Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Hey fam, have you ever thought about what pure joy tastes like? Let me introduce you to my ultimate go-to: a dreamy Strawberry Spinach Salad that’s the culinary equivalent of a sunbeam on your taste buds. 🌞✨

I am passionate about creating colorful and healthful salads, and my Strawberry Spinach Salad is no exception. The delightful blend of baby spinach and perfectly sliced strawberries makes it a light, lovely dish.

The salad is a delightful blend of almonds, feta cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette that makes it feel a little more indulgent than your average salad. And because it calls for whole almonds (or slivered almonds, if you prefer), it’s also a great way to work some extra vitamin E into your day.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Baby Spinach: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K; high in fiber and antioxidants.
• Strawberries: Sweet and juicy; packed with vitamin C and manganese.
• Sliced Almonds: Provide healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E for crunch.
• Feta Cheese: Adds creaminess; offers calcium and a bit of tangy flavor.
• Red Onion: Adds sharpness; contains antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette: Complements sweetness; balances flavors with a tangy finish.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing

How to Make this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

1. Start with cleaning and drying the newly harvested baby spinach so they’re free of any debris. As the first layer in this salad, line the bottom of a large glass bowl with the spinach.

2. Wash the strawberries in cold water, then dry them off with a paper towel and cut them into slices. Put the sliced strawberries into the bowl with the spinach.

3. On medium heat, in a dry skillet, toast the sliced almonds for 2-3 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re lightly golden. Take off the heat and let cool.

4. Mix the toasted almonds into the spinach and strawberries in the salad bowl.

5. Crumble the feta cheese over the mixture of salad, making sure that it is evenly spread so that the tastes are balanced in every bite.

6. Slice the red onion very thinly and distribute the slices over the ingredients of the salad.

7. Combine all ingredients of the salad together, being careful to keep whole any of the ingredients that are meant to retain their shape. The salad can be served at any temperature; it is good cold, room temperature, or slightly warm. If serving slightly warm, toss the salad just before serving so that it is at its warmest. At all temperatures, the salad is delicious.

8. Evenly drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad.

9. Use salad tongs to carefully mix and coat all components with the dressing. Avoid exerting force sufficient to cause bruising of the spinach leaves.

10. Present the Strawberry Spinach Salad as a fresh and vibrant side dish. Do not save it for later. Adjust any aspect of the seasoning or dressing to make it taste its best and ensure it is salad-ready.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large glass bowl
2. Skillet
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Paper towels
6. Measuring cups
7. Salad tongs

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?A: Yes, you can use goat cheese or blue cheese as an alternative for a different flavor profile.
• Q: How can I make the salad vegan?A: Either omit the feta cheese or use a vegan cheese option to replace it.
• Q: Can I use a different dressing?A: Certainly! A raspberry vinaigrette or a lemon poppy seed dressing works well with this salad.
• Q: How do I keep the salad fresh if I’m preparing it in advance?A: Maintain the dressing separately until the moment of serving to avoid the wilting of the spinach.
• Q: Can I add protein to make the salad more filling?Adding grilled chicken or tofu is a great way to boost protein and make the salad more substantial.
• Q: Is there a nut-free option?A: You can substitute the almonds with sunflower seeds if you want a version that’s free from nuts.
• Q: How long can the salad be stored in the refrigerator?A: An airtight container in the refrigerator can hold the salad for as long as 2 days, but it’s really at its finest, more so than any other time, right after it’s made.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Fresh Arugula or Mixed Greens for Fresh `Baby Spinach`
Fresh strawberries can be substituted with blueberries or mandarin oranges.
Sliced almonds can be replaced with walnuts or pecans.
Goat Cheese or Gorgonzola for Crumbled Feta Cheese
Replace with one of the following:

• Thinly sliced red onion.

• Sweet onion, such as Walla Walla or Vidalia, cut in half from top to bottom, then thinly sliced.

• Green onion (scallion), white and tender green parts, thinly sliced.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Ingredients For an extra refreshing salad, chill the spinach, strawberries, and feta cheese for about 30 minutes before preparing the salad. This enhances the crispness and makes it more refreshing, especially on a warm day.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients Ensure that all your ingredients, especially the spinach and strawberries, are as fresh as possible. Fresh produce will enhance the texture and flavor of the salad.

3. Balance Sweetness and Tartness If you prefer a sweeter salad, drizzle a small amount of honey over the strawberries before adding them to the salad. This will complement the tanginess of the balsamic vinaigrette and feta cheese.

4. Customize the Crunch For added texture, you can include a small handful of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds along with the almonds. This adds an extra layer of crunch and flavor.

5. Make Your Own Vinaigrette Consider making your own balsamic vinaigrette by whisking together 3 parts olive oil to 1 part balsamic vinegar, and seasoning with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a touch of honey or Dijon mustard for a classic homemade touch.