Spring’s Perfect Pair

Welcome back to our salad series, where we're exploring fresh, vibrant combinations perfect for the warming weather! After our adventures with Mandarin Chicken and Broccoli-Blueberry pairings, today I'm sharing a true classic with a twist: Strawberry, Walnut, and Spinach Salad with a luscious homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette.

This isn't your average strawberry spinach salad. We're elevating this beloved combination with tender rotisserie chicken, creamy avocado, and pungent blue cheese crumbles to transform it from side dish to stunning main course.

Why Strawberry and Spinach Just Works

There's a reason this pairing has stood the test of time. The sweet juiciness of ripe strawberries perfectly balances the subtle earthiness of fresh spinach. Add in buttery avocado, toasted walnuts for crunch, and the tangy punch of blue cheese, and you've got a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.

What truly sets this version apart is the homemade strawberry vinaigrette. By incorporating strawberries directly into the dressing with a touch of almond butter for creaminess, we're doubling down on those spring berry flavors while creating a dressing so good you might want to make extra to keep on hand all week.

Photo: Savoring Today

The Recipe: Strawberry & Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

For the Strawberry Vinaigrette:

8 ounces strawberries, tops removed

½ cup almond butter

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 clove garlic, crushed

3 tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper

2 teaspoons Swerve if keto (or honey if preferred)

For the Salad:

5 ounces spring mix salad greens (or baby lettuces of choice)

3 ounces baby spinach

1 shallot, minced

1 seeded cucumber, chopped

5 ounces blue cheese crumbles

1 cup sliced strawberries

2 Hass avocados, sliced

¼ cup toasted walnuts

1 rotisserie chicken, shredded

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vinaigrette: In a blender, combine the strawberries, almond butter, balsamic vinegar, crushed garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Swerve. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed (add a tablespoon of water at a time if the consistency is too thick for my liking). Refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. Prep the ingredients: Wash and dry the greens and spinach. Mince the shallot, chop the cucumber, slice the strawberries, and slice the avocados just before assembling. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove the meat from the rotisserie chicken and shred it.

3. Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the spring mix and spinach. Layer on the shallot, cucumber, blue cheese crumbles, sliced strawberries, and shredded chicken. Fan the avocado slices around the edge of the bowl for presentation.

4. Finish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted walnuts and drizzle with the strawberry vinaigrette. Alternatively, serve the dressing on the side so everyone can dress their own portions.

Make It My Own

This versatile salad can be adapted in numerous ways:

• Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add extra avocado or a sprinkle of quinoa for protein

• Switch up the cheese: Not a blue cheese fan? Try feta, goat cheese, or even a mild brie

• Nut alternatives: Substitute pecans or sliced almonds for the walnuts

• Make it vegan: Omit the cheese and use a touch more sweetener in the dressing to balance the flavors

Entertaining Tip

For a stunning presentation at a spring gathering, consider serving this as a "salad bar." Arrange the prepped ingredients in separate bowls around a large platter of greens, allowing guests to build their own perfect plate. The vibrant red strawberries, deep green spinach, and purple-veined blue cheese create a gorgeous color palette that's as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Nutritional Powerhouse

This salad isn't just delicious—it's incredibly nutritious too:

• Strawberries provide vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants

• Spinach delivers iron, calcium, and vitamins A and K

• Avocados contribute healthy fats and potassium

• Walnuts add omega-3 fatty acids and protein

• Rotisserie chicken provides lean protein without the cooking effort

The almond butter in the dressing not only creates a creamy texture without dairy but adds additional protein and healthy fats, making this truly a complete meal in a bowl.

Next week, I'll be sharing a low-carb Cobb salad perfect for meal prep and weekday lunches. Until then, I'd love to hear if you try this strawberry sensation and what variations you might create! Share my salad adventures on Instagram and tag @rclinteriors!