If you’re craving a salad that bursts with freshness, sweetness, and a touch of savory tang, you have to try this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe. It’s a celebration of vibrant baby spinach leaves, juicy strawberries, and creamy feta cheese, all tied together with a luscious balsamic dressing. This salad is incredibly simple to make yet feels elegant enough to impress guests or enjoy as a deliciously light lunch. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each element plays a vital role: from the crispness of the spinach, the juicy sweetness of strawberries, to the salty creaminess of feta, and the crunch from toasted almonds. These ingredients make this salad a colorful, nutritious, and satisfying dish.
- Baby spinach (6 cups): The tender greens create a soft, nutrient-rich base that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, hulled and sliced): Their natural sweetness offers a refreshing burst of flavor and vibrant color.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a creamy, salty contrast that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Sliced almonds, toasted (1/4 cup): Provide a lovely crunch and nutty aroma that elevate the texture.
- Optional red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Adds a mild sharpness to awaken the palate (optional but highly recommended).
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): A smooth base for the dressing, bringing richness and depth.
- Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons): Gives the dressing a tangy sweetness that complements the strawberries.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 teaspoon): A subtle touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
- Dijon mustard (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a bit of zing and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the salad.
How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by placing the 6 cups of fresh baby spinach into a large salad bowl. Add 1 cup of hulled and sliced strawberries next for that delightful juicy sweetness. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup of toasted sliced almonds for savory creaminess and satisfying crunch. If you love a bit of bite, thinly sliced red onion adds a lovely contrast and complexity to the flavors.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk them vigorously until the dressing is fully emulsified and glossy. This dressing perfectly complements the salad ingredients with a wonderful balance of acidity, sweetness, and tang.
Step 3: Assemble and Toss
Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the salad ingredients just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and vibrant. Gently toss everything together so the dressing coats every leaf and slice, but be careful not to bruise the delicate strawberries. Taste and tweak the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding extra garnishes like fresh basil leaves, mint, or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top. These little touches uplift the salad’s aroma and add visual appeal, making every serving feel like a special occasion.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light grilled dishes such as lemon-herb chicken, salmon, or even a crusty baguette on the side. It can also be a refreshing companion to more indulgent mains, balancing richness with its bright, fruity flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this salad in individual glass jars or on a bed of mixed greens for added variety. Layering the ingredients by color before tossing can make for an impressive presentation. You could even skewer strawberries and feta cheese cubes as a playful appetizer inspired by the salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the spinach fresh and prevent sogginess, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before eating. Leftover salad should be enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal taste and freshness.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. Freezing strawberries or spinach will change their texture, resulting in a mushy outcome once thawed. For the best experience, prepare only what you plan to eat within a day or two.
Reheating
Because this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating is not recommended. The flavors and textures shine brightest when served chilled or at room temperature straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use kale instead of spinach in the Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! Kale can add a hearty texture and slightly different flavor. Just be sure to massage the kale leaves a bit with olive oil or dressing first to soften them up for a tender bite.
What other nuts can I use if I don’t have almonds?
Walnuts, pecans, or pistachios all work wonderfully here. Toast them lightly before adding for that irresistible crunch and enhanced nutty flavor.
Is there a vegan version of the Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe?
Yes! Simply swap out feta cheese for a vegan cheese alternative or omit it altogether, and use maple syrup as your sweetener to keep it plant-based and delicious.
How long can the dressing be stored?
The balsamic dressing can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to one week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using it again to recombine the ingredients.
Can I add protein to make this salad more filling?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or chickpeas make excellent additions that complement the flavors while boosting the salad’s heartiness.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe. It’s such a joyful blend of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly, making it an everyday star or a special occasion favorite. Next time you want something fresh, vibrant, and satisfying, give this recipe a try—you’re going to love it as much as I do!
Print
Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Spinach Strawberry Salad featuring baby spinach, juicy strawberries, tangy feta cheese, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a light homemade balsamic dressing. This salad is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for a quick, healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Optional: 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds. Add the thinly sliced red onion if using. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss the salad gently to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as desired. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Notes
- To toast almonds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain the crispness of the spinach and freshness of the strawberries.
- You can add grilled chicken or nuts for added protein if desired.
