last in the refrigerator for 3 days.
To store the strawberry spinach salad properly, follow these steps:
- Store the spinach, strawberries, and other toppings separately. Place them in an airtight container or resealable bag. This helps to prevent the ingredients from wilting or becoming soggy.
- Dress the salad just before serving. This prevents the spinach from wilting.
- Store the salad in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. This helps maintain the freshness and quality of the ingredients.
- Add avocado or nuts just before serving to preserve their texture and crunch.
- If you store the dressing separately, combine all the ingredients just before serving.
Can Strawberry Spinach Salad Be Frozen?
While it's not recommended to freeze the strawberry spinach salad. It is best consumed as fresh. Freezing can cause the texture of the spinach and strawberries to change. This leads to the salad getting mushy and watery when thawed.
