Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is the ultimate fresh and vibrant side dish, featuring crisp baby spinach, succulent sliced strawberries, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for summer potlucks or a light weekday lunch, this healthy salad recipe balances sweet fruit with savory toppings like creamy goat cheese and crunchy toasted pecans.Whether you’re looking for a quick 10-minute meal or an elegant salad for entertaining, this strawberry spinach salad is a crowd-pleasing classic that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves washed and dried
- 1 pint fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup sliced almonds toasted
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese optional
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion optional
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients:Wash the baby spinach leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.Hull the strawberries and slice them thinly. Set aside.If using, toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the Salad:In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, crumbled feta cheese (if using), and thinly sliced red onion (if using). Toss gently to combine.
- Make the Dressing:In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Dress the Salad:Drizzle the dressing over the salad, starting with a small amount and adding more as needed, until the salad is evenly coated. Toss gently to distribute the dressing.
- Serve:Transfer the dressed strawberry spinach salad to a serving platter or individual plates.Optionally, garnish with additional sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.
- Enjoy!Serve the strawberry spinach salad immediately as a refreshing and nutritious appetizer or side dish. It's perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light and satisfying meal on its own.