If you are looking for a salad that bursts with vibrant colors, delightful textures, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, the Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Toasted Almonds Recipe is an absolute showstopper. This salad combines the juicy brightness of fresh strawberries with the tender crispness of baby spinach, creamy tangy feta cheese, and the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds. Not only does it taste incredible, but it also looks stunning on any table, making it a fresh and inviting dish for any season or occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create this sensational salad. Each component brings a special characteristic that elevates the entire dish — from the sweetness and juiciness of the strawberries to the rich creaminess of the feta and the toasty nuttiness of the almonds.
- Baby spinach, 5 oz: The fresh, mild greens form the perfect base with their tender texture and subtle flavor.
- Fresh strawberries, 8 oz: Hulled and sliced, these add a juicy burst of sweetness and vibrant red color.
- Feta cheese, 3.5 oz crumbled: Creamy and tangy, feta adds depth and a lovely salty contrast to the sweetness.
- Sliced almonds, 0.5 cup: Toasting them brings out a warm, crunchy texture and a nutty aroma.
- Small red onion, 1 thinly sliced: Brings a subtle bite and a dash of color for balance.
- Extra-virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons: Creates a silky dressing base that coats the salad perfectly.
- Balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon: Adds acidity and a sweet tang that highlights the strawberries.
- Honey, 1 tablespoon: Enhances the natural sweetness while balancing the tartness.
- Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon: Gives the dressing a gentle kick and helps emulsify the ingredients.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Toasted Almonds Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Almonds
Start by heating the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep them moving with frequent stirring to ensure they toast evenly without burning. Within 3 to 5 minutes, you’ll notice a gorgeous golden color and a fragrant, nutty aroma filling your kitchen. Once toasted, transfer them to a plate and allow them to cool completely so they stay crunchy when added to the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the almonds cool, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. The honey adds a hint of sweetness that complements the tart vinegar, and the Dijon mustard gives the dressing a subtle depth and creaminess without overpowering the delicate salad ingredients.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. The variety of colors and textures already looks irresistible, promising a delightful eating experience.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients and toss gently. You want to evenly coat the spinach and strawberries but keep the delicate leaves intact and not bruised. This helps maintain the fresh, crisp qualities of the salad.
Step 5: Finish with Toasted Almonds
Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top right before serving. This final touch preserves their delightful crunch and brings a warm, nutty contrast to the cool, fresh greens and creamy feta.
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Toasted Almonds Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra bit of flair and flavor, consider adding a few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top. These little touches enhance the aroma and add brightness that complements the salad without overwhelming its natural flavors.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light and refreshing meal. Alternatively, serve it alongside crusty bread or a warm grain dish like quinoa or wild rice to balance the cool sweetness and create a satisfying dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the salad in individual glass bowls or on a large wooden serving platter. Layering the strawberries and feta on top gives a colorful, visually appealing effect. You could also stuff it inside pita bread pockets for a quick, portable lunch option, making this Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Toasted Almonds Recipe versatile enough to delight any crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep the salad components separate whenever possible. Store the greens and strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator and keep the toasted almonds in a dry container at room temperature to maintain their crunch. Toss everything together freshly before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. Spinach and strawberries lose their texture and flavor once frozen and thawed, which can diminish the overall quality of the dish.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not necessary. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature to fully savor the crisp textures and vibrant flavors of the Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Toasted Almonds Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans also work beautifully toasted in this salad, adding their own distinct flavor and crunch while complementing the other ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but keep the dressing and toasted almonds separate until serving to ensure your spinach stays fresh and your almonds remain crisp. Assemble just before eating for the best experience.
Can I substitute the balsamic vinegar?
You can try red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different twist, but balsamic vinegar truly enhances the strawberries’ sweetness, making it the ideal choice for this recipe.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard on hand?
You can omit it or substitute with a small amount of whole grain mustard or yellow mustard. The dressing might be slightly less tangy, but still delicious.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
To make this salad vegan, simply replace the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it entirely. The salad will still be flavorful and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Toasted Almonds Recipe that makes it a standout favorite. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a stunning salad to wow your guests, this recipe delivers every time. I encourage you to try it soon — your taste buds will thank you for this deliciously fresh and colorful treat!
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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Toasted Almonds Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad combining baby spinach, juicy fresh strawberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, all brought together with a tangy and sweet balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish, this salad balances fresh flavors and textures in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 5 oz baby spinach, washed and dried
- 8 oz fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3.5 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.5 cup sliced almonds
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast almonds: Heat sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they become golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and transfer them to a plate to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their crispness.
- Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
- Assemble salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion, mixing them gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Dress salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently, making sure that the vegetables and cheese are evenly coated without wilting the spinach.
- Finish and serve: Immediately before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top to preserve their crunchy texture and add a delightful contrast to the salad.
Notes
- Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning; stir continuously for even toasting.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- The salad is best served immediately to keep spinach crisp and almonds crunchy.
- For a lighter version, reduce the amount of feta or use a lower-fat cheese.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan alternative, though the recipe is not vegan due to feta cheese.
