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
Scale
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.
