Sweet, tangy, crunchy, tender and crisp, this gorgeous summery spinach salad has it all! Beautiful ripe strawberries and a light dressing make the flavour pop.
There are so many reasons why I love this strawberry cucumber spinach salad! Mostly, it’s because it tastes like summer in a bowl and is all the things I really want to eat right now, but also, look at it – those colours are just gorgeous.
Simple but effective
I love how such a simple combination of ingredients can make something so delicious – sweet, tangy, salty, crunchy, tender and crisp all in one dish. Strawberries are really in season and are so good right now, just packed with flavour.
I used mini cucumbers here because I think they have more crunch than regular ones, but either will do. And the nuts and seeds add an extra dimension of taste, texture, and just all round greatness! I didn’t add them the first time I made this spinach salad, and I definitely prefer it with them, rather than without. Yum.
Strawberry spinach salad – Make ahead magic!
Another great thing about this spinach salad? You can make it in advance and chill it, and it’s actually better!
I love things that can be done in advance. Mix up everything except the spinach and then simply spoon the veggies and fruits over the spinach leaves when you’re ready to serve. Leaving the cucumbers and strawberriess to marinate in the dressing helps everything to marry together really nicely, and lets the flavours mingle and develop. Perfect.
Delicious lunchtime salad
I made this cucumber strawberry spinach salad as part of our lunch on Shavuot, and I think it was more or less all that my daughter Kipper ate at that meal – although she’s a bit of a fiend for cucumbers and strawberries so I shouldn’t have been too surprised. I’m sure it will feature on a fair few summer menus yet to come.
Oh, and did I mention that it only takes a few minutes to make? Brilliant.
Spinach salad – Vegan or vegetarian?
One last thing – if you’ve no reason to keep it parve or cater for vegans, it’s also delicious with a little feta cheese crumbled over the top. I meant to take a photo of that but had already wolfed down half the salad before I remembered. Oops. You’ll just have to use your imagination. Or make it yourself…
Honestly, you’re going to love this salad!
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Strawberry cucumber spinach salad
Ingredients
- 125-150 g mini cucumbers (4-5)
- 125-150 g strawberries (7-8 medium)
- 2 tablespoon flaked almonds
- 2 tablespoon mixed seeds (I used linseed, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds)
- pinch salt
- pinch pepper
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 3-4 handfuls washed baby spinach
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers on the diagonal into 5-6mm (¼ inch) thick slices, and place in a bowl.
- Hull the strawberries and cut each one into 6-8 pieces. Add to the cucumber slices.
- Add the almonds, seeds, seasonings, oil and vinegar to the strawberries and cucumbers, and gently toss to coat. At this point you can cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to a few hours, if you don’t want to eat the salad right away.
- When you’re ready to serve, put the spinach leaves into a large salad bowl and spoon the cucumber mixture over. Pour over any dressing or seeds that get left behind. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
More delicious salad recipes
Other delicious salads you might enjoy include this classic French-style carrot salad, this creamy potato salad with coronation dressing, or this fresh and crunchy Israeli chopped vegetable salad.
Elizabeth
This is such a fantastic combination! Such a gorgeous looking summer salad!
Helen
Thanks Elizabeth. I love the strawberries and cucumbers together, too 🙂
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours
How delicious! I love strawberries and soft fruit in salads. Its not a terribly British thing is it ? I’d have this for breakfast any day of the week in the summer.
Helen
Thanks Helen. I think you’re right about it not being terribly British, but it is delicious! I hadn’t thought about having it for breakfast. Salad for breakfast is a big thing in Israel, though. Starting the day with lots of fresh fruit and veg has got to be better than the way we usually do it!
Michelle @ Greedy Gourmet
What a fab looking, vibrant salad. This will especially do when we experience another heatwave!
Helen
Thanks Michelle. Fingers crossed!!
Kavey at Kavey Eats
I really love fresh fruit in salads, so this looks wonderful to me. I love baby spinach and cucumber, two of my top salad ingredients! Yum!
Helen
Thanks Kavey. Fruit in salad is still pretty new to me, although I’m wondering why as it’s so tasty! This is a great combination, and really summery. I’ll be experimenting with more though!