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Fresh Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze

fresh strawberry avocado spinach salad - featured image

A vibrant and healthy salad combining sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tender spinach leaves, finished with a tangy homemade balsamic glaze. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups (180 grams) baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 pint (about 300 grams) strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and diced
  • ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup (50 grams) toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup (75 grams) crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for dressing)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it reduce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a syrupy consistency — about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Toast the nuts: While the glaze reduces, toast ½ cup (50 grams) of pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool.
  3. Prep the produce: Rinse and dry 6 cups (180 grams) baby spinach thoroughly. Slice 1 pint (300 grams) strawberries into halves or quarters depending on size. Peel and dice 1 ripe avocado gently to avoid mushiness. Thinly slice ¼ small red onion if using.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, avocado, sliced onion, and toasted nuts. If using, sprinkle ½ cup (75 grams) crumbled feta cheese on top.
  5. Make the dressing: Whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl.
  6. Toss gently: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine, taking care not to mash the avocado or strawberries.
  7. Finish with balsamic glaze: Just before serving, drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the salad for that signature tangy sweetness.
  8. Serve immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the spinach crisp and the avocado creamy.

Notes

To keep avocado from browning, toss with a splash of lemon or lime juice before adding to the salad. Make the balsamic glaze low and slow to avoid bitterness. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. The salad is best served fresh; store dressing and glaze separately if preparing ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry salad, avocado salad, spinach salad, balsamic glaze, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free