Description
A fresh and vibrant Spinach Strawberry Salad featuring baby spinach, sweet strawberries, tangy red onions, creamy feta cheese, crunchy toasted nuts, and a luscious balsamic poppy seed dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a colorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness and seasoning as desired. Set the dressing aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and dried cranberries if using. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese along with the toasted and chopped almonds or pecans evenly over the salad.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared balsamic poppy seed dressing over the assembled salad just before serving. Toss gently and carefully to coat the spinach and toppings evenly without bruising the strawberries.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for optimal freshness and texture. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish to make a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely.
- To add more protein, top with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Ensure strawberries are fresh and ripe for maximum sweetness in the salad.
- Adjust honey or maple syrup in the dressing based on sweetness preference.
- To toast nuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden and fragrant.
