Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad

Enjoy a light and healthy Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad, featuring crisp spinach, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy air-fried topping for a flavorful and nutritious meal.

The Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines fresh, crisp spinach with the sweet juiciness of ripe strawberries.

The salad is topped with a crunchy, air-fried topping that adds texture and flavor, making it a satisfying meal or side dish. Perfect for warmer weather, this salad is light, healthy, and packed with nutrients, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, freshness, and savory elements that will leave you craving more.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• This salad is a perfect combination of fresh spinach and juicy strawberries, creating a refreshing and healthy dish.
• The air-fried topping adds a delightful crunch and savory flavor to balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
• It’s quick and easy to make, making it a perfect meal for busy days or a light side dish.
• Packed with nutrients, this salad is not only delicious but also a healthy choice for any meal.
• The blend of textures, from the crisp spinach to the crunchy topping, makes every bite exciting and satisfying.

If you love my recipe for Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe or Air Fryer Roasted Pear Salad, then you will love this recipe; it makes a perfect quick dinner or lunch.

Ingredients Needed

• Baby Spinach Leaves: Fresh and crisp baby spinach leaves form the base of this salad, providing a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.
• Strawberries: Ripe, juicy strawberries add natural sweetness and a burst of color to the salad, creating a delightful contrast with the savory elements.
• Candied Pecans: Toasted pecans contribute a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor, enhancing the salad’s texture.
• Chevre Cheese (optional): Other great options include crumbled feta or blue cheese. This contrasts with the flavor of the roasted strawberries.
• Balsamic Glaze: A classic balsamic glaze ties everything together with tangy and slightly sweet notes, enhancing the overall taste.
• Salt and Pepper: A pinch of kosher salt and a dash of black pepper are used to season the salad, enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.

How To Make Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad

Step One: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes. At the same time, the air fryer is preheating, washing, hulling, and quartering the strawberries. Toss them into a large mixing bowl, and add enough olive oil to coat them. (about 1-2 teaspoons)

Step Two: Place the diced strawberries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally until the strawberries are lightly roasted. Remove and set aside.

Step Three: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach leaves, roasted strawberries, candied pecans, and diced chevre cheese–sprinkle it over the top—season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper.

Step Four: Just before serving, drizzle the desired amount of balsamic glaze over the salad. Start with a few tablespoons and add more to taste. Toss the salad gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Transfer the Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad to individual serving plates or bowls. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh and flavorful salad as a side dish or a light and healthy meal!

Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe Variations

• Grilled Chicken: For a protein boost, add grilled chicken breast or thighs to your salad.
• Avocado: Creamy avocado slices are a wonderful addition to this salad.
• Red Onions: Thinly sliced red onions can add a bit of zing and a pop of color to your salad.
• Candied Nuts: Instead of roasted pecans, try candied nuts like almonds or walnuts for a sweet and crunchy twist.
• Feta Cheese: Swap out the Chevre cheese for blue cheese crumbles or feta crumbles if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Mandarin Oranges: Add a refreshing citrus element by including mandarin orange segments.
• Dressing Variations: Experiment with different dressings. A honey mustard, raspberry vinaigrette, or poppyseed dressing can provide unique flavors that complement the ingredients.
• Nuts and Seeds: Besides almonds, try other nuts and seeds like pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.

Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe Tips

• Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients available.
• Toss Just Before Serving: Wait to toss the salad with the dressing until just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and fresh.
• Balance Flavors: Taste as you go and adjust the balance of sweet and savory elements to your liking.
• Texture Variety: Experiment with textures. Combining creamy (cheese or avocado), crunchy (nuts), and crispy (bacon) elements adds interest and appeal to your salad.
• Chill Ingredients: If you prefer a colder salad, chill the salad in the refrigerator briefly before assembling the salad.
• Presentation: To impress guests, arrange the salad ingredients on individual serving plates in a visually appealing manner.
• Customize Your Salad: Remember, this salad is highly customizable. Feel free to add your favorite ingredients or switch out components to make it your own.

Storing

• Storing: Store any leftover Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the balsamic glaze on the side to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
• Freezing: Freezing this salad is not recommended, as the texture of the spinach and strawberries will change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the roasted strawberries separately and add them to a fresh salad later.
• Reheating: If you prefer to warm up the roasted strawberries, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Assemble the salad fresh with the roasted strawberries once they’re heated.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad

Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. For a light and refreshing meal, it can be served alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to add a protein boost. You can also complement the salad with crusty bread or a warm baguette to soak up the delicious balsamic glaze. For a heartier option, try serving it with a side of roasted potatoes or quinoa. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes it a versatile side or main dish for any occasion.

Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe Faqs

Can I prepare the salad in advance? Yes, you can prepare most of the components in advance, such as washing and drying the spinach, slicing the strawberries, toasting the almonds, and even cooking the bacon if you’re using it. However, to keep the salad fresh and crisp, it’s best to dress it just before serving.

Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian? Absolutely! To make this salad vegan, omit the bacon and cheese. You can replace the bacon with coconut bacon or smoked tofu for a smoky flavor. Instead of traditional cheese, use dairy-free alternatives like vegan feta or cashew-based cheese.

What other fruits can I use in this salad? While strawberries are a classic choice, you can experiment with different fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even slices of apple or pear. The key is to balance the sweetness of the fruit with the other savory and crunchy elements.

Can I use other types of greens besides spinach? Yes, you can use other greens like arugula, mixed baby greens, or even kale. Remember that the choice of greens can alter the overall flavor and texture of the salad.

How can I keep the salad fresh for a potluck or picnic? If you’re transporting the salad to a potluck or picnic, pack the dressing separately in a small container. Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy during transportation.

Can I add protein to make it a complete meal? Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or marinated tofu can be added to this salad to make it a more substantial meal. Season and cook your protein of choice separately, then add it to the salad.

What is the shelf life of leftover salad? Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Remember that the salad may become slightly wilted as it sits, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

How can I make a low-calorie version of this salad? To reduce the calorie count, omit the pecans and cheese and use a light vinaigrette dressing.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER GARLIC ROASTED FINGERLING POTATOES
• FROZEN TATER TOTS IN AIR FRYER
• AIR FRYER SWEET POTATO FRIES
• EASY AIR FRYER COPYCAT MCDONALD’S FRENCH FRIES

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