Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

I prepared this Strawberry Spinach Salad with a Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette that celebrates freshness and vibrant flavors. Crisp baby spinach mingles with juicy strawberries while tangy feta and toasted almonds add texture. The hint of red onion and a blend of Dijon mustard and honey create a balanced dressing that brings the salad to life.

I just discovered this refreshingly crisp Strawberry Spinach Salad and couldn’t wait to share it with you. I love how the vibrant mix of six cups of fresh baby spinach, two cups of sweet sliced strawberries, and a bit of thinly sliced red onion creates an eye-catching dish that’s both beautiful and tasty.

It’s tossed with creamy crumbled feta and crunchy toasted sliced almonds, adding fun textures, and then drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette made with three tablespoons balsamic vinegar, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, a tablespoon of honey and a generous splash of extra virgin olive oil. This salad reminds me a little of some classic recipes like a strawberry balsamic dressing recipe or even a strawberry salad with balsamic dressing, but with my own twist.

It is perfect for a light dinner or as a striking side dish when youre looking to try something fresh, unique and delicious.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe becuse its super fast and easy to make when I’m in a rush. I like how the fresh spinach and sliced strawberries mix together to give a sweet and tangy flavor that keeps it interesting every time I serve it. I also really enjoy the crunch of the toasted almonds paired with the creamy feta cheese which makes every bite fun and different. Lastly, the homemade balsamic vinaigrette ties all the ingredients together, and I feel like it gives the salad a special touch that makes me look forward to eating a healthy meal.

Ingredients

• Fresh baby spinach: It’s full of vitamins A, C, and fiber, giving a crisp bite.
• Sliced strawberries: They bring natural sweetness and vitamin C, making the salad pop.
• Thinly sliced red onion: Adds a tangy crunch and a light spicy kick to the mix.
• Crumbled feta cheese: Offers protein and a salty tang that really lifts the flavor.
• Sliced almonds: Toasted for crunch and healthy fats that add extra texture.
• Balsamic vinegar: Gives a sharp, tangy zest that balances the sweetness.
• Honey: Adds a gentle sweet note to counteract the tanginess perfectly.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Grab a large salad bowl and toss in 6 cups of fresh baby spinach, 2 cups of sliced strawberries and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion.

2. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/2 cup of sliced almonds that you’ve toasted beforehand.

3. In another small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of honey.

4. While whisking, slowly pour in 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil until the dressing looks smooth.

5. Season your dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

6. Pour the vinaigrette evenly over your salad ingredients.

7. Toss the salad gently so every bit gets a little dressing.

8. Let it sit for a few minutes to make sure the flavors mix well.

9. Give it a quick taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.

10. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, flavorful salad!

Equipment Needed

1. Large salad bowl (for tossing all the salad ingredients)
2. Small bowl (to mix up the dressing)
3. Whisk (for blending the dressing ingredients)
4. Measuring cups and spoons (to accurately measure the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil)
5. Cutting board and knife (if you need to slice the strawberries or red onion)
6. Pan or baking sheet (to toast the sliced almonds)
7. Salad serving utensils (like salad tongs or a large spoon for tossing)

FAQ

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Fresh baby spinach: You can swap out the baby spinach with baby arugula or kale if you don’t have it on hand. They’ll give your salad a slightly different flavor.
• Sliced fresh strawberries: If strawberries aren’t available, try using blueberries or raspberries instead, though it might change the overall taste a bit.
• Thinly sliced red onion: Sometimes red onions can be a bit strong so you might want to use a few finely chopped shallots or even green onions.
• Crumbled feta cheese: If feta isn’t your thing or you can’t find it, goat cheese or even a bit of blue cheese makes a good substitute.
• Sliced almonds, toasted: If almonds aren’t in the picture, go for walnuts or pecans, they’re a great replacement for crunch and flavor.

Pro Tips

1. When you’re toasting the almonds, keep an eye on them cuz they can burn really fast and ruin the nutty flavor.
2. If you prep the dressing ahead of time, let it come to room temp first before mixing it with the salad so it emulsifies better.
3. To keep your strawberries looking and tasting fresh, toss them in the dressing just before eating so they dont get too mushy.
4. If you find the red onions a bit too intense, try soaking them in cold water for like 10 minutes to mellow their bite.