This strawberry and spinach salad comes with creamy mozzarella, avocado and a tangy 4-ingredient balsamic dressing. Sweet, light and refreshing it's perfect to make for a bbq or enjoy as a light summer lunch. Ready in under 10 minutes! Check out also cantaloupe salad with blueberries and avocado.
Earthy spinach and sweet strawberries make an unexpectedly successful flavour combination, one I wouldn't necessarily have tried if I didn't happen to have too much spinach in the fridge. So I thought I'd experiment and make something a little different.
Strawberry and spinach salad ingredients
As it turns out these 2 ingredients are perfect together! I decided to add a bit more substance to this salad and used some Italian mozzarella as well as sliced avocado. A handful of freshly chopped basil leaves and a drizzle of tangy balsamic dressing complete this delicious salad.
Top tip
Use either Italian mozzarella, torn into small pieces, or mozzarella pearls (use these whole).
Assembling the salad
1.Start by making the balsamic dressing. In a small bowl combine the ingredients and stir thoroughly. You can either use it right away or refrigerate and use later.
2. Spread most of the spinach leaves over a large plate (or shallow bowl) and roughly chop the rest (optional). Combine the chopped leaves, if using, with the strawberries, basil and mozzarella pieces and scatter over the spinach. Drizzle over the dressing, season to taste and serve.
Top tips and FAQs
- Use Italian mozzarella (1-2) or mozzarella pearls.
- I recommend using baby spinach as it's more tender and tastier than regular spinach. You can chop some of the spinach before adding into the salad or just toss the leaves with the strawberries without chopping them first.
- Make ahead: Prepare the balsamic dressing in advance and keep refrigerated, covered for up to 3 days. Stir before use. Drizzle over the salad just before serving.
- I like to season this salad with pink Himalayan salt -it has a sweetness to it that really comes through in this salad. But this is optional. Sea salt is fine to use too.
- Serving suggestion: this salad is also delicious with a drizzle of homemade blueberry vinaigrette.
You might also like
- Caprese Orzo Salad with Pesto
- Zucchini Noodle Salad with Blueberries, Walnuts & Feta
- Quinoa Roasted Fruit Salad
Keep in touch
If you make this strawberry spinach salad I'd love to know how it turned out for you. Let me know in the comments below, thanks:)
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Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Mozzarella
Ingredients
- 10 strawberries halved or quartered
- 80 g fresh spinach approx. 4 handfuls
- 1-2 Italian mozzarella torn
- 10 basil leaves chopped
- 1 avocado chopped or sliced
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1⅓ tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine the dressing ingredients, stir and set aside.
- Spread most of the spinach leaves over a large plate (or shallow bowl) and roughly chop the rest (optional). Combine the chopped leaves, if using, with the strawberries, basil and mozzarella pieces and scatter over the spinach.
- Drizzle over the dressing, season to taste and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Italian mozzarella (1-2) or mozzarella pearls.
- I recommend using baby spinach as it's more tender and tastier than regular spinach. You can chop some of the spinach before adding into the salad or just toss the leaves with the strawberries without chopping them first.
- Make ahead: Prepare the balsamic dressing in advance and keep refrigerated, covered for up to 3 days. Stir before use. Drizzle over the salad just before serving.
- I like to season this salad with pink Himalayan salt -it has a sweetness to it that really comes through in this salad. But this is optional. Sea salt is fine to use too.
- Serving suggestion: this salad is also delicious with a drizzle of homemade blueberry vinaigrette.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is automatically generated and should be considered as an estimate.
**A note about baking: If using a fan-assisted oven refer to your appliance's instructions and adjust the temperature accordingly.
That's one amazing salad. Thanks for submitting it to Meat Free Monday. The roundup is live. I've shared it too 🙂
Thank you! I'll be over to see it soon:)
The strawberries look like they really make this dish! those strawberries sing summer! xx
Thank you! So glad you like the strawberries in this salad - they are my favourite ingredient too:)
I have to admit that I've never tries strawberries in a salad before - but I'm very very tempted to try one this week monika.
Angela x
Do try it Angela! It's a very simple salad and the strawberries are super delicious with the other ingredients. It's great to try new things, isn't it?
This looks delicious, Monika. Thanks for sharing and happy Fiesta Friday!
Thank you Jhuls!
This is definitely something I need in my life...the sooner the better! Happy Fiesta Friday!
Thank you! Happy FF:)
your salad looks so colourful and pretty Monica but I am not sure about eating strawberries in a savoury dish. I know it works but I just cannot bring myself to try it - I probably would if someone presented such a dish to me mind you. So, if you fancy popping over and making this for me then feel free and I will try some 😉 xx
I'd love to make it for you and convince you that strawberries are amazing in savoury dishes too! And I can be pretty convincing, I am told, so I'd probably succeed:)
Wow what a colourful salad. I could just tuck into that right now.
Thanks Jacqui! They do taste great together, especially with the balsamic vinegar dressing.
I love it! It's gorgeous ? I do have strawberries and in the garden!
Then you must make this salad:) You'll like it.
Such a beautiful Summer salad!
Thank you! Glad you like it:)
Wow that is simply stunning! Seasonal, fresh and delicious ingredients x
Thank you! So glad you like this simple salad:)
Do you know Monika, I STILL haven't tried strawberries in a savoury dish. I keep seeing recipes and say the same, "I must try" but I really must. I love asparagus season so would love this for lunch! Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare x
Thank you Kirsty! I am like that with some dishes, too, but if it's something I don't usually make I just forget about it and it never gets cooked.
Gorgeous! So pretty Def saving for later & next year when our asparagus comes up again! X
Thank you! So sorry your asparagus season has finished already:(