Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta
A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring the delightful combination of sweet strawberries, tender spinach, salty feta, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a fresh side dish.
For 2 servings
**Prepare Vinaigrette**: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified. Set aside.
**Toast Almonds (Optional but Recommended)**: If using untoasted almonds, spread them in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Let cool completely.
**Wash and Prepare Greens**: Gently wash the baby spinach under cool running water and thoroughly dry using a salad spinner or by patting with paper towels. Ensure it's very dry to prevent a watery dressing.
**Prepare Strawberries & Onion**: Hull and slice the fresh strawberries into bite-sized pieces. If using red onion, thinly slice it into delicate rings or half-moons.
**Assemble Salad**: In a large salad bowl, combine the dried baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and thinly sliced red onion (if using).
**Dress and Toss**: Drizzle about half to two-thirds of the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Gently toss until the spinach and strawberries are lightly coated. Add more dressing to taste if desired.
**Finish and Serve**: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted sliced almonds evenly over the tossed salad. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Dry Greens Thoroughly**: Excess water on spinach will dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. Use a salad spinner for best results, or pat dry with paper towels.
- 2**Toast Nuts for Flavor**: Toasting almonds (or any nuts) brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor and crunch, making a significant difference in the salad's overall taste and texture.
- 3**Dress Just Before Serving**: To prevent the spinach from wilting and the salad from becoming soggy, always add the dressing right before you plan to eat. If prepping ahead, store dressing and salad components separately.
- 4**Balance Sweet and Tangy**: Adjust the amount of honey/maple syrup in the vinaigrette to your preference, ensuring it balances the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar for a perfectly harmonious dressing.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add grilled chicken breast, pan-seared shrimp, crumbled goat cheese (instead of feta), or toasted pecans/walnuts for extra protein and different textures.
Fruit & Nut SwapFruit & Nut Swap
Experiment with other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or use candied pecans or walnuts for a sweeter crunch and different flavor profile.
Different DressingDifferent Dressing
Try a poppy seed dressing, a light lemon-herb vinaigrette, or even a creamy avocado dressing for a completely different flavor experience.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Strawberries are packed with Vitamin C and other antioxidants, while spinach provides Vitamin A and K, contributing to cellular health, reducing inflammation, and boosting immunity.
Good Source of Fiber
Both spinach and strawberries offer dietary fiber, aiding in healthy digestion, promoting satiety to help with weight management, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The extra virgin olive oil in the dressing and the sliced almonds provide beneficial monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health and reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
You can prepare the vinaigrette, wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, and toast the almonds in advance. Store them separately and assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
