Strawberry Spinach Salad

$- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried - 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced I love using fresh spinach leaves for this salad. They are crisp and full of vitamins. Strawberries add a sweet touch. You can slice them to fit well with the salad. Feta cheese brings a creamy texture and salty taste. The red onion gives a nice crunch and flavor balance. - 1/4 cup almonds, sliced or slivered - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 1/4 cup olive oil Sliced almonds add a nutty crunch. They also give healthy fats that are good for you. Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy zing to the dressing. Honey sweetens the dressing naturally. Olive oil helps blend all flavors together smoothly. - Salt - Pepper Season with salt and pepper to taste. These simple spices enhance all the fresh flavors. Use them wisely to boost the taste of your salad. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a small bowl. In this bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil. Mix until everything blends well. This step is key for great flavor. Next, taste the dressing. Add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust it to fit your taste buds. Now, take a large salad bowl. Combine the fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently mix these ingredients together. You want to see all the colors in your salad. After that, drizzle your prepared dressing over the salad. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are coated. This helps the flavors mix well. For a great look, serve the salad in a large bowl for family-style sharing. You can also plate it individually. For an elegant touch, sprinkle extra feta and almonds on top. Add a few whole strawberries for a pop of color. Serve the salad right away to enjoy the fresh taste. If you want, you can refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld nicely, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. - Alternatives for feta cheese: You can use goat cheese if you want a similar taste. Another option is ricotta for a creamier texture. For a dairy-free choice, try crumbled tofu, which soaks up flavors well. - Different nuts to consider: If you want a crunch without almonds, try walnuts or pecans. Both add unique flavors and textures. Sunflower seeds are a great nut-free option, too. - Adjusting sweetness or acidity: You can make the salad sweeter by adding more honey. If you want it tangier, add more balsamic vinegar. Balance is key! - Adding herbs for extra freshness: Fresh mint or basil can liven up the salad. Just a few leaves can add a burst of flavor. Cilantro also works well if you enjoy its taste. - Best practices for prep ahead: You can wash and slice strawberries a few hours before serving. Keep them in the fridge to stay fresh. Prepare the dressing in advance, too. Store it in a jar and shake before using. Mix all the salad ingredients just before serving for the best texture. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different crunch and flavor profile. Chill Your Salad: Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors as they meld together. Presentation Matters: For an elegant touch, serve individual portions with extra feta and strawberries on top as a garnish. {{image_2}} You can add other fruits to your strawberry spinach salad. Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches work well. These fruits bring a burst of flavor. You can also use seasonal fruits. In summer, try fresh peaches or nectarines. In fall, consider apples or pears. Each fruit adds its own sweetness and texture. Mixing fruits keeps the salad exciting. Adding protein makes the salad more filling. Grilled chicken or shrimp is a great choice. They add a nice texture and flavor. If you prefer vegetarian options, quinoa is a smart choice. It’s packed with protein and has a nutty taste. You can also add beans for extra fiber. These proteins make your salad a full meal. You can experiment with different dressings for your salad. A honey mustard dressing gives a sweet touch. A lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh zing. Store-bought dressings are quick but check the labels. Homemade dressings are often healthier and tastier. You can whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs. This way, you control the flavors and ingredients. Store your salad in a clean, dry container. I recommend using an airtight container. This helps keep the salad fresh. Place it in the fridge right away. The salad stays fresh for about 2 days. However, the spinach may wilt over time. To keep it crisp, store the dressing separately. Add it just before you eat. You can freeze this salad, but I do not suggest it. Freezing changes the texture of fresh ingredients. If you must freeze it, do this: store the spinach and strawberries separately. Place them in freezer-safe bags. When ready to use, thaw them in the fridge overnight. After thawing, enjoy them in smoothies or as a topping, not as a salad. Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C. It also has iron, which helps your blood. Strawberries are full of antioxidants and fiber. They can aid digestion and improve heart health. Together, they create a tasty and healthy salad. You can prepare the salad ahead. Just mix the spinach, strawberries, and other ingredients. However, keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. If you want a change from feta, use goat cheese. It has a similar texture but a creamier taste. You can also try ricotta or a vegan cheese for a different flavor. Yes, you can make this salad vegan easily. Just leave out the feta cheese. Use a vegan cheese or skip the cheese entirely. The salad will still taste great! To keep the salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Keep the dressing in a separate container. This way, the salad won’t get soggy and can last longer in the fridge. This blog post outlined the key ingredients, instructions, tips, and variations for a fresh and delicious salad. You learned how to prepare a tasty dressing and assemble your salad with vibrant produce and nuts. I shared how to enhance flavors and suggested delicious mix-ins. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste. With these steps and tips, you can enjoy a healthy meal that's simple and satisfying. Embrace your creativity and have fun with this salad!$

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, and feta cheese, drizzled with a sweet balsamic dressing.

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Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup almonds, sliced or slivered
0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
0.25 cup olive oil
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, and red onion.
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are coated evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey if desired.
Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Serve in a large bowl for family-style sharing, or plate individually with a sprinkle of additional feta and almonds on top for an elegant look. Garnish with a few whole strawberries for added color and flair.

Keyword healthy, salad, spinach, strawberry, vegetarian