Go Back
- Fresh spinach leaves - Fresh strawberries - Feta cheese - Sliced almonds - Red onion - Balsamic vinegar - Honey - Olive oil - Sea salt and black pepper To make a great Strawberry Spinach Salad, you need fresh ingredients. Start with four cups of fresh spinach leaves. Look for bright green, crisp leaves. They give your salad a nice base. Next, choose two cups of fresh strawberries. Pick sweet, ripe ones for the best flavor. Add half a cup of feta cheese. Crumble it into small pieces. The feta adds a salty, creamy touch. Then, grab a quarter cup of sliced almonds. Toast them until golden for a crunchy bite. You also need a quarter of a medium red onion. Slice it finely. This gives the salad a nice kick. For the dressing, mix a quarter cup of balsamic vinegar, three tablespoons of honey, and two tablespoons of olive oil. Don’t forget sea salt and black pepper to taste. These ingredients come together for a fresh and flavorful delight. You can find the full recipe at the end of this article. Enjoy the bright colors and tasty flavors of this salad! To make the dressing, gather your ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste Mix these items well until they blend smoothly. This whisking helps to emulsify the dressing. You want a nice, thick texture that coats your salad well. Tip: If your dressing is too thick, add a little water. This helps achieve the right consistency. Now it’s time to layer your salad. Start with a large salad bowl. Place: - 4 cups fresh spinach leaves at the bottom. Next, add: - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced. - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled into small pieces. - 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted until golden. - 1/4 medium red onion, finely sliced. Lay these ingredients on top of the spinach. This creates a colorful and inviting display. A beautiful presentation makes your salad more appetizing. Next, drizzle your prepared dressing over the salad. Use salad tongs to gently toss everything together. Make sure each ingredient gets coated with the dressing. This helps the flavors mix well. Tip: Let the salad rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld. It enhances the taste of your strawberry spinach salad. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions and enjoy creating this delightful dish! To make your Strawberry Spinach Salad even more exciting, think about adding extra ingredients. Here are some suggestions: - Avocado: Adds creaminess. - Grilled chicken: Gives protein and heartiness. - Goat cheese: Offers a tangy twist. For dressings, balsamic vinegar is great. You can also try honey mustard for a sweet kick or a lemon vinaigrette for a zesty touch. Washing your spinach well is key. Fill a bowl with cold water and swish the leaves around. This helps remove dirt. After washing, use a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel to dry the leaves. For strawberries, slice them thinly. Remove the green tops first. For onions, use a sharp knife. Cut them into thin rings for best results. Get creative when serving your salad. You can serve it in a large bowl for sharing or on individual plates for a classy look. Pair your salad with grilled fish or roasted chicken for a complete meal. It also goes well with a light soup or crusty bread on the side. Try garnishing with extra feta or whole almonds to make it pop! For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can switch up your Strawberry Spinach Salad by adding different ingredients. For cheese, try goat cheese or blue cheese. They both add a nice tang. If you're feeling adventurous, a creamy burrata can also be a great choice. When it comes to fruits, consider adding blueberries, raspberries, or even kiwi. These fruits will bring new flavors and colors to your salad. For nuts, walnuts or pecans work well too. Toasted nuts add a rich taste and crunch. To make a vegan version of this salad, skip the feta cheese. Replace it with avocado for creaminess or use a vegan cheese alternative. You can also add chickpeas for extra protein. For dressings, a simple lemon vinaigrette is a great choice. Mix fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Another option is a tahini dressing. Just blend tahini, lemon juice, water, and a bit of garlic for a creamy taste. Using seasonal produce can make your salad even more exciting. In summer, add ripe peaches or nectarines for sweetness. In fall, try roasted butternut squash or apples. These ingredients change the flavor and keep your salad fresh. Think about themed salads too. For a holiday, use pomegranate seeds and nuts for a festive touch. In winter, add roasted Brussels sprouts for warmth. Each season brings new ideas for your Strawberry Spinach Salad, making it a fun dish year-round. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! To keep your Strawberry Spinach Salad fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent wilting. For best results, do not dress the salad until you are ready to eat. If you have extra ingredients, store them separately. This way, each component stays crisp and flavorful. - Leftover Salad: Place in a fridge-safe container with a tight lid. - Spinach and Strawberries: Store in separate containers. Use paper towels to absorb moisture. - Dressing: Keep in a jar or bottle in the fridge for up to a week. If your salad wilts, you can revive it easily. Rinse the spinach leaves in cold water and spin dry. This will help them regain their crunch. You can also add a splash of fresh dressing. For leftovers, consider repurposing the salad. Use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. You can also mix it into a grain bowl for extra flavor. Another idea is to blend it into a smoothie for a healthy twist! To make your salad gluten-free, choose the right dressing. Many balsamic dressings are gluten-free, but always check the label. You can also make your own with balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil. If you use croutons or any other ingredient with gluten, simply swap them out. For example, use seeds instead of croutons. You can also add more nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for crunch. Besides balsamic dressing, you can try several other options. A light vinaigrette with lemon juice works well. You can also use a honey mustard dressing for a sweet twist. For a creamy touch, try a yogurt-based dressing. Homemade dressings are easy to make. Just mix olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs for a fresh taste. Yes, you can prep this salad ahead of time! Wash and dry the spinach and slice the strawberries. Store them in separate containers. Keep the feta and almonds in small bags to stay fresh. Do not dress the salad until you are ready to serve. If the salad sits dressed for too long, it can get soggy. Aim to dress it just before serving for the best taste. In this post, we explored the delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad. We covered the fresh ingredients, from spinach to strawberries and feta. You learned how to mix a tasty dressing and layer the salad for the best look. I shared tips for enhancing flavors and even some fun variations. Remember, presenting your salad well makes it more appealing. Whether you stick to the basics or try new twists, this salad brightens any meal. Enjoy making it your own!

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Refresh your meal routine with this Strawberry Spinach Salad Delight that combines vibrant flavors and textures! This healthy and delicious salad features fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a homemade balsamic dressing. Perfect for lunch or as a side dish at dinner, this salad is quick to prepare in just 15 minutes. Click through now to discover the full recipe and elevate your dining experience!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh spinach leaves, thoroughly washed and dried

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled into small pieces

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted until golden

1/4 medium red onion, finely sliced

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

3 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper until well blended and emulsified. Set this flavorful dressing aside to allow the flavors to develop.

    Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, place the fresh spinach leaves as the base. Top with the sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, toasted almond slices, and finely sliced red onion, creating an inviting colorful presentation.

      Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Using salad tongs, gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient is lightly coated with the dressing for a balanced flavor.

        Let it Rest: Allow the salad to marinate for approximately 5 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste of the salad.

          Serving Suggestions: Serve the salad immediately on individual plates for an elegant touch, or present it in the large bowl for a delightful family-style serving. Garnish with a light sprinkle of additional feta or a few whole almonds for added texture.

            Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4