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- 4 cups fresh baby spinach - 1 cup fresh strawberries - 1/2 cup feta cheese - 1/4 cup sliced almonds - 1/4 red onion - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Sea salt and black pepper - Additional strawberry slices - Extra feta for garnish Gathering the right fresh ingredients is key to a great salad. Start with 4 cups of fresh baby spinach. This leafy green gives a crisp base. Next, add 1 cup of fresh strawberries. Their sweetness pairs well with the spinach. For creaminess, use 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. It adds a salty kick. Next, toss in 1/4 cup of sliced almonds. Toasting them first gives a nice crunch. Finally, include 1/4 of a thinly sliced red onion. This brings a sharp flavor to balance the salad. Now, let's move to the dressing. Combine 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. This mix creates a sweet and tangy dressing. Don’t forget to season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. For a beautiful finish, consider optional garnishes. Extra strawberry slices can make the dish pop. Adding a sprinkle of feta on top elevates the look. For the full recipe, you can check out the details above. Enjoy your fresh delight! - Step 1: Combine spinach and strawberries Start by placing the fresh baby spinach in a large mixing bowl. Add the sliced strawberries on top. Gently mix them with your hands. This ensures an even spread of flavors. - Step 2: Add feta cheese and almonds Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Then, add the toasted sliced almonds. This adds a nice crunch and flavor to the mix. - Step 3: Mix balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil In a small jar, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, and extra virgin olive oil. This mixture will create a sweet and tangy dressing. - Step 4: Shake or whisk until emulsified Seal the jar tightly and shake it well. If you prefer, you can whisk the ingredients in a bowl. The goal is to mix them until they blend smoothly. - Step 5: Drizzle dressing and toss salad Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Use salad tongs or two forks to toss everything gently. Make sure the spinach and strawberries are coated well. - Step 6: Add red onion and season to taste Toss in the thinly sliced red onion. Season the salad with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix lightly again to combine all flavors. This 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is fresh and quick to make. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! To make your dressing sweeter, add more honey. Start with one extra teaspoon and taste. You can always add more if you like it sweeter. For crunch, toast the sliced almonds. Heat a pan on medium heat. Add the almonds and stir for about 3-5 minutes until golden. This brings out their flavor and adds a lovely texture. Serve your salad in deep bowls for a cozy look. A large platter makes it feel festive for a gathering. For a pop of color, garnish with extra strawberry slices on top. A sprinkle of feta cheese also adds a nice touch. You can even add a few fresh mint leaves for a hint of green. Use pre-washed spinach to save time. It cuts down on prep and makes this salad faster to make. If you want to make it ahead, prepare the salad without dressing. Store it in the fridge for up to two hours. Just add the dressing right before serving for the best taste. Enjoy every bite of this fresh delight! {{image_4}} You can make this salad even heartier by adding protein. Grilled chicken is a great option. It adds flavor and makes the meal more filling. Shrimp is another tasty choice. Just grill or sauté them, then toss them in. If you prefer a vegetarian twist, try chickpeas. They are rich in protein and blend well with the salad. Switching out some ingredients can change the taste. If you have nut allergies, try seeds. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well. You can also mix up the cheese. If you want a creamier taste, use goat cheese or blue cheese. Each cheese brings a unique flavor that enhances the salad. Fruits can change with the seasons. In summer, add blueberries or peaches for a fruity twist. They bring a burst of sweetness and color. In winter, try using citrus fruits like oranges or mandarins. They add a refreshing zing and brighten up the dish. Remember, using seasonal fruits keeps your salad fresh and exciting. For more details, check out the Full Recipe for this vibrant and delicious salad! To keep your salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps keep the salad crisp and tasty. If you dress the salad, eat it within a day. Dressed salads lose their crunch faster. If you store it undressed, it can last up to three days. You usually do not need to reheat a salad. But if you have leftovers, you can warm the spinach lightly. This can bring out a new flavor. Use the leftovers in a warm pasta dish or a grain bowl. Toss them with a bit of olive oil or lemon juice for a fresh taste. Freezing spinach is possible but tricky. Fresh spinach can freeze well, but it may change texture. It’s best to blanch it first. This means boiling it for a short time and then cooling it quickly. You can store it in freezer bags. However, avoid freezing the strawberries or dressing. They do not freeze well and will lose flavor. Always use fresh fruits for the best taste in your salad. Yes, you can prepare parts of the salad ahead. Wash and dry the spinach early. Slice strawberries and onions and store them in separate containers. This keeps them fresh. Mix the dressing in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just combine everything right before serving. This way, your salad stays crisp and tasty. If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. Both add a nice tang. For a sweeter twist, try using a fruit vinegar like raspberry. You can also mix lemon juice with a bit of honey to create a light dressing. These options keep the salad fresh and flavorful. The salad lasts about 1 to 2 days in the fridge. If you mix in the dressing, it may wilt faster. To keep it fresh longer, store the salad undressed. Then, add the dressing just before eating. This helps maintain its crispness and flavor. This post covers how to make a fresh and tasty spinach salad. We mixed bright strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy almonds for great flavor. I shared tips to enhance taste and ideas for protein options. You learned about storage and how to make the salad ahead. Remember, you can play with ingredients or dressings to fit your taste. Enjoy creating your own twist on this salad that’s as delicious as it is colorful.

30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Refresh your menu with this 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad! Bursting with fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crumbled feta, and toasted almonds, this vibrant salad is the perfect mix of flavors and textures. Toss it with a homemade balsamic dressing for an unforgettable meal. Ready in just half an hour, it's great for busy days. Click through to discover the full recipe and make this delicious salad today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted until golden

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons honey, adjusted for sweetness preference

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a generous-sized mixing bowl, combine the freshly washed baby spinach and the thinly sliced strawberries. Gently mix with your hands or a salad fork to distribute evenly.

    Enhance the salad by adding the crumbled feta cheese and the toasted sliced almonds, ensuring they are sprinkled evenly across the greens and strawberries.

      For the dressing, in a small jar or mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, and extra virgin olive oil. Seal the jar and shake vigorously, or whisk the ingredients together until they are well emulsified.

        Drizzle the homemade dressing generously over the salad mixture. Using salad tongs or two forks, gently toss all the ingredients together until the spinach and strawberries are beautifully coated with the dressing.

          Incorporate the thinly sliced red onion into the salad, and season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your taste preference. Toss lightly again to mix.

            For optimal freshness and flavor, serve the salad immediately. Alternatively, you can chill it in the refrigerator for up to 10 minutes if you prefer a cooler salad experience.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in deep bowls or on a large platter. Garnish with a few additional strawberry slices and a sprinkle of feta on top to elevate the presentation. Enjoy!