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Strawberry Spinach Salad

Strawberry Spinach Salad
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Strawberry Spinach Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and nutrient-packed salad that pairs the sweet juiciness of ripe strawberries with crisp, iron-rich baby spinach leaves. Complemented by creamy feta, crunchy nuts, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors. Easy to prepare in under 15 minutes, this versatile salad works well as a light lunch, colorful side dish, or healthy snack, making it a delightful and nourishing choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 cup ripe strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds or pecans
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach and Strawberries: Gently wash the baby spinach leaves and spin or pat them dry to remove excess moisture. Hull and slice the fresh strawberries thinly so each bite has a burst of sweetness.
  2. Slice the Red Onion and Toast Nuts: Thinly slice the small red onion for a sharp, tangy flavor. Lightly toast the sliced almonds or chosen nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant to enhance their crunch and taste.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined to create a perfectly balanced sweet-tart vinaigrette.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, toasted nuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the freshly made balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss lightly to coat everything evenly without bruising the spinach.
  5. Serve Immediately: Plate the salad fresh for best taste and texture. Optionally, garnish with extra nuts, cheese, fresh mint leaves, or sliced strawberries for added visual appeal and flavor.

Notes

  • Choose the ripest strawberries and freshest spinach to maximize flavor and texture.
  • Dry greens thoroughly to prevent soggy salad and diluted dressing.
  • Toast nuts lightly to bring out their natural flavor and crunch.
  • Toss the salad just before serving to keep spinach crisp and vibrant.
  • Adjust the amount of dressing to taste to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors.
  • For vegan option, omit feta cheese or substitute with vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Store leftover salad undressed in an airtight container in the refrigerator and dress just before serving.
  • Do not freeze the salad as strawberries and spinach lose texture and flavor when thawed.
  • Reheating is not recommended; best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, fresh strawberry salad, healthy spinach salad, balsamic vinaigrette salad, summer salad, gluten free salad

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/strawberry-spinach-salad/