There is something incredibly refreshing and vibrant about this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Feta Recipe. Imagine a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors all coming together with crisp baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy toasted almonds, and creamy feta. This salad is not just a side dish; it truly shines as a centerpiece for any meal, especially when you want something light, nutritious, and packed with texture and color. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just treating yourself to a wholesome meal, this recipe never fails to delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the fresh ingredients for this salad is easier than you might think, and each one plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. From the tender baby spinach to the toasted almonds adding crunch and the feta lending a creamy savoriness, every item is essential.
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves: The tender, leafy green base that provides vibrant color and a mild, fresh flavor.
- 1 pint fresh strawberries: Adds a natural sweetness and juicy pop that elevates the entire salad.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted: Gives a delightful crunch and nutty aroma, enhancing texture beautifully.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional): Brings a creamy, salty dimension to balance the sweet strawberries.
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional): Offers a gentle sharpness that brightens the dish.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: The rich, smooth base for the dressing, adding lushness.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Provides tangy depth and complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Brings a touch of natural sweetness to round out the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Start by washing the baby spinach leaves thoroughly and drying them gently — no one wants soggy greens! Next, hull and thinly slice your fresh strawberries to unleash their juicy sweetness. If you love that toasty crunch, carefully toast your sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden and the kitchen smells nutty. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. Once toasted, set them aside to cool before adding to the salad.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, bring together the fresh baby spinach, succulent sliced strawberries, cooled toasted almonds, and if you choose, sprinkle in the crumbled feta and thinly sliced red onion. Toss everything gently to mix, ensuring the layers of flavor are evenly distributed without bruising the delicate greens or strawberries.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This simple homemade dressing strikes the perfect balance of tang, sweetness, and savoriness, meant to complement rather than overpower the star ingredients.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle your freshly made dressing over the salad starting with a little, then toss gently. Add more dressing as needed until every bite is lightly coated with that luscious blend, uniting all the flavors seamlessly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your gorgeous strawberry spinach salad onto a serving platter or dish out into individual bowls. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish with more sliced strawberries, a sprinkle of feta, and a handful of toasted almonds. Now, dig in and enjoy the delightful medley of textures and tastes!
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Feta Recipe pop visually and flavor-wise, consider adding fresh mint leaves or a light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. These small touches elevate the salad’s aesthetics and add fresh herbal notes that complement the sweetness of the strawberries.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. It’s a fantastic companion to grilled chicken or fish, adding brightness and crunch to a simple protein. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside warm grain bowls or roasted vegetables to round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in clear glass bowls to showcase the brilliant red of the strawberries against the emerald spinach, or portion it into individual mason jars for picnics and parties. You can even turn it into elegant salad cups by layering it over crisp endive or butter lettuce leaves for bite-sized appetizers that wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad components separately for best results. Keep the spinach, strawberries, feta, and toasted almonds refrigerated in airtight containers, and the dressing on its own to preserve freshness and texture.
Freezing
This strawberry spinach salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. Freezing will cause the strawberries and spinach to become mushy and lose their delightful crunch, so it’s best to prepare just what you need.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad served cold, reheating is not recommended. Simply toss the salad again with fresh dressing before serving if it has been refrigerated to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese and ensure your honey is replaced with a plant-based sweetener like agave or maple syrup for a delicious vegan-friendly version.
What can I substitute for baby spinach?
If spinach isn’t your favorite, baby kale, arugula, or mixed spring greens make excellent substitutes that pair wonderfully with strawberries and almonds.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
When stored properly with dressing separate, the components should stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days. The salad is best eaten the day it’s made for optimal flavor and crunch.
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Yes! Toasted pecans, walnuts, or even pistachios offer a delicious alternative with unique flavors and textures that complement the salad beautifully.
Is it okay to add other fruits to this salad?
Definitely! Blueberries, oranges, or avocado slices can be fantastic additions that add new flavor dimensions and extra nutrition without overpowering the classic Strawberry Spinach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Feta Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you want a salad that’s not only healthy but also bursting with exciting layers of flavor and texture, this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Feta Recipe is a must-try. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a go and watch it quickly become one of your all-time favorites to share with friends and family.
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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A fresh and vibrant strawberry spinach salad featuring tender baby spinach leaves, sweet sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and optional crumbled feta cheese and red onions. Tossed in a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette with honey and Dijon mustard, this salad is perfect as a light appetizer or a refreshing side for any meal.
Ingredients
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. Keep a close eye 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.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad gradually, starting with a small amount and adding more as needed, until the salad is evenly coated. Toss gently to distribute the dressing evenly.
- 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 visual appeal.
- Enjoy! Serve the strawberry spinach salad immediately as a refreshing and nutritious appetizer or side dish, perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light meal.
Notes
- To toast almonds, use a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Feta cheese and red onion are optional but add a nice contrast in flavor and texture.
- Prepare dressing fresh and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Can be made gluten free by ensuring mustard and other ingredients are gluten free certified.
- For a vegan version, omit honey or replace with agave syrup and exclude feta cheese.
