Spinach Summer Salad Recipe

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When I made this spinach summer salad, I had veggies leftover from a visit to a local farm.

It was fantastic, and I loved knowing that I had supported a local farmer while getting some good-for-me nutrients in the process.

My tiny, apartment-sized vegetable garden is not producing yet, so in the meantime, I have no problem buying local produce. Especially since so many farmers in my area avoid the use of pesticides. It seems to be a growing movement that I am proud to support.

This simple farm-fresh vegetable salad can be made in under 15 minutes, is filling, tasty and great for lunch or a quick dinner.

Can I Use Another Type Of Fruit?

Of course! You can use any summer fruits you prefer and this salad will be amazing!

Can This Salad Be Prepped In Advance?

Yes, but store it without any salad dressing. My recommendation is to not make it more than 1 to 2 days in advance. Otherwise, things start to wilt and not taste all that great. This salad is best eaten as freshly made as possible.

What To Pair This Strawberry Salad With

This salad is pretty versatile. Not only in what you can put on it, but also in what you can serve with it.

If you want this to be your main meal, then see the Recipe Variations below. If you want this to be a side salad, then I recommend serving this with just about anything off the grill. This pairs well with fish, chicken, and pork. Also with rice and most other grains as well as a wide variety of vegetables. (Especially veggies off the grill!)

Spinach Summer Salad Recipe Variations

There are a lot of ways you can change this salad around. Here are some ideas for foods you can exchange or add to this salad:

• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Blueberries
• Oranges
• Raw zucchini
• Pecans
• Walnuts
• A drizzle of honey
• Any other berries
• Apples
• Poppy seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Pine nuts
• Avocado
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

Looking For More Protein?

Vegetable Protein

• Garbanzo beans
• Tofu
• Any white bean

Animal Protein

• Chicken –  chicken breasts or thighs, chopped or shredded.
• Fish
• Pork
• Feta cheese
• Goat cheese
• Blue cheese
• Gorgonzola

What Salad Dressings Will Work With Spinach Salad?

For this salad, I used my recent Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing. Some other suggestions are:

• Poppy seed dressing
• A simple balsamic vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
• Regular or dijon mustard vinaigrette
• Apple cider vinegar based vinaigrette

About The Ingredients

Raw baby spinach leaves – You can also use regular spinach, chopped or sliced. Or try experimenting with different greens like spring mix lettuce. Even romaine or arugula would work well here.

Fresh raspberries – See suggestions above for substitutes.

Fresh strawberries – See suggestions above for substitutes.

Raw almonds – Chopped – – See suggestions above for substitutes.

Sliced carrots – I used baby carrots, but use any type you happen to have handy.

Red onion – sliced thin or chopped.

How To Make A Spinach Summer Salad

Toss everything together in a large mixing bowl with your favorite vinaigrette and serve.

How To Pack This Spinach Summer Salad

This makes a great mason jar salad. But any airtight container will do the trick. Pack your dressing separately.

Recipe Supplies For This Spinach Summer Salad

For this recipe, a cutting board and a good knife will come in handy. If you need either, simply click on the image below to be taken to that product on Amazon. (Affiliate link).

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More Healthy Salads

• Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Strawberry Salsa – Can be enjoyed as a salad
• Spinach Salad

Spinach Summer Salad Recipe Card

Recipe from the Gracious Pantry® archives, originally posted on 6/3/14.