Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and vibrant dish that blends the sweetness of strawberries with the earthiness of spinach and the creamy tang of feta cheese. This salad is a perfect combination of textures, from the tender spinach leaves to the juicy, ripe strawberries, all complemented by the crumbly feta and crunchy nuts. Whether you’re looking for a light side dish, a healthy lunch option, or something to bring to a potluck or gathering, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to a balanced diet. The fresh strawberries provide vitamin C, while the spinach offers a variety of vitamins and minerals, and the feta adds a dose of protein and calcium. Combined with a simple yet zesty vinaigrette, this Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad is as nutritious as it is delicious. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of making this salad, give you tips for success, and offer some fun variations to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad

• Bright and Flavorful: The combination of sweet strawberries, savory feta, and fresh spinach creates a perfect harmony of flavors that are both refreshing and satisfying.
• Perfect Texture: The contrast between the juicy strawberries, soft spinach, and creamy feta makes each bite a delightful experience. Adding crunchy nuts or seeds further enhances the texture.
• Nutrient-Packed: This salad is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making it a healthy choice for anyone looking to boost their nutrition while still enjoying a delicious meal.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, this salad can be put together quickly, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile: Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad is incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed as a light meal or paired with grilled meats, seafood, or other dishes. You can also customize it with additional toppings or variations.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: None (optional for toasting nuts)
• Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 180-210 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180-210 kcal
• Fat: 14-16g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6-7g

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad:

• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds (optional, for added crunch)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil or mint, chopped (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar for a milder flavor)
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Special Equipment

This recipe doesn’t require any specialized tools, but having a few kitchen essentials will make the process easier:

1. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing the strawberries, dicing the onion, and chopping herbs. Clean, even cuts help the salad look as good as it tastes.
2. Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping the ingredients. It’s helpful to have a separate board for slicing fruits and vegetables.
3. Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is necessary to toss the salad ingredients together without spilling. It also gives you plenty of room to mix the dressing with the salad.
4. Whisk: A whisk is useful for emulsifying the vinaigrette and ensuring that the oil, vinegar, mustard, and other ingredients blend together smoothly.
5. Toaster or Skillet: If you decide to toast nuts for added crunch, you’ll need a toaster or a skillet. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds extra texture to the salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Start by washing and drying the fresh spinach leaves. It’s important that the spinach is dry before adding the dressing, as excess water can dilute the flavors. If you’re using pre-washed spinach, just make sure it’s free of excess moisture.

Next, hull and slice the strawberries. Slice them into thin pieces to ensure they mix well with the spinach and feta. Using fresh, ripe strawberries will give the salad a natural sweetness that complements the savory ingredients.

If you’re using red onion, slice it thinly. Red onions add a slight tang and color contrast that works beautifully with the other ingredients. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the onion slices in a bit of cold water for 10-15 minutes to reduce their sharpness.

2. Toast the Nuts (Optional)

For added crunch and flavor, toast some pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Toasting the nuts enhances their natural oils and gives them a deeper flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries and the creaminess of the feta.

To toast the nuts, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the nuts. Stir them frequently for 3-5 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden and fragrant. Be sure not to burn them. Once toasted, remove them from the heat and let them cool before adding them to the salad.

3. Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar), Dijon mustard, and honey (if using). The mustard adds a tangy depth, while the honey brings a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.

Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth vinaigrette. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can also add a bit more vinegar or mustard if you like a stronger flavor.

Once the vinaigrette is ready, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, you can add a little more honey.

4. Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, and crumbled feta cheese. If you’re using red onion, add the thinly sliced onion to the bowl as well.

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Start with a little dressing and toss gently to coat the salad. You can always add more dressing later if needed. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as it’s best to use just enough to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them.

5. Add the Toasted Nuts and Fresh Herbs

Once the salad is lightly dressed, sprinkle the toasted nuts on top. These will add a nice crunch to the salad, balancing out the creamy texture of the feta and avocado. If you toasted the nuts earlier, add them once they have cooled to prevent the heat from wilting the greens.

For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or mint over the salad. Fresh herbs like basil or mint elevate the salad’s freshness and add a pop of color. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or parsley, depending on your taste.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the salad is assembled, serve it immediately for the freshest flavor and texture. The sweetness of the strawberries, the creaminess of the feta, and the crunch of the nuts will create a satisfying and balanced salad.

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or a slice of crusty bread. It also works as a light and healthy main dish if you’re looking for something simple and nutritious.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad

• Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The strawberries are a key ingredient in this salad, so use the freshest, ripest berries you can find. This will enhance the overall flavor of the salad and give it that perfect sweet-tart balance.
• Don’t Overdress the Salad: It’s important to start with a small amount of dressing and toss the salad gently. You can always add more dressing if necessary, but it’s better to start light.
• Toast the Nuts for Extra Flavor: Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to the salad. Be sure to keep an eye on them as they toast, as they can burn quickly.
• Use Different Types of Feta: You can experiment with different types of feta cheese, such as goat feta or sheep’s milk feta, for a unique twist. Some varieties of feta are creamier or tangier, which can add a new layer of flavor to the salad.
• Make It a Meal: If you want to make this salad more filling, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak. The protein will complement the fresh ingredients and make the salad more substantial.

Variations of Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad

• Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad with Grilled Chicken: Add grilled chicken breast for a more substantial meal. The savory chicken pairs well with the sweet strawberries and creamy feta, making the salad a complete dish.
• Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad with Candied Pecans: For a touch of sweetness, use candied pecans instead of toasted ones. The sugar-coated nuts add a delicious crunch and a sweet contrast to the tangy feta.
• Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad with Avocado: Add creamy avocado slices to the salad for an extra layer of richness. The avocado pairs beautifully with the fresh spinach and sweet strawberries.
• Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing: Swap out the balsamic vinaigrette for a creamy poppy seed dressing. The sweetness of the dressing complements the strawberries and feta, adding a creamy texture to the salad.

Storage and Shelf Life

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate from the salad to prevent the greens from wilting. If you’ve added avocado to the salad, be aware that it may brown quickly, so it’s best to add it right before serving.

If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, you can chop all the ingredients and store them separately. Just toss everything together and add the dressing right before serving.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad

This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes to make a complete meal:

• Grilled Meats: Serve the salad alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork for a well-rounded meal.
• Seafood: The salad complements seafood beautifully. Try pairing it with grilled shrimp, salmon, or crab cakes.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread makes a great accompaniment to this light and refreshing salad.
• Quinoa or Couscous: For a more filling meal, serve the salad with quinoa or couscous. These grains add fiber and texture to complement the salad.

Conclusion

Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines fresh, vibrant ingredients with a simple vinaigrette. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish, or a main course, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and

tangy flavors. With the addition of crunchy nuts and creamy feta, each bite is satisfying and full of texture. Easy to make and versatile, this salad is a fantastic addition to any meal and can be customized with a variety of ingredients and dressings to suit your taste. Enjoy this refreshing dish and share it with friends and family for a delightful dining experience!