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Strawberry Apple Spinach Salad

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This Strawberry Apple Spinach Salad is the perfect mix of sweet, tart, and fresh. Whether you’re pulling together a quick weekday lunch, prepping for a get-together, or craving something light and flavorful, my favorite salad has you covered.

strawberry spinach salad in a bowl.

Salad is more than just a side dish

This simple salad combines fresh flavors and comes together quickly with wholesome ingredients. While perfect for potlucks and holidays, adding a little protein adds a great weeknight dinner. The homemade dressing keeps the apples from browning, so your salad stays fresh and vibrant for a day or two longer.

Make sure to pin this post to your summer salads Pinterest board or add it to your healthy lunch recipe collections because you will want to keep coming back!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh strawberries, tops removed and quartered
  • 1 red apple, core removed and chopped
  • 1 green apple, core removed and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 3/4 cup raspberry vinaigrette dressing (link below and in recipe card)
  • 2 packages (5 oz each) of spring mix or fresh spinach leaves
red apples being cut down by an apple corer.
  • What type of red apple should you use in a salad? That choice is ultimately yours, but I love the Honeycrisp apples, which complement the most delicious salads.

How to make Strawberry Apple Spinach Salad for Lunch

First, core and chop the apples, slice the strawberries, and remove the cilantro leaves from the stems. Now combine the ripe strawberries, red apples, green apples, chives, and fresh cilantro in a large mixing bowl.

sliced apples and strawberries in a mixing bowl.

Drizzle 3/4 cup of my homemade raspberry vinaigrette dressing recipe over the fruit mixture.

Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Add the spring mix greens to the bowl and toss again to distribute the dressing throughout the salad.

adding cup of dressing onto apples.

Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Pro tip: If refrigerating, mix well before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Easy Strawberry Salad Variations

  • Toss in grilled chicken breast for added protein that turns this spinach strawberry salad into a dinner. You could also try salmon; the flavors would be fine, but it’s a light fish, so the apples may weigh it down a bit.
  • Get creative with additional salad ingredients like crunchy pecans and poppy seeds, or, personally, I like those crunchy salad topping bags that include tortilla strips.
  • Add crumbled creamy feta cheese, goat cheese, shaved Parmesan, or some tart blue cheese for extra flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container or mason jar and give it a good toss before eating again to redistribute the dressing.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can, but I recommend prepping the fruit and dressing mixture and refrigerating it. You won’t need to mix the lettuce until just before serving. Otherwise, the leaves will get limp and weighed down.

What salad greens go best with the fruit?

Any greens you like will work, but spring mix is my go-to because it’s super easy and looks great. Baby spinach is another great option with its mild flavor and soft texture. If you want a peppery kick, try arugula.

For something heartier, kale also works—just massage it to soften it up. Use what you have on hand, or mix and match!

Does the dressing keep the apples from browning?

Yes, the acidity in the dressing acts as a natural browning agent for the apples and can delay that process quite a bit. No apple will last forever, but this certainly gives you an extra few days out of it.

spinach salad with strawberries and apples.

Be sure to try our strawberry spinach salad with poppy seeds as well!

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Strawberry Apple Spinach Salad


Prep Time 15 minutes
This fresh and vibrant Strawberry Apple Spinach Salad combines sweet strawberries, tart apples, and crisp greens all tossed in a tangy homemade raspberry vinaigrette. A healthy, flavorful recipe perfect for lunch or add some chicken for dinner.

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb fresh strawberries tops removed and quartered
  • 1 red apple core removed and chopped
  • 1 green apple core removed and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 3/4 cup raspberry vinaigrette dressing
  • 10 oz spring mix or baby spinach mix

Instructions

  • Mix together strawberries, apples, chives, cilantro and dressing and mix well to evenly coat.
  • Add to greens and mix well to distribute dressing onto greens.
  • Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Try with crunchy pecans, blue cheese or crumbled feta too. Store in an airtight container. 

Nutrition

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 590kcal

Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.

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