If you are craving a vibrant, fresh, and delightfully balanced salad, the Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe should be your next kitchen adventure. This salad combines the crisp, tender bite of baby spinach with the juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries and the tangy creaminess of feta cheese. Topped with toasted sliced almonds for a bit of crunch, and dressed in a simple yet flavorful balsamic vinaigrette, it brings together a perfect harmony of colors, textures, and tastes that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether you need a quick lunch, a refreshing side salad, or a guilt-free indulgence, this dish ticks all the boxes with ease and elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe plays a vital role, contributing essential flavors and textures. From the delicate sweetness of fresh strawberries to the salty creaminess of feta, each item is thoughtfully chosen to create a well-rounded experience.
- 6 cups baby spinach: The leafy green base that’s tender and packed with nutrients.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Juicy sweetness that brightens the salad.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, salty contrast to the sweet berries.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted: Provides a buttery crunch and enhances texture.
- Optional: 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a sharp bite to balance the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: The healthy fat that helps meld the dressing’s flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Infuses a tangy depth and subtle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: Lends a touch of gentle sweetness to the dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a slight kick and emulsifies the dressing.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by placing the vibrant baby spinach into a large salad bowl. Next, toss in the hulled and sliced strawberries, which bring a luscious color and sweet juiciness. Follow with the crumbled feta cheese, scattering it evenly to introduce a creamy, tangy element. Finally, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds on top for a satisfying crunch. If you enjoy a bit of sharpness, add the thinly sliced red onion now for extra complexity.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Then, add salt and black pepper to your liking, adjusting the seasoning to create a perfectly balanced vinaigrette with a hint of sweetness and acidity that complements the salad beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Just before serving, drizzle the freshly whisked dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the spinach, strawberries, feta, and almonds are all lightly coated in the flavorful dressing. This step is crucial to preserving the crispness of the spinach and strawberries while uniting the different tastes perfectly. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of enthusiasm, add a few whole strawberries or a handful of additional toasted almonds right on top just before serving. Fresh mint leaves also make a lovely garnish, lending a refreshing aroma and bright green color that elevates the salad’s presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light, healthy meal. It also works as a vibrant side to a hearty pasta or grain bowl, adding a fresh contrast to richer flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual clear bowls or mason jars to showcase the colorful layers. You could even use edible bowls made from hollowed-out bell peppers or tomatoes for a festive presentation that guests will love and remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate if possible and toss the salad just before eating to avoid soggy spinach and berries. This will help maintain that crisp, fresh texture.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The delicate spinach leaves and fresh strawberries lose their texture and flavor when frozen and thawed, which would affect the overall taste and experience.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, chilled salad, reheating is not ideal. To enjoy leftovers, simply let them come to room temperature and give the salad a light toss to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use baby kale instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale is a sturdier green and will add a slightly different, earthier flavor, but it works wonderfully in this salad. Just massage the kale a bit beforehand to soften it.
What other nuts can I use if I don’t have sliced almonds?
Walnuts, pecans, or pistachios make excellent substitutes. Toasting any of these nuts will bring out their natural oils and enhance the salad’s crunch and flavor.
Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Yes! Simply replace the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it altogether. Adjust the dressing by using maple syrup and ensure no honey is included.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare all ingredients separately and assemble the salad right before serving to maintain the freshness and prevent the spinach and strawberries from becoming soggy.
What type of balsamic vinegar works best?
Use a good-quality aged balsamic vinegar for a richer, sweeter flavor that complements the strawberries perfectly. Avoid overly sharp or cheap varieties to keep the balance just right.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite in my kitchen. Its effortless combination of fresh ingredients and simple dressing creates a dish that feels both sophisticated and approachable. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it as your go-to salad for any occasion!
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Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Spinach Strawberry Salad featuring baby spinach, sweet strawberries, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, all brought together with a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing. This light and nutritious salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Optional: 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds. Add thinly sliced red onions if using. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss the salad gently to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, then serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- For added crunch, toast the almonds lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Substitute goat cheese for feta if preferred.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey to make the dressing vegan-friendly.
- Consume immediately after dressing to prevent the spinach from wilting.
- Optional red onion adds a sharp contrast but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
