![- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried - 1 ½ cups strawberries, hulled and sliced - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese - ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted Fresh ingredients make this salad shine. Spinach adds a crisp base. Strawberries add sweetness and a bright color. Feta cheese gives a creamy, salty kick. Toasted almonds add a nice crunch. Together, these ingredients create a balanced dish. - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste The dressing ties everything together. Olive oil brings richness. Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy note. Honey brings a hint of sweetness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. This simple dressing is easy to whisk together. - Portion Size: This recipe serves 4. Each serving is a perfect side dish or light meal. - Garnishes for Presentation: Serve in individual bowls. Add a whole strawberry on the side for a pop of color. A sprig of mint can also brighten the dish. For the full recipe, check out the Strawberry Spinach Delight. Enjoy making this fresh and flavorful salad! Mixing the Ingredients Start by taking a small bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Then, sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together. This makes a smooth dressing that brings great flavor to your salad. Consistency Check After mixing, check if the dressing is smooth. It should coat a spoon easily. If it is too thick, add a tiny bit of water. If it’s too thin, mix in more olive oil. Combining the Spinach and Strawberries In a large bowl, add 4 cups of fresh spinach. Make sure it is washed and dried well. Then, add 1 ½ cups of sliced strawberries. You want the strawberries to be fresh and sweet. Gently toss the spinach and strawberries together. Incorporating the Dressing Now, take the dressing you made. Drizzle it over the spinach and strawberries. Use your hands or salad tongs to gently toss the salad. Be careful not to break the strawberries. You want everything to get coated with the dressing. Adding Feta Cheese Sprinkle ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese over the top of your salad. The feta adds a creamy texture and salty flavor. It pairs perfectly with the sweet strawberries. Toasting Almonds and Serving Take ¼ cup of slivered almonds and toast them in a pan over low heat. Stir them often until they're golden brown. This brings out their nutty flavor. Once toasted, sprinkle them over the salad. Serve the salad right away for the best taste and texture. Enjoy your Strawberry Spinach Salad Fresh and Flavorful Delight! For more details, check the Full Recipe. Choosing Quality Ingredients To make your strawberry spinach salad shine, select fresh ingredients. Look for bright, crisp spinach. Choose strawberries that are vibrant red and firm. Soft or dull berries may taste bland. For feta cheese, pick a creamy, crumbly type for better flavor. The almonds should be toasted for a crunchy bite. Fresh ingredients make a huge difference. Timing of Assembly Assemble your salad close to serving time. This keeps the spinach crisp and the strawberries juicy. If you mix the salad too early, it can get soggy. Dress the salad just before you eat. This way, it stays fresh and vibrant. Alternative Dressings While the honey balsamic dressing is great, you can try others. A lemon vinaigrette adds a zesty kick. A creamy yogurt dressing can give a smooth texture. Experimenting keeps each meal exciting and fresh. Adding Herbs or Spices Fresh herbs can boost flavor. Try adding mint or basil for a twist. A pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes can add warmth. These small changes can make your salad pop with new flavors. Pairing with Proteins To make this salad a full meal, add protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. Tofu is a great option for a vegetarian dish. These additions make the salad heartier and more satisfying. Suggestions for Side Dishes Serve your salad with crusty bread or a warm soup. A light pasta dish can also complement the salad nicely. These sides enhance your meal and create a lovely dining experience. For the full recipe, check out the details above! {{image_2}} Vegan Options To make this salad vegan, skip the feta cheese. You can use avocado instead. Avocado adds creaminess and a rich flavor. You can also try vegan cheese made from nuts. Gluten-Free Alternatives This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your dressing ingredients are gluten-free. Always check labels to be safe. Other Fruits to Use If strawberries are not in season, try using blueberries or peaches. Both fruits add a nice sweetness. You can also experiment with apples or pears for a crunch. Different Nuts and Cheeses Instead of slivered almonds, use walnuts or pecans. They add great texture and flavor. For cheese, goat cheese or a dairy-free option works well too. Holiday Variants For festive occasions, add pomegranate seeds for color. You can also toss in candied pecans for a sweet touch. This makes the salad more special for gatherings. Potluck-Friendly Enhancements At potlucks, add grilled chicken for protein. This makes it more filling and satisfying. You can also serve the salad in small cups for easy sharing. You can find the full recipe for this delightful salad above! To keep your Strawberry Spinach Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent wilting and sogginess. You should eat the salad within two days for the best flavor. If you have leftovers, don’t mix in the dressing. Store the salad and dressing separately. This keeps the greens crisp. Just dress the salad right before you eat it. For long-term storage, freezing is not ideal for salads. The lettuce and strawberries become mushy when thawed. Instead, consider freezing ingredients like nuts or cheese separately. These items freeze well and can enhance your salad later. If you do freeze any components, rehydrate them slowly. Let them sit in the fridge overnight. This helps them regain some of their original texture. Fresh ingredients have a short shelf life. Spinach should stay bright green and crisp. Strawberries should be red and firm. If they become dull or mushy, they are likely spoiled. Check for any signs of spoilage. If you see mold or a bad smell, it’s best to discard the ingredient. Keeping track of freshness ensures your salad remains a delightful treat. For the full recipe and details on preparing this salad, check the [Full Recipe]. You can prepare this salad a few hours before serving. Start by making the dressing. Store it in a small jar or bowl. You can mix the spinach and strawberries right before serving. Keep them separate to avoid wilting. For best taste, don't add the cheese and nuts until you are ready to serve. This way, your salad stays fresh and crunchy. If you want to switch up the nuts, try walnuts or pecans. Both add a nice crunch. Walnuts have a rich flavor, while pecans are sweeter. You can even mix different nuts for more texture. Just remember that the flavor of the nuts should balance with the sweetness of the strawberries. Yes, this salad is very healthy! It has fresh spinach, which is rich in vitamins. Strawberries provide antioxidants and fiber. Feta adds protein and calcium, while almonds are full of healthy fats. One serving has about 200 calories. This makes it a great option for a light lunch or a side dish. Enjoy the health benefits with every bite! This blog post shared how to make a delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad. We discussed fresh ingredients like spinach, strawberries, feta cheese, and almonds. I detailed how to prepare the dressing, assemble the salad, and made it look great. You learned tips for keeping your salad fresh and tasty. Plus, we explored variations for different diets and occasions. Remember to store it properly for the best taste. Enjoy this vibrant salad that’s both healthy and simple to make. It’s perfect for any meal!](https://southerndishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/b9e8bb2c-ab04-4a7c-8756-60750e1e2811-250x250.webp)
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Dive into the refreshing flavor of Strawberry Spinach Delight! This quick and easy salad combines fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, crumbled feta, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a delicious homemade dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at your next gathering, this recipe is not only tasty but also beautiful. Click through for the full recipe and impress your guests with this vibrant dish!