If you are looking for a fresh, colorful, and bursting-with-flavor salad, the Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe is your new best friend for quick and delicious meals. This delightful combination showcases tender baby spinach leaves, juicy strawberries, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, all brought together with a simple yet irresistible balsamic dressing. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, vibrant dish that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe lies in its straightforward, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and visual appeal.
- Baby spinach (6 cups): The fresh, tender base of the salad providing a mild and slightly sweet green flavor.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, hulled and sliced): Adds vibrant color and juicy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Brings a creamy, salty tang that enhances every bite.
- Sliced almonds (1/4 cup, toasted): Adds a wonderful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor for texture contrast.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced – optional): Brings a gentle sharpness that deepens the flavor profile if you like a little bite.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Provides a fruity richness making the dressing smooth and luscious.
- Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds acidity and a hint of sweetness, perfectly balancing the salad’s flavors.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 teaspoon): Just a touch of natural sweetness to bring harmony to the dressing.
- Dijon mustard (1/2 teaspoon): Acts as an emulsifier in the dressing while adding subtle tang.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor.
How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Start by gathering your fresh ingredients. In a large bowl, toss together the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds. If you love a hint of sharpness, add the thinly sliced red onions now. This fresh mix is already a feast for the senses with vibrant reds and greens combined with creamy feta and crunchy nuts.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
Next, in a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. The sweetness from the honey, the tang from the balsamic, and the gentle heat from the mustard create the perfect dressing to bring all the salad components together.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Right before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together to coat all the ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate spinach or smashing the strawberries. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture and fresh flavors at their best.
How to Serve Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, sprinkle some extra toasted almonds or a few whole fresh strawberries on top. A few fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing twist and vibrant green contrast that brightens every bite. Garnishing transforms this salad into a feast both for the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Try it alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a light yet satisfying meal. It also complements pasta dishes or hearty grain bowls, adding a fresh, tangy contrast that balances richer flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in a large, rustic wooden bowl to enhance its natural appeal. Alternatively, for a dinner party, plate individual portions on crisp white plates, arranging the spinach leaves and strawberries artfully. Drizzle some extra dressing on the plate for an elegant touch. You can even turn it into vibrant lettuce wraps or serve it atop a bed of quinoa for an extra hearty twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To keep the salad fresh and crisp, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the delicate texture of the spinach and strawberries. Freezing would cause them to become watery and mushy upon thawing, which detracts from the salad’s delicious freshness.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, cold salad, it is not intended for reheating. If you want a warm salad experience, consider pairing the ingredients with warm grilled proteins or toasting the nuts fresh just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use baby kale instead of spinach in this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! Baby kale is a hearty green that holds up a bit better if you want a sturdier texture. Just make sure to massage it lightly with olive oil to soften it before tossing with the other ingredients.
Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Yes, goat cheese makes a lovely alternative with a similar creamy tang. If you want less tang, try a mild mozzarella or even ricotta salata for a different textural experience.
How do I toast the almonds properly?
Simply place sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until they are golden and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning as they toast quickly!
Is it okay to prepare the salad ahead of time?
You can prep the salad ingredients in advance, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the strawberries fresh.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Omit the feta cheese and replace honey with maple syrup in the dressing. You can also add avocado or nuts for creaminess and extra nutrition.
Final Thoughts
The Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe is a wonderful way to bring bright, fresh flavors to your table with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself to something vibrant and healthy, this salad never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try this combination, it will become a staple in your recipe collection to whip up again and again.
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Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 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 tender baby spinach, sweet sliced strawberries, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, all brought together with a luscious balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
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. If you like a bit more bite, add the thinly sliced red onion for extra flavor and texture.
- 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 ingredients just before serving. Toss everything gently to evenly coat the leaves and fruit without bruising them. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the almonds or replace with pumpkin seeds.
- Toasting almonds enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch; do this gently in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden.
- This salad is best served fresh to keep the spinach crisp and the strawberries juicy.
- Maple syrup can be used as a vegan substitute in the dressing instead of honey.
- If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss right before serving to avoid sogginess.
