Spinach Strawberry Salad

$1. Start by washing the fresh baby spinach. Use cool water to rinse it well. This removes any dirt or grit. 2. After washing, gently dry the spinach with a clean kitchen towel. This step is key to keeping your salad crisp. 3. Next, take the ripe strawberries. Remove the green tops, called hulls, and slice them into bite-sized pieces. This makes them easy to eat in the salad. 1. In a large salad bowl, place the clean, dried spinach as the base. This will hold all the flavors nicely. 2. Gently add the sliced strawberries on top of the spinach. Make sure to spread them evenly for great taste in every bite. 3. Now, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. This adds creaminess that pairs well with the fruits. 4. Lastly, add the lightly toasted sliced almonds. They bring a nice crunch to the mix. 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. This creates a smooth dressing. 2. Season the dressing with freshly ground salt and black pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You want a good balance of flavors. 3. Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad. This helps all the ingredients soak up the flavor. 4. Using salad tongs, gently toss everything together. Ensure the spinach and strawberries are coated well in the dressing. 5. Finally, arrange the thin red onion slices on top. This adds color and an extra layer of flavor. For the full recipe, check out Spinach Strawberry Bliss Salad 🥗. Using high-quality balsamic vinegar makes a big difference. It adds deep flavor to the salad. Choose one that is rich and thick. This vinegar will enhance the sweetness of the strawberries and balance the saltiness of the feta. Toasting almonds is simple and adds a crunch. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them often until they turn golden brown. This process takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning them. Toasted almonds elevate the salad’s flavor and texture. Serve the salad in a clear bowl to show off its colors. You can layer the ingredients for a beautiful look. Try placing spinach at the bottom, then strawberries, and finally the feta and almonds on top. For garnishing, use fresh mint leaves or additional strawberries. This adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some extra feta or almonds on top for an eye-catching finish. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp. The protein complements the salad’s flavors. You can also serve it alongside a light soup for a full meal. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or lunch gatherings. The fresh and vibrant flavors make it a hit for any occasion. Enjoy it on a sunny day or as a side for a special dinner. You’ll love how easy it is to impress your guests with this dish. For the complete experience, check out the Full Recipe for Spinach Strawberry Bliss Salad. {{image_4}} You can make this salad even more fun by adding seasonal fruits. Try using blueberries or peaches. These fruits add a burst of sweetness and color. You can also change the greens. Instead of spinach, you can use arugula or mixed greens. Each green brings a unique flavor to the dish. If you want to make it vegan, swap out the feta cheese. Use crumbled tofu or a nut cheese instead. This keeps the salad creamy without dairy. For low-fat options, you can reduce the amount of olive oil in the dressing. You can also use a light balsamic vinaigrette to cut down on calories. Adding crunchy toppings can change the salad's texture. Try adding sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nice crunch. You can also use different cheese varieties. Goat cheese or a sharp cheddar can add a new flavor twist. Experimenting with these changes keeps your salad exciting and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the Spinach Strawberry Bliss Salad 🥗. To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents wilting. If you have leftover dressing, store it separately in the fridge. It stays good for up to a week. Keeping ingredients fresh is key. If you have extra strawberries, wash them before use but do not slice them until you are ready to serve. This helps keep them firm. Store your feta cheese in its original brine or a sealed container to maintain its creaminess. For stored salad, it lasts about 1 to 2 days in the fridge. After that, the spinach becomes limp and unappetizing. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell or a slimy texture. If the strawberries look dull or mushy, it’s best to discard them. Always trust your senses; if it doesn't look or smell right, it's safer to throw it away. What can I substitute for feta cheese? If you want to swap out feta cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta. Both give a nice creamy texture. You can also use cottage cheese for a lighter option. Can I prepare the salad in advance? Yes, you can prep parts of the salad ahead. Wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, and make the dressing. Just wait to mix it all until you are ready to serve. This keeps it fresh and crunchy. How do I make a creamy dressing? To create a creamy dressing, mix yogurt with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. You can also use mayonnaise for a rich taste. Whisk them together until smooth, and add salt and pepper to taste. Can I use store-bought dressings? Absolutely! Store-bought dressings can save time. Look for balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy option. Just remember to check the ingredients for quality. How many does this recipe serve? This salad recipe serves about four people. It's perfect for a small gathering or a family meal. Can I scale the recipe for larger gatherings? Yes, you can double or triple the recipe. Just keep the ratio of ingredients the same. This way, everyone gets to enjoy the delicious flavors of this salad. This salad combines fresh produce with savory cheese and nuts. We discussed how to prepare, assemble, and dress the salad. I shared tips to enhance taste and presentation for any occasion. You learned ways to adjust ingredients for different diets too. Remember to store leftovers smartly for freshness. Enjoy making this salad your way!$

Discover the delightful flavors of Spinach Strawberry Bliss Salad, a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe combines tender spinach, juicy strawberries, and creamy feta, topped with crunchy almonds for an irresistible crunch. Drizzled with a tangy balsamic dressing, it's a salad that’s both healthy and bursting with color. Click to explore this quick and delicious recipe that elevates your salad game!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and gently dried

1 cup ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup creamy feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted for additional crunch

1/4 cup red onion, delicately sliced into thin rings

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, preferably high-quality

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Freshly ground salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a large salad bowl, place the clean, dried spinach as the base.

Gently add the sliced strawberries atop the spinach, ensuring an even distribution for flavor balance.

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted sliced almonds over the top for added creaminess and crunch.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil until emulsified. Season with freshly ground salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference.

Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad mixture, allowing it to saturate the ingredients.

Using salad tongs, gently toss all components together, ensuring that the spinach and strawberries are fully coated in the dressing.

Finally, arrange the thin red onion slices on top to provide an attractive presentation and an extra layer of flavor.

Serve immediately to savor the freshness, or let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes for a crisp and refreshing experience.

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