This gluten free strawberry and spinach summer salad is one of those recipes that actually makes eating fresh feel satisfying—not boring. You get sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, and a balanced homemade dressing that pulls everything together without relying on store-bought ingredients full of fillers.
It’s quick, simple, and flexible enough for everyday meals or serving to guests. If you’ve made my fresh salads or lighter gluten free meals before, this fits right into that lineup—simple ingredients, real flavor, and something you’ll actually want to eat again. It also pairs perfectly with heavier dishes (like gluten free breads or proteins), making it an easy way to round out a meal without overthinking it.
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Why you’ll love this Strawberry and Spinach Summer Salad
- Perfect sweet + savory balance (not overly sugary)
- Fresh, crisp texture with real ingredients
- Naturally gluten free and clean
- Quick to throw together (under 15 minutes)
- Works as a side or a full meal with protein added
- Customizable based on what you have on hand
Ingredients
Please see recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe details.
1.Butter
Butter helps coat the walnuts as they cook, creating a rich base that allows the sugar to melt and caramelize evenly while adding a subtle depth of flavor. Using a high-fat butter like Kerrygold works especially well here. If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute a dairy-free butter alternative without issue.
2. Spinach
Fresh spinach adds a crisp, mild base that holds up well to dressing without becoming soggy, while packing in nutrients and a clean, slightly earthy flavor.
3. Candied Walnuts
Candied walnuts bring the perfect sweet crunch, balancing the freshness of the salad with a deeper, slightly caramelized flavor and texture contrast.
4. Strawberries
Juicy strawberries add natural sweetness and a bright, slightly tangy flavor that cuts through richer ingredients and keeps the salad light and refreshing.
5. Red Wine Vinegar
Red wine vinegar provides a sharp, tangy bite that balances sweetness and richness, helping the dressing taste bright instead of heavy.
6. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise creates a smooth, creamy base for the dressing, helping it coat the ingredients evenly while mellowing out sharper flavors like vinegar.
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Additional Allergens/Suggested Modifications
- Nuts: Omit waluts
This recipe is naturally free of: eggs, dairy, nuts, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, seed oils and sesame.
Recipe Tips
Use ripe but firm fruit for best texture
Cut fruit into similar-sized pieces for even bites
Add powdered sugar lightly—you can always add more
Chill before serving for the best flavor
Toss gently to avoid breaking down softer fruits
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for one week.
- Keep in an airtight container
- Make ahead: Flavor improves after sitting
Recipe FAQs
Strawberry and Spinach Summer Salad
Ingredients
Candied Walnuts
- 1 cup Walnuts Chopped
- 1/4 cup Maple Sugar
- 1 tbsp Butter
Vinegrette Dressing
- 2/3 cup Maple Sugar
- 1/3 cup Mayo
- 1/3 cup Red Wine Vinegar
Salad
- as desired Spinach
- as desired Strawberries Sliced
- as desired Candied Walnuts
Instructions
Prep the Walnuts
- In a skillet over medium heat, toss chopped walnuts, maple sugar and butter until candied. They will have a crisp crunchy texture as the maple syrup melts and candies to them.
Prep the Dressing
- Mix the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined and store in a glass jar.
- Clean the spinach and place in a bowl followed by the thinly sliced strawberries. Top with dressing and enjoy!
Notes
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