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Strawberry Spinach Salad

Strawberry Spinach Salad

A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad combining tender baby spinach, juicy strawberries, tangy feta cheese, crunchy toasted nuts, and a sweet-tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch, healthy snack, or colorful side dish, this easy-to-make salad is packed with nutrition and customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Greens and Fruit

  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 2 cups ripe strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and sliced

Cheese

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Nuts

  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds or pecans

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional

  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach leaves to prevent sogginess. Rinse and hull the strawberries, then slice them into bite-sized pieces. If using, thinly slice the red onion and crumble the feta cheese, setting all aside ready for assembly.
  2. Toast the Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the sliced almonds or pecans for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden brown. Stir frequently to avoid burning and then remove from heat.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth, creating a balanced sweet and tangy vinaigrette.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss together the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion (if using), and toasted nuts. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently again to evenly coat the ingredients without bruising the delicate leaves.
  5. Add the Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest texture and vibrant flavors.

Notes

  • Use the freshest baby spinach and fully ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
  • Dry your spinach thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
  • Toast nuts just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.
  • Taste and adjust the dressing’s sweetness or acidity before adding it to the salad.
  • Consume the salad soon after assembling to keep the greens crisp and fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, healthy salad, summer salad, quick salad, nutritious salad, gluten free salad