Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad with Avocado and citrus dressing is a plant-based side dish that’s perfect for spring and summer.
This simple, no-feta salad is light, juicy, crunchy, and vibrant, a refreshing bowl full of flavor and color in every bite. If you love easy fresh salads, this one’s a must-try!
Spinach strawberry walnut salad is the bowl I crave as soon as strawberry season kicks in. I grab a basket of sun-ripened strawberries straight from the farmer’s market and toss them into everything, from my strawberry cucumber salad, strawberry cheesecake salad, to spinach apricot strawberry salad.
After testing this salad recipe several times to find the perfect balance, I finally found the perfect combination of juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy citrus dressing.
This vibrant blend of sweet fruit and crisp greens is a refreshing combo even picky eaters can’t resist.
It’s zesty, bright, colorful, and just a little nutty (like me when I spot the best berries), a simple, no-fuss side dish that’s light but surprisingly filling.
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🥘Ingredients
- Fresh spinach
- Strawberries
- Avocado
- Walnuts
- Freshly squeezed orange juice
- Fresh lemon juice
- Maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
🔪How To Make Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad
- Slice the strawberries and dice the avocado. Put the spinach, strawberries, avocado, and walnuts in a big bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, mix orange juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt. Stir or shake well.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix everything. Serve right away and enjoy!
📋Substitutions and Variations
- Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for a different crunch.
- Use kale or mixed greens instead of spinach.
- Try adding feta cheese or vegan cheese for a creamy twist.
- Replace the maple syrup with agave nectar or a drizzle of date syrup for the dressing.
- Add fresh mint or basil leaves for a herby pop of flavor.
- Toss in some cucumber slices or shredded carrot for extra crunch and color.
- For a protein boost, add cooked quinoa or chickpeas.
💡Marinela's Tips
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries from the farmer’s market for the best flavor.
- Lightly toast walnuts to make them extra crunchy and tasty.
- Choose ripe but firm avocados. This ensures they hold their shape and add a creamy texture without becoming mushy.
- Keep the dressing separate and toss right before serving to avoid a soggy salad.
- Serve immediately after tossing. To maintain the crispness of the spinach and the freshness of the strawberries, it's best to serve the salad right after mixing.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
To keep your salad fresh, I recommend making it just before serving. You can mix the dressing ahead and add the walnuts right before eating. This way, the spinach stays crisp and the walnuts crunchy.
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds all add a great crunch and flavor twist.
Choose ripe but firm avocados. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy, this keeps the salad creamy without it turning into guacamole.
📖 Recipe
Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad With Avocado
Equipment
- Salad Bowl
- Small jar or bowl for the dressing
Ingredients
For the spinach strawberry avocado salad
- 2 cups fresh strawberries sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 avocado peeled, diced
- ¼ cup walnuts chopped
For the oil-free lemon orange maple syrup dressing
- 1 lemon freshly squeezed
- 1 orange freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, avocado, and walnuts.2 cups fresh strawberries, 2 cups fresh spinach, 1 avocado, ¼ cup walnuts
- In a small jar or bowl, mix orange juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt. Shake or stir well.1 lemon, 1 orange, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1 pinch salt
- Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
Notes
- Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds.
- For a deeper, crunchier flavor, toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 7–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.
- Add fresh mint or basil for a herby twist.
- I recommend enjoying this salad fresh. If you want to prep ahead, make the dressing and store it separately, then chop the fruits and veggies just before serving.
Nutrition
If you try this spinach strawberry walnut salad, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @go_eatgreen on Instagram.
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Jacqui says
You had me at strawberries and avocado! This recipe is fabulous and so delish
Marinela says
Thank you, Jacqui!