Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with the vibrant, refreshing, and utterly satisfying Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette! This salad is a true celebration of color, crunch, and burst-in-your-mouth fruitiness, all brought together by a homemade strawberry vinaigrette that you’ll want to drizzle on everything. Whether you’re brunching with friends, searching for a light lunch, or need a showstopping side, this salad has you covered with its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. Every bite is a little taste of sunshine, and I can’t wait for you to try it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the beautiful, fresh ingredients that make this Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette so irresistible. Each ingredient isn’t just along for the ride—it brings its own flavor, texture, or sparkle to the salad, making every forkful exciting.

• Apple: Crisp and slightly tart, it keeps the salad crunchy and bright.
• Pear: Adds delicate sweetness and juicy texture that pairs perfectly with the spinach.
• Strawberries: The star fruit! Both in the salad and vinaigrette, they give a sweet, berry-forward punch.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Toasty and nutty, these little seeds deliver crunch and a lovely color contrast.
• Spinach Leaves: Tender and mild, spinach forms a lush, vitamin-packed backdrop for the fruits.
• Cold Filtered Water: Helps blend the vinaigrette to the perfect consistency—don’t skip it.
• Olive Oil: Rich and smooth, adding body and flavor to your homemade vinaigrette.
• Red Wine Vinegar: This zingy vinegar brings just the right amount of tang to tie everything together.
• Honey: Balances the tartness of the berries and vinegar—use your favorite local honey if possible.
• Poppy Seeds: A must for finishing the vinaigrette; they add charming specks and a gentle crunch.

How to Make Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Poppyseed Vinaigrette

This vinaigrette is truly the heart of the Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette. Start by blending cold water, olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh strawberries, and honey in a food processor or blender until the mixture is completely smooth. The aroma alone will have you swooning! Once blended, add the poppy seeds and pulse just to mix them in. Pop the dressing into the fridge to chill—it tastes even brighter when cold!

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Now, gather your apple and pear. Core them and slice thinly for maximum crunch and visual appeal. Hull and slice your strawberries as well. Fresh, ripe fruit really makes this salad pop, so don’t be shy about sampling as you go (chef’s treat!). Set a large mixing bowl nearby, because you’ll want plenty of space to toss everything together.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Toss your spinach leaves into the large mixing bowl. Layer on the sliced apples, pears, and strawberries, then sprinkle the pumpkin seeds over the top. Drizzle your strawberry poppyseed vinaigrette generously over everything—start with less, toss, and add more if you like it extra zingy and juicy. Gently toss so every ingredient gets a delicious coating. You can serve it immediately or let it chill for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

Garnishes

A final flourish really elevates your Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette! Try an extra sprinkle of pumpkin seeds, a few more sliced fresh strawberries, or even a scattering of feta or goat cheese for a creamy note. A twist of cracked pepper or a handful of microgreens also add color and complexity that looks as wonderful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This salad is a lovely stand-alone lunch, but it also plays well with others. I love serving it alongside a crusty baguette or a slice of seeded whole grain bread. For dinner, pair with grilled chicken, salmon, or a simple soup for a light but satisfying meal. It makes a fantastic companion to anything summery and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, individual mason jar salads are a hit—just layer the dressing on the bottom and the spinach on top for a pretty, portable treat. Or, arrange the ingredients artistically on a large platter for a “wow” centerpiece at your next brunch or potluck. This Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette looks especially inviting when the fruits are fanned out and the pumpkin seeds are sprinkled just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. The greens may soften a bit after being tossed with the dressing, but the flavors will still be absolutely delicious and the fruit remains refreshing.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for assembled Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette, as fresh fruits and spinach don’t thaw well and can become soggy. However, you can freeze the vinaigrette separately in a small container, giving it a quick whisk or shake when ready to use.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’re taking it out from the fridge, let it sit for a few minutes so it’s not icy cold. Avoid microwaving, as it will wilt the greens and compromise the fresh texture of the fruit.

FAQs

Can I make the strawberry vinaigrette ahead of time?

Absolutely! The strawberry vinaigrette keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store it in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may naturally separate.

What other fruits can I use in this salad?

The Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette loves versatility! Try blueberries, raspberries, or orange segments if you want to mix things up. Even sliced grapes or kiwi will add a fun twist.

Is there a vegan alternative to honey in the vinaigrette?

Yes! A splash of maple syrup or agave nectar works as a vegan substitute for honey in the strawberry vinaigrette. Both options keep the dressing lusciously sweet and smooth.

Can I use baby spinach or regular spinach?

Both work well, but baby spinach is tender and mild, making it ideal for this salad. Regular spinach is fine too, just be sure to wash and trim any thicker stems for the best texture.

What protein can I add to make this a more filling meal?

This salad becomes a showstopping meal when topped with grilled chicken, salmon, or even tofu. A handful of chickpeas or white beans also pairs perfectly and adds plant-based protein.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Fruit and Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette as I am to share it. It’s a burst of color and goodness, perfect for any occasion. Don’t be surprised when friends and family ask for the recipe—it’s just that good! Give it a try and let it bring a little extra joy to your table.

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