Strawberry Spinach Salad

$- Spinach - Strawberries - Red onion In this salad, fresh spinach serves as the base. I love to use baby spinach because it is tender and full of nutrients. You need about 4 cups of washed and dried spinach. Next, add ripe strawberries. You will want 1 cup, hulled and sliced. These berries bring a sweet burst to the dish. Finally, use a 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. The onion adds a nice crunch and a bit of bite. - Feta cheese - Sliced almonds For a creamy texture, crumbled feta cheese is a must. You will need 1/2 cup of this salty cheese. It complements the strawberries well. Then, add sliced almonds for crunch. Toasting them enhances their flavor. You will want a 1/4 cup of these nuts to sprinkle on top. - Balsamic vinegar - Honey - Olive oil - Seasoning Now, let’s talk about the dressing. A mix of 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey creates a sweet and tangy flavor. Then, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil for richness. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing brings all the flavors together beautifully. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make a great strawberry spinach salad, start with fresh ingredients. First, wash the spinach in cold water. Make sure to remove any dirt and grit. After washing, dry the spinach with a salad spinner or paper towels. This helps the dressing stick later. Next, prepare the strawberries. Take each berry and hull it by removing the green top. Then, slice the strawberries into thin pieces. This makes them easy to mix with the spinach. You want bite-sized pieces for a perfect salad. In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach and sliced strawberries. Mix them gently to keep the berries intact. Next, add crumbled feta cheese on top. The creamy feta adds a nice flavor. Then, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds. They give a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the soft fruits. Finally, add thinly sliced red onion. The onion brings a sharp taste that balances the sweetness of the strawberries. This mix of flavors and textures makes the salad exciting and delicious. For the dressing, choose a small bowl and whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil. This mixture creates a sweet and tangy flavor. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make sure everything blends well. When you are ready to serve, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Do this just before serving to keep the spinach crisp. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are coated with the dressing. Taste it to see if you need more salt or pepper. By following these steps, you will create a fresh and flavorful strawberry spinach salad that everyone will enjoy. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Selecting ripe strawberries When picking strawberries, look for bright red color. They should feel firm to the touch. Avoid ones with white or green spots. A sweet smell means they are ripe and ready to enjoy. Choosing quality spinach Fresh spinach should have vibrant green leaves. Check for any wilting or yellowing. The leaves should be crisp and free from spots. Always wash and dry spinach to remove dirt and grit. Alternative dressings to try If balsamic isn't your style, lemon vinaigrette works great too. You can also use a yogurt-based dressing for creaminess. Each option adds a unique flavor to the salad. Balancing flavors with seasonings Add salt and pepper to enhance the taste. A sprinkle of nutmeg can add warmth. Try adding a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick. Balance is key to making each flavor shine. Ideal pairings for the salad This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it alongside a hearty sandwich. It complements any meal nicely, adding freshness and color. Presentation tips for serving Serve this salad in a large bowl for sharing. Arrange the strawberries and feta on top for a pop of color. Garnish with extra almonds for an inviting look. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can change up the nuts and cheese in your salad. Adding walnuts or pecans gives a nice crunch. These nuts add flavor and healthy fats. You can also switch to goat cheese instead of feta. Goat cheese has a creamy texture that pairs well with the sweet strawberries. Try adding other fruits and veggies for more taste and color. Blueberries or apples can work well in this salad. They add sweetness and a pop of color. If you want creaminess, slice up an avocado. It adds a rich texture and blends nicely with the other ingredients. The dressing can also change the whole dish. Using lemon vinaigrette brings a zesty kick. It brightens up the flavors of the salad. You can also try yogurt-based dressings for a creamy twist. These dressings are lighter and can be very refreshing. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide to making this delightful salad! To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. If you have dressing left, store it separately. This way, the greens won't get soggy. For fresh ingredients, wash and dry them well before storing. Keep spinach in a paper towel to absorb moisture. Store strawberries in the fridge in their original container. This helps them last longer. You can keep Strawberry Spinach Salad in the fridge for about 2 days. After that, the greens may wilt. Check for signs of spoilage. If the spinach turns brown or slimy, it's time to toss it. Mold on strawberries is another sign they are no longer good. Always trust your eyes and nose. You can prep ingredients a day before serving. Wash and slice strawberries, and store them in the fridge. Keep spinach whole until you're ready to mix. Assemble the salad just before serving for the best taste. This keeps everything crisp and fresh. Drizzle the dressing over the top right before eating. This makes your salad look and taste great! For the full recipe, check out the Strawberry Spinach Delight 🥗. Strawberry Spinach Salad lasts about 2 days in the fridge. The spinach wilts and strawberries soften quickly. This means it’s best to eat it fresh. Store it in an airtight container to keep it crisp a bit longer. You can prepare the salad ahead. However, avoid adding the dressing until you are ready to serve. This keeps the greens fresh and prevents sogginess. You can wash and slice the ingredients in advance. Just keep them in separate containers. You can add many healthy items to this salad. Consider these options: - Avocado for creaminess - Blueberries for extra sweetness - Cucumber for crunch - Quinoa for added fiber All these additions enhance flavor and nutrition. The base of the salad is vegan. However, it contains feta cheese, which is not vegan. To make it vegan, simply skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. This way, you keep all the taste without dairy. Adding protein boosts the salad’s heartiness. Here are some great options: - Grilled chicken for a classic touch - Chickpeas for a plant-based choice - Tofu for a vegetarian option - Shrimp for a seafood twist These additions make the salad a complete meal. Check out the Full Recipe for the complete steps! This blog post covered all you need for a great Strawberry Spinach Salad. I shared fresh ingredients, step-by-step prep, and easy tips to enjoy it. Remember, using ripe berries and quality spinach makes a big difference. You can change the salad with different fruits, nuts, or dressings to fit your taste. Store leftovers properly, and enjoy it fresh. With these ideas, you can make a delightful salad every time. Happy salad making!$

Discover the vibrant Strawberry Spinach Delight, a refreshing salad perfect for any occasion! With fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, crumbled feta, and a delicious balsamic dressing, this recipe is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. Ready in just 10 minutes, it's an ideal choice for a light lunch or a colorful side dish. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this delightful dish!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach and sliced strawberries.

Add the crumbled feta cheese, toasted almonds, and thinly sliced red onion on top of the greens and strawberries.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4