Description
A light, refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, and a tangy balsamic dressing. Ready in just 30 minutes, this vibrant dish is perfect as a side or a light meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Spinach Salad:
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6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
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1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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½ cup sliced almonds (toasted if preferred)
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¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
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¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
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¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette or your preferred salad dressing
Instructions
Start by washing the spinach leaves thoroughly. Use a salad spinner to dry them quickly, or spread them out on kitchen towels to pat them dry. Ensure that the spinach is completely dry to avoid sogginess when mixing the salad.
Next, wash and hull the strawberries. Remove the green tops, then slice them into thin slices or quarters, depending on your preference. For added visual appeal, you can leave the strawberries whole and arrange them beautifully on top of the salad before serving.
If you’re including red onion, slice it thinly. The onion adds a sharp bite to the salad, balancing the sweetness of the strawberries.
Toasting the almonds adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch to the salad. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don’t brown too much. Once toasted, set them aside to cool.
While the salad ingredients are being prepped, you can make the dressing. If you’re using store-bought balsamic vinaigrette, simply measure out the amount you need. If you prefer homemade dressing, whisk together ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ cup olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until fully combined and emulsified.
In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion (if using). Toss gently to combine.
Sprinkle the toasted almonds and feta cheese over the top of the salad, then drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Toss the salad again until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Once the salad is fully dressed, serve immediately. If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and dress the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.
For a nice touch, you can garnish the salad with additional strawberry slices, crumbled feta, or a few sprigs of fresh herbs like basil or mint.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 4-6g