Strawberry, Avocado, & Bacon Spinach Salad

Strawberry, Avocado, & Bacon Spinach Salad: This easy salad is packed with the works: strawberries, avocado, turkey bacon, feta cheese, pecans, almonds and cucumbers over a bed of spinach. Top with your favorite dressing for the ultimate healthy meal. 

I learned something not too long ago. Fruit mixed in salad is not the worst thing in the world.

You see, for years I have been under the impression that I detest fruit in salads. I can pinpoint back to the time I was nine and at my grandparents house. They served me a salad of mandarin oranges, grapes, cottage cheese, and spinach with a poppyseed dressing.

At nine, that was not my ideal salad. To be honest, it still is not my ideal salad.

Since that experience, I skillfully avoided eating any salad where fruit was involved. It almost became an art form. However, my eyes were recently opened to this glorious salad I’m sharing with you today, and I have crossed the bridge over to the fruit-in-salad-is-okay realm. I’m not a total convert, because this is the first salad that has had both spinach and fruit in it that has not made me wish I was eating a cheeseburger instead.

But the fact that I actually want this salad should tell you something. That something is that this a good salad.

I’ve always been a salad person. I love ’em for lunch or dinner, especially a loaded cobb salad, barbecue chicken salad, or some sort of taco salad. I’m all about the iceberg lettuce and thick dressings. Needless to say, spinach and vinaigrette is typically not my thing. Or thang, if you’re feeling the sass.

But what makes this salad is the combination of feta cheese (sharp cheddar is bomb in this salad too), bacon, avocados, and strawberries. The cucumbers, spinach, and nuts just add a little more variety to the plate. But, since I am a real sucker for anything with bacon or avocado, I had to try this salad.

And I went back for seconds. And since that experience, I’ve eaten this salad more times than I can count.

I tell ya, it is a real winner.

A few notes on this salad:

I grew up eating turkey bacon, so I absolutely love the flavor of it (plus it is leaner than traditional bacon so it makes it easier for me to justify eating this, this, and this. 😉 ) But, feel free to use any kind of bacon you want to.

Also, if you don’t have feta on hand, or are not a fan, definitely try sharp cheddar as a substitute. The sharp cheddar against the sweet strawberry and flavorful bacon will give your taste buds a run for their money.

Lastly, if you aren’t a nut person, you can definitely omit them.

Print

Strawberry, Avocado, & Bacon Spinach Salad

Prep Time

15 mins

Total Time

15 mins

 

This easy salad is made with strawberries, avocado, bacon and spinach. It's a fresh and healthy salad perfect as a side dish or as a main dish! 

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bacon spinach salad

Servings: 2 Large Salads or 4 Small Salads

Author: Michelle

Ingredients

• 6 cups spinach
• 1 large avocados, sliced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and cumbled
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup sharp cheddar would work great as well)
• 1/2 cup cucumbers, sliced
• 1/8 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
• 1/8 cup almonds, chopped (optional)
• Dress to your choice

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, toss everything into together until it is well mixed. Once served, top with whatever dressing you prefer.
2. Enjoy!

Check out my other savory dishes:

Lasagna Grilled Cheese