Strawberry Spinach Salad With Feta
Highlighted under: Everyday Healthy Meals Recipes
I love making Strawberry Spinach Salad With Feta as a refreshing and vibrant dish that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet strawberries with the earthy flavor of spinach, complemented by the creamy feta, creates a delightful balance that I can't resist. It's an easy recipe that comes together quickly, making it great for weeknight dinners or as a standout side for gatherings. My family can’t get enough of this colorful salad, especially when drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. It really elevates the experience!
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could create such a flavorful dish. The combination of strawberries and feta was something I never thought would pair so well, but it worked beautifully! I often add nuts for added crunch and richness, making this salad a true crowd-pleaser.
It’s not just about the flavors; presentation plays a big role too. I love to layer the ingredients in a beautiful bowl, showcasing the vibrant colors. Tossing it just before serving ensures that everything is evenly coated in the dressing, making every bite a burst of freshness!
What You'll Love About This Salad
- Sweet strawberries provide a burst of flavor with every bite
- Creamy feta adds a delightful contrast to the fresh greens
- Perfectly balanced dressing enhances the overall taste
- Quick and easy, ready in just 15 minutes
Ingredients That Shine
The key to a successful Strawberry Spinach Salad lies in the freshness of the ingredients. Opt for organic spinach if available, as it often has a bolder flavor and higher nutrient content. When selecting strawberries, look for bright red, fragrant berries with no signs of mushiness. Slice them just before serving to maintain their juiciness. Feta cheese should be crumbly and creamy for the best texture contrast against the salad. The almonds, while optional, add a delightful crunch that elevates the overall experience.
The dressing is where the magic happens. Using high-quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance the flavor profile, making each bite more enjoyable. Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet-tangy complexity; however, feel free to substitute it with red wine vinegar for a sharper taste. Honey is essential for balancing the vinegar's acidity; agave syrup can be used as a vegan alternative. When seasoning, remember to taste as you go—which will help achieve the perfect balance that complements the salad's vibrant flavors.
Perfect Preparation Tips
To ensure the salad maintains its freshness, wash and dry the spinach thoroughly; a salad spinner is great for this. Remove any damaged leaves, as they can affect the overall texture of the dish. When it comes to assembling the salad, consider layering the ingredients to prevent the strawberries from bruising the delicate spinach. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor, but if you need to make it ahead, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
For an elegant presentation, try arranging the spinach on a large platter and top it with the strawberries and feta. Drizzling the dressing on the salad at the table not only enhances visual appeal but also helps keep the greens crisp. If you're entertaining, you can also serve the salad in individual bowls, which allows for better portion control while showcasing the vibrant colors.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix ingredients in a large bowl and toss just before serving.
Instructions
Prepare the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, and crumbled feta cheese.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Toss and Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced almonds if desired.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes after dressing it for the flavors to meld. If you're preparing it in advance, consider keeping the dressing separate until serving to avoid wilting the spinach.
Make-Ahead and Storage
While this salad is best served fresh, you can prepare certain components in advance. Wash and dry your spinach a day before and store it in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. The strawberries can be hulled and sliced up to a few hours prior; keep them in the refrigerator covered to retain their freshness. However, it's crucial not to dress the salad until you're ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
If you're planning to serve leftovers, consider leaving out the feta and almonds until you're ready to enjoy the second round. This keeps the salad's textures intact, ensuring you don't end up with wilted greens or a mushy mix. The dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to a week; just give it a good whisk before using, as the ingredients tend to separate over time.
Flavor Variations
This salad offers endless possibilities for customization! To experiment with flavors, consider adding sliced apples or pears for an extra layer of sweetness and crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can also be wonderful additions; just be mindful to adjust the honey in the dressing if you opt for this route, to avoid over-sweetening.
If you're looking for a protein boost, grilled chicken or shrimp can transform this salad into a hearty main course. Toss the protein in with the other ingredients, and consider using a citrus vinaigrette instead for a zesty twist that pairs beautifully with both the strawberries and spinach.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or chickpeas work great.
→ What variations can I try?
You can substitute the strawberries with blueberries or add avocado for creaminess.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days in an airtight container.
→ Is it suitable for meal prep?
Yes, just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat.
Strawberry Spinach Salad With Feta
I love making Strawberry Spinach Salad With Feta as a refreshing and vibrant dish that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet strawberries with the earthy flavor of spinach, complemented by the creamy feta, creates a delightful balance that I can't resist. It's an easy recipe that comes together quickly, making it great for weeknight dinners or as a standout side for gatherings. My family can’t get enough of this colorful salad, especially when drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. It really elevates the experience!
Created by: Jessica Brown
Recipe Type: Everyday Healthy Meals Recipes
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Salad
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, and crumbled feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced almonds if desired.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes after dressing it for the flavors to meld. If you're preparing it in advance, consider keeping the dressing separate until serving to avoid wilting the spinach.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 5g