Home → Recipes → Lunch → Salad → Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad

Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad

Name: Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 6 cups baby spinach leaves; 1 1/2 cups ripe strawberries (hulled and sliced); 1/4 cup pecans (glazed); 6 ounces Chevre cheese (crumbled); 2 teaspoons olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; Balsamic vinaigrette glaze

Jump to recipe

Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad — a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for those warm, sunny days or whenever you’re in the mood for a burst of flavor and a dose of healthy greens.

This salad combines the crispiness of air-fried bacon, the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the earthiness of fresh spinach leaves, and the nuttiness of sliced pecans to create a symphony of flavors and textures.

With the magic of the air fryer, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy strawberries in minutes, adding a savory element to balance the sweetness of the chevre cheese.

The spinach leaves provide a nutritious base, and the candied pecans contribute a delightful crunch.

Toss it all together with a tangy balsamic glaze, and you have a salad that’s as visually appealing as delicious.

Whether as a light and healthy lunch option or a vibrant side dish for dinner, this Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving another bite. So, let’s dive into this recipe and savor the season’s flavors!

How To Make The Best Ever Strawberry Spinach Salad

Creating the best-ever Strawberry Spinach Salad is all about balancing sweet and savory flavors while embracing the vibrant colors and textures of fresh ingredients.

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 For Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad

With these simple yet flavorful ingredients, you can create a delicious Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

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

This salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it perfect for any occasion. The sweet strawberries, crunchy pecan, and optional cheese create a harmonious balance enhanced by the tangy balsamic glaze. It’s an authentic taste of summer in every bite.

Preheat the Air Fryer: 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)

Roast the Strawberries: 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.

Assemble the Salad: 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.

Drizzle with Dressing: 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.

Serve: Transfer the Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad to individual serving plates or bowls.

Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh and flavorful salad as a side dish or a light and healthy meal!

Recipe Variations

You can easily customize your Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad with various ingredients to suit your preferences. Here are some delicious recipe variations:

Grilled Chicken: For a protein boost, add grilled chicken breast or thighs to your salad. Season the chicken with your favorite spices and grill it in the air fryer until cooked. Slice or dice the chicken and place it on top of the salad.
Avocado: Creamy avocado slices are a wonderful addition to this salad. Their richness pairs well with the sweetness of strawberries. Peel and slice ripe avocados and gently toss them into the salad.
Red Onions: Thinly sliced red onions can add a bit of zing and a pop of color to your salad. They complement the sweetness of the strawberries and the savory elements perfectly.
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. They add a juicy and slightly tangy dimension to the salad.
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.

Mix and match these variations to create your unique Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad that suits your taste buds.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad is all about balance, flavor, and presentation. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve salad perfection:

Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients available. Crisp baby spinach, ripe strawberries, and high-quality toppings make a significant difference in taste and texture.
Toss Just Before Serving: Wait to toss the salad with the dressing until just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and fresh. If you’re making the salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately until you’re ready to eat.
Balance Flavors: Taste as you go and adjust the balance of sweet and savory elements to your liking. If your strawberries are very sweet, you may want to add more salt or cheese for balance.
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. This can be particularly refreshing on hot days.
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.

With these pro tips, your Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad will not only taste fantastic but also look stunning on your plate.

FAQ’s About Spinach Strawberry Salad

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

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!