Description
A fresh and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring tender baby spinach, sweet sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and optional crumbled feta and red onion. Tossed in a simple balsamic honey dressing, this salad is quick to prepare and perfect as a light meal or side for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves (washed and dried)
- 1 pint fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Wash the baby spinach leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Hull the strawberries and slice them thinly. If using, toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, crumbled feta cheese (if using), and thinly sliced red onion (if using). Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad starting with a small amount and adding more as desired. Toss gently until the salad is evenly coated and flavorful.
- Serve: Transfer the dressed strawberry spinach salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Optionally, garnish with additional sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds for extra flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately as a refreshing and nutritious appetizer or side dish. Ideal for summer meals, picnics, or light dinners.
Notes
- Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning as it affects flavor.
- Feta cheese and red onion are optional; omit for a dairy-free or milder salad.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing to keep spinach crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, fresh salad, summer salad, healthy salad, quick salad recipe, vegan option, easy dressing
