This Vegan Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the fresh flavors of summer. Adam and I devoured a whole batch in one sitting—it was soooo good!! Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish; it pairs wonderfully with vegan meat dishes like my Vegan Salmon or Seitan Tenders, or even a scrumptious summer-y pasta like my Creamy Vegan Lemon & Asparagus Pasta. If you want to make this strawberry spinach salad into a meal, add some cooked quinoa, and chickpeas to bulk it up a bit.
Ingredients:
- sliced almonds: I use sliced almonds on this salad but other nuts such as pecans or walnuts would be delicious too. If you're nut-free try substituting with pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds).
- fresh baby spinach: fresh and bright. I also like this salad with a mix of arugula and spinach.
- strawberries: add that pop of summery sweetness. If you have some on hand feel free to toss in a handful of fresh blueberries as well.
- red onion: adds a delicious tang. Amp it up even more by swapping fresh red onion for my pickled red onions.
- Vegan feta: totally option but does add a nice creaminess to the salad. I like using my homemade vegan feta recipe, but you could alternatively use a store-bought version, or just omit it completely. Or if you like it funky you could even try sprinkling on some of my vegan blue cheese.
For the dressing: It's a delicious mix of lemon juice, nutritional yeast (which is optional), olive oil (again, optional), poppy seeds, maple syrup or agave, Dijon mustard, and a touch of salt and black pepper. Yum! 😋
How to Make Vegan Strawberry Spinach Salad:
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or measuring glass, whisk all the dressing ingredients until well combined.
Toast the Almonds: Place the almonds (or pecans or pepitas) in a dry pan or skillet over medium heat. Toast them by shaking the pan occasionally, until the almonds are lightly golden brown around the edges of the slice. This should take 2-5 mins. Then, transfer to a bowl or plate to stop the almonds from cooking further. Keep a close eye on them while toasting as they can burn quickly.
Assemble the Strawberry Spinach Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, and red onion. Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss well. Add more dressing if needed, and then top the salad with crumbled vegan feta if desired. Serve fresh and enjoy!
This Salad is...
- Quick and easy
- tossed in my 5 minute homemade lemon poppy seed dressing
- A celebration of summer flavors
Serve this Vegan Strawberry & Spinach Salad with...
- Vegan Salmon
- Vegan Seitan Tenders (Vegan Chicken)
- Vegan Tofu Fillets (Vegan Fish)
- Creamy Vegan Lemon & Asparagus Pasta
- Almond Rosemary Lemon Crusted Tofu
If you try this recipe, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Vegan Spinach Strawberry Salad
Servings:
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Ingredients
For the Salad:
- ½ cup sliced almonds, (or sub pecan halves, or pepitas)
- 5 oz baby spinach
- 8 oz strawberries, sliced
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (or use pickled onions)
- ¼ cup crumbled vegan feta cheese, optional (homemade or store-bought)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, (optional, adds cheesiness and thickens the dressing)
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoons maple syrup or agave
- 1 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or measuring glass, mix all the dressing ingredients until well combined.
- Toast the Almonds: Place the almonds (or pecans or pepitas) in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast, shaking the pan occasionally, until the almonds are lightly golden brown around the edges, 2-5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl or plate to stop them from cooking further. Keep a close eye on them when toasting as they can burn quickly.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, and red onion. Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss well. Add more dressing if needed, and top with crumbled vegan feta if desired. Serve fresh.
Notes
Nutrition
More Summer Salad Recipes You Might Enjoy...
Emily says
This salad is so refreshing, even as summer comes to an end. I used to enjoy a similar salad from Panera and I would choose to make this any day!! I used FYH fetah and followed the rest as directed. I also added some vegan chickn for extra protein. Perfect meal or side.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing!