Print

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Strawberry Spinach Salad

A fresh and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad combining the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with tender baby spinach, crunchy nuts, tangy feta cheese, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch, colorful side, or refreshing starter, this easy-to-prepare, nutrient-packed salad offers a delightful balance of flavors, textures, and colors suitable for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 1 pint ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Wash the baby spinach leaves and strawberries thoroughly and pat dry to prevent sogginess. Hull and slice the strawberries, thinly slice the red onion, and crumble the feta cheese if it’s not pre-crumbled.
  2. Toast the Nuts: Place your choice of nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove and allow to cool completely to maximize crunch.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard until well emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed to complement the salad.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and toasted nuts. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the ingredients and toss gently to ensure even coating.
  5. Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and vibrant flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh, in-season strawberries for the sweetest and juiciest results.
  • Ensure all produce is thoroughly dried to avoid a soggy salad.
  • Watch nuts carefully while toasting to prevent burning and bitterness.
  • Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to keep spinach crisp.
  • Adjust balsamic vinegar quantity to balance the dressing’s sweetness and acidity.

Nutrition

Keywords: Strawberry Spinach Salad, fresh salad, healthy salad, summer salad, gluten free appetizer