Pin It Ingredients
- Spring spinach tastes sweet and tender, and I always use pre-washed leaves for ease and crunch.
- Choose berries that give off a sweet aroma and slice them just before serving for bright flavor.
- Creamy with a slight tang, goat cheese balances strawberries and adds richness—crumble gently by hand.
- Their crunch and deep flavor make each bite memorable; chop roughly so every forkful gets some.
- Thin slices add a sharp contrast, but soak them briefly in cold water to mellow if you prefer.
- Pick fresh oil for smoothness—if using a new bottle, taste before adding to your vinaigrette.
- The classic tang brings sweetness and acidity; reduce with honey and mustard for balance.
- Local honey works best for a floral note; swap it for maple syrup if you’re going vegan.
- Just a little brings depth and helps emulsify the vinaigrette; don’t skip it.
- Season generously—it lifts the flavors, especially in salads.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Instructions
- Layer baby spinach in your largest salad bowl, scatter the sliced strawberries, red onion, and candied pecans over the top. The colors and textures make the bowl look like spring itself; tossing gently ensures every leaf gets a bit of everything.
- In a small bowl or sealable jar, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until the dressing is glossy and unified—the aroma is always zippy and sweet.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss again lightly so the spinach is just coated. Watch for the glossy sheen—too much tossing wilts the spinach, so be gentle.
- Crumble the goat cheese on top right before serving, so it stays creamy and cool. Serve immediately while everything is bright and crisp.
Pin It Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Building a Balanced Vinaigrette
Choosing Your Strawberries
Simple Ways to Customize
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Pin It
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Yes, you can substitute spinach with arugula, baby kale, or mixed greens for a different texture and flavor.
- → How can I make this salad vegan?
Replace goat cheese with plant-based cheese or omit it; use maple syrup in the vinaigrette instead of honey.
- → What nuts work best in this salad?
Pecans, walnuts, or almonds all complement the salad. Candied or toasted nuts add crunch and sweetness.
- → How do I prepare the vinaigrette?
Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully blended.
- → What protein can I add?
Grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or tofu work well for extra protein and make the salad more filling.
- → Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check packaged nut or cheese labels to confirm.
