Description
A Spinach & Strawberry Salad is a versatile dish that combines fresh spinach leaves with juicy strawberries and a variety of optional ingredients like red onion, feta cheese, and nuts. The flavor profile of this salad is a mix of earthy and sweet, with the tangy balsamic dressing adding a balanced finishing touch. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
-
4 cups fresh spinach – Washed and chopped, spinach provides a nutrient-dense base for your salad.
-
1 cup fresh strawberries – Hulled and sliced, strawberries bring the natural sweetness and juiciness to the dish.
-
1/4 cup red onion (optional) – Thinly sliced, red onion adds a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the fruit.
-
1/4 cup feta cheese (optional) – Crumbled feta gives the salad a savory, creamy element that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
-
1/4 cup walnuts or pecans (optional) – Roughly chopped, these nuts add a nice crunch and healthy fats to the dish.
For the Balsamic Dressing:
-
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar – A key ingredient that brings tanginess to the dressing.
-
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
-
1 tsp Dijon mustard – This provides a subtle tangy kick to the dressing.
-
3 tbsp olive oil – A rich and healthy fat that helps emulsify the dressing and add depth to the flavors.
-
Salt and pepper – To taste, these simple seasonings help bring all the flavors together.
Instructions
Start by washing and chopping your spinach. Make sure to remove any tough stems and select the freshest spinach leaves you can find. After washing, chop the spinach into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
Next, hull and slice the strawberries. You can adjust the size of the strawberry slices depending on your preference, but typically, thin slices work best for even distribution throughout the salad. Add the strawberries to the spinach.
If you’re using red onion, slice it thinly to avoid overwhelming the other flavors with its sharpness. Add it to the salad, along with crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts or pecans (if using).
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Continue whisking until the dressing emulsifies, creating a smooth, unified mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
If you prefer a sweeter dressing, feel free to add more honey or maple syrup. Likewise, for a tangier flavor, increase the amount of balsamic vinegar or mustard.
Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat the spinach, strawberries, and other ingredients evenly with the dressing.
It’s important to toss the salad lightly so that the delicate ingredients don’t get bruised or squished. Once it’s evenly coated, the salad is ready to serve.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. The spinach will lose its crispness if left to sit for too long with the dressing, so serve it right away to enjoy the full burst of flavors. You can serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as an appetizer for a larger meal.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding crumbled feta, toasted nuts, or a splash of balsamic glaze. Feel free to customize it to your taste—this salad is as versatile as it is delicious!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Spinach & Strawberry Salad