Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad is the perfect salad for summer! Fresh strawberries and their sweetness combined with salty feta cheese and earthy spinach makes the perfect side dish for a summer family gathering!
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A great strawberry salad recipe features juicy strawberries with a perfect balance of tangy feta and almonds. Combined, these fresh ingredients make a healthy salad that is a great addition to any main dish. This fresh salad, with tangy balsamic dressing, is great for a light lunch, too!
Of all the different ways to enjoy strawberry season, Strawberry Spinach Salad is a great option! This beautiful salad is a great recipe for family dinner during the warmer months. The best part about this fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe is that it’s downright healthy! The perfect combination of fresh spinach with sweet strawberries not only provides tons of flavor, but tons of nutrients as well.
One of our favorite salads, the flavor doesn’t end at the spinach and strawberries. This salad also features tangy, creamy feta cheese, toasted almonds, and red onions. They not only provide their bold, distinct flavors, but add a certain texture to the salad.
If you’re looking to tweak this recipe a bit, there’s a lot you can do! Instead of almonds, you may want to opt for sunflower seeds or crunchy pecans. Pecans will provide a slightly different texture but give you their own natural sweetness as well. You can omit them altogether for a little lighter, nut-free option as well.
We love the balsamic glaze that goes with this salad, but you can use your favorite if you prefer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Fresh and Vibrant: Sweet strawberries and tender spinach create a colorful, seasonal salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Perfect Sweet-Savory Balance: Juicy berries, creamy feta, crunchy almonds, and tangy balsamic glaze deliver amazing flavor in every bite.
Ready in Minutes: No cooking required—just slice, layer, and serve.
Great for Any Occasion: Light enough for a side, satisfying enough for lunch, and pretty enough for a dinner party or holiday table.
Easy to Customize: Swap the almonds for pecans, the feta for goat cheese, or add grilled chicken for extra protein.
Ingredients to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad:
- fresh baby spinach. Tender and mild, baby spinach makes the perfect base. You can also mix in arugula for a peppery twist.
- strawberries: Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. Slice just before serving for maximum freshness.
- red onion: Adds a mild sharpness that balances the sweetness of the fruit. Slice thinly so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
- slivered almonds: Provide a light, toasty crunch. For extra flavor, try lightly toasting them in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes.
- feta cheese: Creamy, salty, and tangy—feta complements the sweetness of the berries. Goat cheese or blue cheese also work well.
- balsamic glaze: Adds concentrated sweet-tart flavor that ties the salad together. Use store-bought or reduce balsamic vinegar yourself for a homemade glaze.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad:
- Wash and dry the spinach and strawberries. Slice the strawberries and red onion.
- In a large bowl or on a serving platter, layer the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion.
- Sprinkle the slivered almonds and crumbled feta evenly over the salad.
- Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top. Toss gently if desired, or serve as-is.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Slice onions thinly: Thin slices blend into the salad without overpowering the sweet flavors. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes before adding.
- Toast the almonds: Lightly toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes to bring out their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
- Add protein: Turn this into a meal by topping with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a more filling meal.
- Serve immediately: The salad is best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, prep the components separately and assemble just before serving.
- Customize the dressing: Swap balsamic glaze for balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard, or poppyseed dressing if preferred.
- Make it nut-free: Swap slivered almonds for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to keep the crunch without nuts.
- Homemade balsamic glaze: Simmer ½ cup balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat until thickened (about 10 minutes) for a DIY glaze.
Serving Suggestions:
- Haddock Bake
- Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup
- Crustless Chicken Quiche
- Pecan Crusted Salmon
- Chimichurri Steak
- Paprika Chicken
How to Store:
Refrigerate components separately: For best results, store the spinach, sliced strawberries, onions, cheese, and almonds in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Avoid storing dressed salad: Once assembled and drizzled with balsamic glaze, the salad is best enjoyed immediately to prevent wilting and sogginess.
Meal prep tip: Layer spinach, onion, and strawberries in jars or containers. Keep almonds, feta, and balsamic glaze separate until just before eating for maximum freshness and texture.
FAQs:
If you don’t have balsamic glaze, balsamic vinaigrette, poppy seed dressing, or honey mustard are all delicious options.
Yes! Prep the individual ingredients (wash, slice, and store separately) up to 1 day in advance. Assemble and drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving for best freshness.
Try pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds. Toasting the nuts or seeds adds even more flavor and crunch.
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Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, sliced
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Wash and dry the spinach and strawberries. Slice the strawberries and red onion.
- In a large bowl or on a serving platter, layer the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion.
- Sprinkle the slivered almonds and crumbled feta evenly over the salad.
- Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top. Toss gently if desired, or serve as-is.
Notes
- Slice onions thinly: Thin slices blend into the salad without overpowering the sweet flavors. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes before adding.
- Toast the almonds: Lightly toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes to bring out their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
- Add protein: Turn this into a meal by topping with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
- Serve immediately: The salad is best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, prep the components separately and assemble just before serving.
- Customize the dressing: Swap balsamic glaze for balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard, or poppy seed dressing if preferred.
- Make it nut-free: Swap slivered almonds for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to keep the crunch without nuts.
- Homemade balsamic glaze: Simmer ½ cup balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat until thickened (about 10 minutes) for a DIY glaze.
Nutrition Facts:
These nutrition facts are estimated and can vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. Always consult product labels or a nutrition professional for precise information.Calories: 220
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 320mg
Total Carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 7g
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