This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring sweet strawberries, tender spinach leaves, crunchy almonds, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a healthy dinner option. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
The Story Behind Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry spinach salad has gained popularity in the United States for its delightful combination of flavors and its ease of preparation. The natural sweetness of strawberries pairs perfectly with fresh spinach, creating a refreshing and healthy dish. Adding nuts and cheese elevates the texture and taste, while a light balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together. This salad is especially popular in the spring and summer months when strawberries are in season and spinach is tender and flavorful.
Key Ingredients and Why They Matter
Fresh Strawberries
Fresh strawberries provide a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements of this salad, making it the star ingredient.
- Pro Tip: Choose strawberries that are ripe and juicy for the best flavor and texture. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well.
Baby Spinach
Baby spinach is tender and mild, making it the perfect base for this salad. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, adding a nutritious boost to every bite.
- Substitution Tip: You can substitute spinach with arugula or mixed greens for a different flavor profile.
Feta Cheese
Feta cheese adds a tangy, creamy element that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Substitution Tip: You can substitute feta with goat cheese for a milder flavor, or use blue cheese for a more intense, savory taste.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for extra crunch and nutrition)
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
- In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and chia seeds (if using).
Step 3: Toast the Almonds
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the sliced almonds.
- Toast the almonds for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Step 4: Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Toss the Salad
- Add the feta cheese and toasted almonds to the salad.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the salad to individual plates or serve it in a large bowl.
- Garnish with additional sliced strawberries or feta if desired, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is perfect on its own or paired with a grilled chicken breast, grilled salmon, or quinoa for a more filling meal. It also works as a light side dish for picnics, barbecues, or holiday dinners. Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Variations and Add-Ins
Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad
Add sliced avocado to the salad for an extra creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats.
Strawberry Pecan Spinach Salad
Substitute the almonds with pecans for a richer, buttery flavor. You can also add candied pecans for a sweeter twist.
Vegan Strawberry Spinach Salad
For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese and use a vegan honey substitute in the dressing. You can also add tofu or chickpeas for extra protein.
Dietary Adaptations
Precise Diet Classifications:
- Gluten-Free: This salad is naturally gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free option, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Vegetarian: This salad is vegetarian-friendly.
- Vegan: Make it vegan by omitting the cheese and using a honey substitute or maple syrup for the vinaigrette.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Omit the honey in the dressing and use a low-carb sweetener to make this salad keto-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Strawberry Spinach Salad Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but don’t toss the salad with the dressing until right before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.
Can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy greens.
What other fruits can I use in this salad?
You can swap the strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or mandarin oranges for a different fruity twist.
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