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A delicious plate of Spinach Strawberry Salad

Spinach Strawberry Salad

A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, tangy feta, and crunchy nuts, all brought together with a light balsamic-honey dressing.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups Baby spinach Washed and dried thoroughly for a crisp base.
  • 1.5 cups Strawberries Hulled and sliced for easy incorporation into the salad.
  • 1/3 cup Feta cheese Crumbled for even distribution and tangy flavor.
  • 1/3 cup Pecans or walnuts Toasted to enhance their nutty flavor and add crunch.
  • 1/4 cup Red onion Very thinly sliced; soak in cold water for 10-15 minutes if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil Extra virgin olive oil is highly recommended for its flavor profile.
  • 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar Use traditional balsamic or white balsamic for a lighter-colored dressing.
  • 1.5 tbsp Honey Adjust the amount to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard Optional, but adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
  • to taste pinch Salt and pepper Season generously to enhance all flavors.

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Prepare the salad components: Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach. Hull and slice the strawberries. Crumble the feta cheese. Toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, then let cool.
  2. Thinly slice the red onion. If desired, soak the sliced red onion in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes to reduce its pungency, then drain well.
  3. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and Dijon mustard until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the balsamic vinegar to the honey-mustard mixture, whisking constantly. Then slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking vigorously until the dressing is emulsified. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the washed spinach, sliced strawberries, and prepared red onion.
  6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss the salad to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
  7. Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans or walnuts over the salad. Give it a final light toss and serve immediately to enjoy its freshness.

Notes

This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a vibrant side dish. For best results, assemble and dress just before serving. Feel free to experiment with other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or different nuts like almonds.