Description
A refreshing and vibrant Spinach Strawberry Salad with tangy feta cheese, crunchy toasted almonds, and a sweet balsamic dressing. This quick and easy salad is perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side dish, combining fresh baby spinach and juicy strawberries with a flavorful dressing that balances sweetness and acidity.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 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 (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 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, and toasted almonds. Add thinly sliced red onion if desired for extra flavor and crunch.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh vibrant flavors.
Notes
- To toast almonds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta cheese with vegan cheese or omit it.
- Strawberries can be swapped with other seasonal berries like blueberries or raspberries.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the spinach and strawberries.
- If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to prevent sogginess.
