Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

This Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette is the perfect healthy salad recipe that combines fresh spinach, crisp apples, juicy pears, and sweet strawberries, topped with a delicious homemade strawberry poppyseed vinaigrette. Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, this salad is a refreshing choice for those looking for a light, flavorful meal or side dish. The tangy vinaigrette, made with fresh strawberries, honey, and red wine vinegar, adds a delightful burst of flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the fruit. Ideal for a nutritious lunch, picnic, or as a vibrant side dish for dinner, this fruit salad with spinach is gluten-free and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a low-calorie meal, a vegan salad, or a refreshing recipe for summer, this spinach and fruit salad is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 apple, cored and sliced
• 1 pear, cored and sliced
• 1/2 lb strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 8 oz (1/2 lb) fresh spinach leaves

For the Strawberry Poppyseed Vinaigrette:
(Makes enough for 2 salads)

• 1/4 cup cold filtered water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or to taste)
• 1/2 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and halved (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp poppy seeds

Instructions

How to Make the Dressing:

1. In a food processor or blender, combine 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1/2 lb strawberries, and 2 tbsp honey. Puree until smooth.
2. Add 1/2 tsp poppy seeds and pulse once to combine.
3. Refrigerate the dressing for up to one week.

Assembling the Salad:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apple, pear, strawberries, pumpkin seeds, and spinach leaves.
2. Drizzle the strawberry poppyseed vinaigrette over the salad to taste and toss gently to combine.

Enjoy your vibrant, refreshing fruit and spinach salad!

Tips

• For extra crunch, try adding chopped nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans.
• If you prefer a sweeter dressing, adjust the amount of honey according to taste.
• Use organic produce for the freshest flavors, especially for spinach and strawberries.

Variations and Substitutions

• Nuts: Substitute pumpkin seeds with almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a different flavor profile.
• Greens: Swap spinach for arugula or mixed greens if you prefer a peppery taste.
• Vinaigrette: Replace red wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a richer taste.
• Fruit: Add other fruits like blueberries, grapes, or mango for more variety.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes! The strawberry vinaigrette can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

How long will the salad stay fresh?
The salad is best eaten fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to one day. If you need to store it longer, keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving.

Can I make the salad without honey?
Yes, you can omit the honey or use an alternative sweetener like agave syrup or maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this light and healthy salad with grilled chicken, fish, or a light quinoa dish for a well-rounded meal.
• Serve it as a refreshing side dish at barbecues, picnics, or holiday meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette is a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The fresh spinach provides a nutritious base, while the fruity sweetness of apple, pear, and strawberries creates a refreshing burst in every bite. The homemade strawberry vinaigrette adds an extra layer of flavor, making this salad not only healthy but also vibrant and visually appealing. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a light lunch, it’s a simple yet delicious way to incorporate fresh fruits and veggies into your diet.

Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Ingredients

• For the Salad:

• 1 apple, cored and sliced

• 1 pear, cored and sliced

• 1/2 lb strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds

• 8 oz (1/2 lb) fresh spinach leaves

• For the Strawberry Poppyseed Vinaigrette:

• (Makes enough for 2 salads)

• 1/4 cup cold filtered water

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or to taste)

• 1/2 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and halved (about 1 1/2 cups)

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1/2 tsp poppy seeds

Directions

• How to Make the Dressing:
• In a food processor or blender, combine 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1/2 lb strawberries, and 2 tbsp honey. Puree until smooth.
• Add 1/2 tsp poppy seeds and pulse once to combine.
• Refrigerate the dressing for up to one week.
• Assembling the Salad:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apple, pear, strawberries, pumpkin seeds, and spinach leaves.
• Drizzle the strawberry poppyseed vinaigrette over the salad to taste and toss gently to combine.
• Enjoy your vibrant, refreshing fruit and spinach sala