Cherry, Spinach & Feta Salad
A vibrant summer salad that balances sweet, juicy cherries with salty, crumbled feta and tender spinach leaves. Tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette and finished with crunchy toasted almonds, it comes together in just 15 minutes for a refreshing side or light lunch.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~8 min
Get the cherries and spinach ready.
1.Pit 1.5 cups of fresh cherries and slice each in half.2.Wash 200g baby spinach under cold water and spin or pat completely dry.3.Thinly slice enough red onion to make 1/4 cup and crumble the feta to make 1/2 cup. - roast · ~3 min
Toast the almonds.
Place 1/4 cup sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Shake the pan occasionally and toast until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a plate immediately to stop the cooking.
TIPWatch the almonds closely — they go from golden to burnt in seconds. - mix · ~2 min
Whisk the balsamic vinaigrette.
1.In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar.2.Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.3.Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. - assemble · ~2 min
Toss the salad together.
1.Add the dried spinach to a large serving bowl.2.Scatter the halved cherries and sliced red onion over the spinach.3.Drizzle the dressing over everything and toss gently with clean hands or tongs to coat.TIPDress the salad just before serving so the spinach stays crisp. - garnish · ~1 min
Finish with feta and toasted almonds.
Top the dressed salad with the crumbled feta cheese and toasted sliced almonds. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry the spinach thoroughly after washing; excess water will dilute the dressing.
- 2Use block feta packed in brine for the best flavor and creamy texture.
- 3Toast the almonds in a dry pan and watch carefully; they burn in seconds.
- 4Pit cherries over a bowl to catch the juice, which can be added to the vinaigrette.
- 5Dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach leaves crisp.
- 6Let the dressed salad rest 2 minutes so the flavors meld without wilting.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add-protein
Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn this salad into a hearty main course.
swap nutsSwap-nuts
Substitute toasted pecans or walnuts for the almonds for a different crunch and flavor.
swap cheeseSwap-cheese
Use crumbled goat cheese or shaved Parmesan instead of feta for a tangier or nuttier profile.
dressing optionDressing-option
Replace balsamic vinaigrette with a lemon-poppy seed dressing for a brighter, citrusy twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin K
Spinach provides a hefty dose of vitamin K, which supports bone health and blood clotting.
Packed with Antioxidants
Cherries are loaded with anthocyanins and vitamin C, which help fight oxidative stress.
Good Source of Healthy Fats
Almonds and olive oil supply monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
Provides Bone-Building Calcium
Feta cheese contributes calcium and protein for strong bones and muscles.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw and drain them well first to avoid watery dressing and soggy spinach.
