
It’s rare for me to come across a salad that I dislike (although I will say that I’m not a fan of iceberg lettuce). I have several homemade salad dressing recipes that I switch between, and I’m always adding to my arsenal.
This spinach salad is incredibly easy to make, and it has a unique flavor. If you prefer a less sweet taste, feel free to cut down on the maple syrup or add more balsamic vinegar.

Strawberry-Maple Spinach Salad
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 1 Β½ Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tsp pure maple syrup
- 3 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 6 ounces spinach leaves
- 1 lb strawberries
Instructions
-
Whisk oil, mustard, syrup, and vinegar in a cup.
-
Do a taste test, adding more balsamic vinegar if you prefer a less sweet dressing.
-
Slice up the strawberries. Mix into spinach.
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Just before serving, pour the dressing over the spinach and strawberries, and mix gently with salad tongs.
Would love for you to share some other salad dressing recipes!
Will do, tigerchick!
Ellie
Pro tip: 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon π
Yep, that's true. π
Ellie
But if you measure it in teaspoons, you only have to dirty one measuring spoon!
Your not the only one who loves salads I love them too. I going have to make that salad dressing of yours.it looks good.
Glad to hear that! Let me know what you think of it.
ELlie
Sounds and looks very tasty!! My husband and I have started a healthier approach to eating, and are always on the look-out for new meal ideas π thanks for sharing!
My pleasure, Carmen. Do you have any other healthy meal suggestions?
Ellie
You could put that salad over the top both visually and taste-wise by adding chopped pecans and crumbled goat cheese. (Trader Joe's has goat cheese that's not too expensive.) Otherwise, all you have there are strawberries on leaves.
Even sunflower seed kernels would help that salad! It's calling for something sprinkled on top.
Both of those additions would be very tasty!
Ellie
Umm, lots of people love salad, just you Americans that don't know how to eat a vegetable…
Americans don't know how to eat a vegetable? I beg to differ. I eat them Artichoke to Zucchini (A to Z). I pick them fresh from our garden. I get them at the farmer's market. I combine them and saute them with nothing but water or white wine added (no fat). I roast them, steam them, stir-fry them, and eat them raw. They are the high point of dinner and the brilliant colors on our plates. Tonight's menu is going to include a sauteed mixture of fresh corn cut from the cob, fresh asparagus (diced), and a red pepper from the garden (diced). A feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
I hope you're not writing from England, where the only vegetables I seemed to encounter over there were mushy peas and french fries.
Rude.
Hi Ellie!
This salad looks amazing! I have a food blog where I posted a similar salad a few weeks back! Feel free to check it out!
Naomi
Thanks, Naomi!
Ellie
I don't want to sound negative but that looks more like a dessert than a salad! It's got strawberries and maple syrup in it!!!
Hi MarriedUK,
I don't usually add sugar to salads, but this is one of my exceptions because it's so good. Feel free to cut down the maple syrup though. Strawberries are healthy. π
Ellie
Sounds delicious. Thanks for the recipe.
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
My pleasure!
Ellie
Would it be hard to add a Pinter's button to each recipe you post? I would really like to put this one. It looks delish..
Hi Kanadiangirl,
Good question. π There's a small "Pin" button at the end of the post (below the reactions and above the labels and comments).
Ellie
Great recipe! Thank you
Looks delicious! I’m hosting the soup and salad portion of a progressive dinner. Is there a soup you’d recommend pairing with this salad?
Thank you so much.
BTW, I just visited your beautiful state last week. I just loved the abundance of colonial architecture and trees.
Thanks, Julia! Here is a list of my soups/salads page. I especially enjoy the cheeseburger soup. https://nashvillewife.com/recipes/soups-salads-sides/
Glad you had a good visit to Tennessee! What kinds of places did you visit?