Strawberry Salads Recipe

I’ve gotta say, when I toss together some fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, a couple of red onion slices, crumbled feta, and toasted walnuts with a simple mix of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and honey, it hits me with this crazy burst of flavor that makes even my most hectic day feel totally worth it.

I love making strawberry salads with fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion and crumbled feta. I toss it with toasted walnuts, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and honey.

I think its packed with vitamins and healthy fats that keep me energized.

Ingredients

• Fresh baby spinach provides fiber, vitamins and minerals for strong health.
• Strawberries add natural sweetness plus antioxidants that support heart health.
• Red onions give a slight sharp flavor while adding crunch and fiber.
• Feta cheese contributes a creamy salty taste and offers a bit of protein.
• Toasted walnuts supply healthy fats, protein and crunch to boost nutrition.
• Balsamic vinegar gives a tangy punch that nicely contrasts sweet flavors.
• Extra virgin olive oil and honey form a smooth dressing with balanced sweet taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup toasted walnuts (or pecans if you prefer)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Rinse the baby spinach and pat it dry.

2. Hull and slice the strawberries then put them aside.

3. Thinly slice the red onion.

4. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, and red onion.

5. In a small bowl, mix the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and honey with a pinch of salt and pepper.

6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

7. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.

8. Add the toasted walnuts (or pecans if you prefer) and give the salad a gentle toss again.

9. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, flavorful strawberry salad.

Equipment Needed

1. A large bowl for tossing the spinch, strawberries, and onions
2. A small bowl for mixing the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and honey
3. A sharp knife for slicing the strawberries and red onion
4. A cutting board to safely slice the produce
5. Measuring spoons to get the right amounts of vinegar, oil, and honey
6. Paper towels (or a spinner if you got one) to dry the spinach off before using it

FAQ

• Q: Can I use different greens instead of baby spinach?
  
  A: Yup, you can totally swap baby spinach with some mixed greens if that’s what you have.
• Q: How long does it take to make this salad?
  
  A: It takes about 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish, so its great for a quick meal.
• Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
  
  A: You can prep most of the ingredients ahead but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the spinach crisp.
• Q: Can I add a protein like grilled chicken to this salad?
  
  A: Absolutely, adding grilled chicken is a great idea for a heartier meal if you’re feeling peckish.
• Q: What can I do if I’m not a fan of feta?
  
  A: If feta ain’t your thing, you can try goat cheese or even a sprinkle of parmesan instead.

Strawberry Salads Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Spinach: You can use kale or mixed greens if you want a different texture or if you run out of spinach.
• Strawberries: If strawberries arent in season, try blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist.
• Red onion: If you dont like the bite of red onion, shallots or even a milder white onion works well.
• Feta cheese: You can swap that with goat cheese or even ricotta salata if you prefer a creamier taste.
• Toasted walnuts: If you dont have walnuts, toasted pecans or almond slivers will still give you a great crunch.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you dry the baby spinach really well before you mix it with the rest of the ingredients because any extra water will dilute your flavourful dressing and make your salad soggy.
2. If the red onion tastes too strong for you, try soaking the sliced pieces in cold water for about 5 to 10 minutes and then drain them. It really mellows out the bite.
3. Toast your walnuts (or pecans) in a dry pan over medium heat until they just turn a little brown. This not only adds a nuttier flavour but also boosts the crunch factor in your salad.
4. For a small twist to amp up the dressing, you can add a pinch of garlic powder along with the balsamic vinegar, olive oil and honey. Just be careful not to add too much or it might overpower the other flavors.