Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe
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Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe
Description
The Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe features fresh baby spinach leaves combined with ripe, sliced strawberries and thinly sliced red onion, adding a blend of soft and crunchy textures. Almond slices contribute additional crunch, while crumbled feta cheese introduces a mild tang and creaminess if used. The dressing is a balsamic vinaigrette made with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper, shaken together to dissolve the honey and balance flavors between acidity and sweetness.
This salad is tossed gently just before serving to avoid wilting the spinach or sogginess from the fruit juices. It can be served as a light lunch or a side dish accompanying various main courses, benefiting from the bright and fresh contrasts between ingredients. The mixture of sweet strawberries and tangy vinaigrette makes it a versatile option that pairs well with grilled meats or vegetarian dishes.
For best freshness, salad components and dressing should be stored separately if not serving immediately; slice strawberries and onions shortly before assembling. Adjust vinegar sweetness depending on the type used, especially if choosing aged balsamic for a thicker consistency. To make vegan, replace honey with maple syrup and omit the cheese.
Ingredients
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Spinach Strawberry Salad
- 6 ounces spinach fresh baby
- 1 pound strawberries , sliced and hulled
- ¼ red onion , thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup almonds sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese optional, crumbled
Instructions
- To prepare the dressing, add the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, mustard, and ¼ teaspoon each fine sea salt and black pepper to an 8-ounce jar with a lid. Secure the lid and shake well until the honey dissolves. You may need to stir the dressing with a small whisk to ensure the honey doesn't stick to the bottom of the jar. Then secure the lid and shake again. Set the dressing aside until ready to serve.
- To assemble the salad, arrange the spinach in a large serving bowl, then top it with the sliced strawberries, red onion, almonds, and feta cheese. Drizzle the dressing generously over the top and gently toss, just before serving. You may not need to use all of the dressing, so you can serve any extras on the side for guests to add more to their portions.
- If you plan to save this salad for later, store the salad ingredients separately from the dressing. Don't slice the strawberries or red onion until shortly before serving to keep them fresh. The dressing should last up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge, but it may thicken when chilled, so let it come to room temperature on the counter before serving again.
Notes
- Nutrition info is for one-quarter of the salad with full dressing and toppings.
- If using aged balsamic vinegar, reduce sweetener amounts since it will be naturally syrupy.
- To keep the salad fresh if preparing ahead, store salad ingredients separate from dressing and slice strawberries and onion just before serving.
- To make this salad vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup and omit feta cheese.
- The recipe was updated recently to simplify the dressing preparation.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 303 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 303kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | 8% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Trans Fat | 0.003g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 17mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 265mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 509mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 16g | 32% |
| Vitamin A | 4082IU | 82% |
| Vitamin C | 81mg | 90% |
| Calcium | 179mg | 18% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.