The kitchen filled with a heavenly aroma as I caramelized the walnuts, a moment that sparked an idea for a delightful meal. Enter the Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad—a vibrant medley of fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy walnuts that serves as an invigorating nod to springtime. This quick, healthy dish isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s a nourishing option that makes any lunch or dinner feel special without spending hours in the kitchen. Topped with a tangy balsamic dressing, it beautifully harmonizes flavors and textures, making this salad a true crowd-pleaser. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you! Are you ready to brighten up your plate? Why is this salad a must-try? Vibrant Colors: This salad showcases a stunning visual appeal with the lush greens of spinach, vibrant red strawberries, and rich green avocados, making it a feast for the eyes. Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein, it’s a guilt-free way to indulge in a wholesome meal. Quick and Easy: Preparation takes just minutes, perfect for busy days when you crave a nutritious meal without the hassle. Versatile Flavor: Feel free to mix and match ingredients like swapping walnuts for pecans or adding seasonal fruits, tailoring the salad to your taste. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a light lunch, dinner, or a sophisticated side dish for gatherings, this salad is sure to impress your guests. Try pairing it with a Cucumber Strawberry Salad for an even more refreshing twist! Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredients • The vibrant Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad is made with fresh, wholesome ingredients that ensure a delightful and nourishing experience. For the Caramelized Walnuts Walnuts – Add crunch and richness; substitute with pecans for a sweeter alternative. Maple Syrup – Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the walnuts; agave nectar can be used as an alternative. Cinnamon – Enhances the flavor of the walnuts with warmth; omit for a simpler taste. Salt – Balances the flavors; use sea salt for a finer taste. Cayenne – Adds a spicy kick; adjust to taste or leave out for a milder flavor. For the Dressing Dijon Mustard – Brings tanginess to the dressing; yellow mustard can be substituted. Minced Garlic – Adds depth to the dressing; garlic powder can be used instead if fresh is unavailable. Balsamic Vinegar – Gives acidity and sweet undertones; apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute. Olive Oil – Adds creaminess to the dressing; avocado oil or another light oil can be used. Salt – Enhances overall flavor; swap for a seasoning blend for variety. For the Salad Base Spinach – Base of the salad, offering freshness; arugula can be a peppery substitute. Quinoa – Adds protein and texture; rice can be a gluten-free alternative. Strawberries – Provide sweetness and juiciness; fresh raspberries or blueberries can be used. Avocados – Offer creaminess; mashed avocado can replace sliced for a different texture. Hemp Hearts – Adds protein and a crunchy texture; chia seeds can be used as a substitute. Enjoy crafting this beautiful and nutritious Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad as you explore the delightful balance of flavors and textures! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad Step 1: Caramelize the Walnuts In a skillet over medium-high heat, combine walnuts, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne. Stir constantly for about 7-10 minutes until the walnuts turn golden brown and become aromatic. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and once done, transfer the caramelized walnuts onto a sheet of parchment paper to cool completely. Step 2: Prepare the Dressing In a mason jar, combine dijon mustard, minced garlic, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the dressing is well-emulsified and glossy. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you assemble the salad. Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base In large serving bowls, start layering the fresh spinach as the base. Then, add cooked quinoa for a protein-packed texture, followed by plenty of sliced strawberries that provide sweetness and vibrant color. Top this lovely mix with cubed avocado, ensuring its creamy texture shines, and sprinkle with hemp hearts for an extra crunch. Step 4: Finish with Dressing and Walnuts Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing generously over the salad layers, making sure to coat all the ingredients. Finally, sprinkle the caramelized walnuts across the top to add a delightful crunch and sweetness. This Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad is now ready to be served, showcasing a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that invites everyone to dig in! What to Serve with Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that enhance this vibrant salad’s fresh flavors and textures. Grilled Chicken: A perfect protein addition, grilled chicken complements the salad’s creaminess while adding a hearty element. Quinoa Stuffed Peppers: Enjoy the wholesome goodness of quinoa-filled peppers. Their savory flavor contrasts nicely with the salad’s sweetness. Lemon Herb Couscous: This light and zesty couscous brings bright, citrusy notes, enhancing the refreshing taste of the salad. Garlic Breadsticks: Crunchy and buttery, these breadsticks provide a delightful texture contrast, great for soaking up any leftover dressing. Fresh Fruit Platter: Share a colorful assortment of seasonal fruits like melon and pineapple for a refreshing, sweet contrast to the savory salad. Crisp White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully, bringing out the salad’s bright notes and elevating your meal experience. Indulging in these pairings creates a symphony of flavors, ensuring your Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad shines brightly on the table! Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad Variations Customize your Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad to match your taste and dietary preferences—let your creativity flourish! Nut-Free: Replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch without nuts. Perfect for nut allergies! Cheesy Delight: Crumble feta cheese or vegan cheese over the salad for a salty, creamy addition that complements the sweetness of strawberries. Fruity Twist: Celebrate the seasons by tossing in fresh mango or peaches for an extra burst of sweetness and exotic flavor. Herb Infusion: Enhance the dressing with fresh herbs like basil or mint to add a refreshing aroma, making each bite a fragrant delight. Spicy Kick: Introduce diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to amp up the heat, turning this salad into a spicier sensation. Grain Boost: Replace quinoa with farro or barley for a chewy texture that makes this salad even heartier. Both options provide delightful variety! Creamy Avocado: For a smoother texture, mash the avocado instead of using slices, creating a beautiful base for the salad rather than just a topping. Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle a balsamic reduction instead of plain balsamic vinaigrette for a concentrated burst of flavor that takes this salad to gourmet heights. If you’re looking for more freshness, consider pairing it with a light Cucumber Strawberry Salad or a zesty Cheesecake Fruit Salad that will uplift your meal experience. Let’s celebrate healthy eating with vibrant flavors! Expert Tips for Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe avocados and fresh strawberries to enhance flavor. Pay attention to color and texture for the best results. Prevent Avocado Browning: To keep your avocado looking fresh, add it to your salad just before serving. This prevents browning and maintains its vibrant color. Perfectly Caramelized Walnuts: Stir the walnuts constantly while cooking to prevent burning. Use parchment paper to cool them down, avoiding sticky cleanup. Dress Right Before Serving: For maximum freshness, add the balsamic dressing just before serving the salad. This keeps the spinach crisp and prevents sogginess. Substitution Tips: If walnuts aren’t your favorite, feel free to swap them for pecans or sunflower seeds, tailoring your Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad to your taste. How to Store and Freeze Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To keep the avocado from browning, add it just before serving. Freezer: Avoid freezing this salad as the ingredients, especially the avocado and strawberries, do not maintain their texture after thawing. Reheating: Since this salad is best enjoyed fresh, simply assemble fresh ingredients and drizzle the dressing right before serving. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of your Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad without reheating! Room Temperature: If serving outdoors, limit the salad to 2 hours at room temperature to ensure freshness and food safety. Make Ahead Options Preparing the Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad ahead of time is a great way to save valuable time during busy weeknights! You can caramelize the walnuts and prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance. To keep the walnuts crunchy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature and refrigerate the dressing in a sealed jar. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the salad by layering fresh spinach, quinoa, sliced strawberries, and cubed avocado (add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning). Drizzle with the dressing and top with walnuts for a fresh, vibrant salad that feels just as delicious as when it was made! Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe strawberries for this salad? Select strawberries that are bright red, firm, and free from dark spots or mushiness. A sweet aroma is a great indicator of ripeness. When possible, choose local or organic strawberries for the best flavor. How should I store leftover salad? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can stay good for about 2-3 days. Remember to add the avocado only when you’re ready to serve to prevent browning. Can I freeze the Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad? It’s best not to freeze this salad as the fresh ingredients, especially the strawberries and avocado, will lose their texture and flavor upon thawing. Instead, prepare only as much as you need to enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures. What can I do if my walnuts burn while caramelizing? If your walnuts start to burn, remove them from the heat immediately. To salvage, add a little water to the pan, stirring well to unstick any residue. Next time, be sure to lower the heat and stir constantly to achieve that perfect golden brown without burning. Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind for this salad? This salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free; however, if you’re serving someone with nut allergies, consider swapping out the walnuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch. Always double-check your ingredients to avoid cross-contamination! Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad for a Fresh Vegan Treat Enjoy this vibrant Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad, a nutritious blend of fresh ingredients perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladCuisine: VeganCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Caramelized Walnuts1 cup Walnuts Substitute with pecans for a sweeter alternative.2 tablespoons Maple Syrup Agave nectar can be used as an alternative.1 teaspoon Cinnamon Omit for a simpler taste.1/4 teaspoon Salt Use sea salt for a finer taste.1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Adjust to taste or leave out for a milder flavor.Dressing1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard can be substituted.1 clove Minced Garlic Garlic powder can be used instead if fresh is unavailable.1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute.1/4 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil or another light oil can be used.1/4 teaspoon Salt Swap for a seasoning blend for variety.Salad Base4 cups Spinach Arugula can be a peppery substitute.1 cup Quinoa Rice can be a gluten-free alternative.2 cups Strawberries Fresh raspberries or blueberries can be used.2 medium Avocados Mashed avocado can replace sliced for a different texture.1/4 cup Hemp Hearts Chia seeds can be used as a substitute. Equipment Skilletmason jarLarge serving bowls Method Caramelizing the WalnutsIn a skillet over medium-high heat, combine walnuts, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne. Stir constantly for about 7-10 minutes until the walnuts turn golden brown and become aromatic. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and once done, transfer the caramelized walnuts onto a sheet of parchment paper to cool completely.Preparing the DressingIn a mason jar, combine dijon mustard, minced garlic, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the dressing is well-emulsified and glossy. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you assemble the salad.Assembling the Salad BaseIn large serving bowls, start layering the fresh spinach as the base. Then, add cooked quinoa for a protein-packed texture, followed by plenty of sliced strawberries that provide sweetness and vibrant color. Top this lovely mix with cubed avocado, ensuring its creamy texture shines, and sprinkle with hemp hearts for an extra crunch.Finishing with Dressing and WalnutsDrizzle the prepared balsamic dressing generously over the salad layers, making sure to coat all the ingredients. Finally, sprinkle the caramelized walnuts across the top to add a delightful crunch and sweetness. This Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad is now ready to be served. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 350mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 6gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg NotesStore any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To keep the avocado from browning, add it just before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
