If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that brightens up any meal, the Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe is your perfect go-to. This salad masterfully combines the peppery crunch of baby spinach leaves with the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries, the creamy tang of feta cheese, and the satisfying snap of toasted almonds. Each bite delivers a delightful harmony of flavors and textures, while the homemade balsamic dressing pulls everything together with a touch of sweetness and acidity. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or an elegant side, this salad brings a burst of color and taste that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of freshness, crunch, and flavor. From the naturally sweet strawberries to the salty, crumbly feta and the nuttiness of toasted almonds, these essentials come together effortlessly.
- 6 cups baby spinach: Tender, nutrient-packed leaves that form the salad’s vibrant green base.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Adds juicy sweetness and a beautiful pop of red color.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, it balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted: Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma.
- Optional: 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Introduces a mild sharpness and extra texture if you love a little bite.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: The oily richness that helps blend the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Brings a pleasant acidity and depth to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: Just enough sweetness to balance the tartness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle zing and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning everything just right.
How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad
Grab your largest salad bowl and toss together the baby spinach, freshly sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and those toasted almonds that bring incredible texture. If you enjoy a little extra tang, add in some thinly sliced red onion—it offers a gentle sharpness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
This simple dressing is the magic that ties everything together. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Season it with salt and pepper, then whisk again until the dressing becomes beautifully emulsified, glossy, and ready to dress your salad with vibrant flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Right before serving, drizzle the dressing over your spinach strawberry salad with feta cheese. Toss gently but thoroughly so each leaf and berry is evenly coated without bruising the delicate strawberries. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately to enjoy this fresh burst of deliciousness.
How to Serve Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To take this salad up a notch, sprinkle a few extra toasted almonds or crumbled feta on top just before serving for added visual appeal and texture. Fresh mint or basil leaves can also add a fragrant freshness that complements the ingredients wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or a light pasta, making it a versatile choice for lunch or dinner. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the delicious balsamic dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual mason jars or stacked in layers for a picnic-ready treat. Alternatively, place a bed of the spinach strawberry salad with feta cheese on pretty plates and arrange grilled protein or quinoa alongside for a complete and colorful platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately if possible to keep everything fresh—especially the dressing and sliced strawberries. Otherwise, keep the dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day to avoid soggy greens.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh fruit and spinach, which lose their texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, it’s not meant to be reheated. Instead, prepare smaller portions if you want to avoid leftovers and keep that crisp, refreshing taste intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this salad?
Fresh strawberries are best because frozen ones tend to release too much moisture when thawed, which can make the salad watery and mushy.
Is there a vegan alternative for the feta cheese?
Absolutely! You can use a plant-based feta or simply omit it and add extra nuts or seeds for that satisfying texture and a bit of creaminess.
Can I substitute baby spinach with another type of green?
Yes! Baby kale or arugula both work wonderfully, offering their own unique flavors – kale for earthiness and arugula for peppery notes.
How long does the salad dressing last?
The dressing can be stored in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a good shake before using as the ingredients may separate over time.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can substitute it with yellow mustard or skip it altogether, though Dijon adds a nice depth and helps emulsify the dressing for a silky texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about making and sharing the Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe. Its combination of colors, textures, and flavors is like a celebration of fresh ingredients that’s perfect any time of the year. I truly hope you give this salad a try and discover how effortlessly it brightens up your meals with each vibrant forkful.
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Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Spinach Strawberry Salad with creamy feta cheese, crunchy toasted almonds, and a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfectly balanced with sweet strawberries and a hint of Dijon mustard in the dressing, this salad is quick to prepare and ideal for a light and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Optional: 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds. If using red onion, add thinly sliced red onions to the bowl as well. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors at their best.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the almonds lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown before adding to the salad.
- Strawberries should be fresh and ripe for the sweetest flavor; avoid canned or frozen versions.
- The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Add a protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make this salad a more substantial meal.
- Red onion is optional but adds a nice sharp contrast to the sweetness of strawberries.
