Delight in a Classic Strawberry Spinach Salad Today

The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and you’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Picture this: a bowl overflowing with vibrant greens and luscious strawberries, all drizzled with a sweet-tangy dressing that’s so good it might just make you believe in love at first bite. Yes, we’re diving into the world of the classic strawberry spinach salad.

Now, let me take you back to my childhood kitchen—where my mom would whip up this delightful dish during summer picnics. I can still hear her saying, “Nothing beats fresh strawberries!” And she was right! This classic strawberry spinach salad has become a staple in our family gatherings because it’s not just delicious; it’s like sunshine captured in a bowl!

I once served this classic strawberry spinach salad at a gathering, and my friends practically fought over the last serving! It was a memorable moment filled with laughter and delight.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Spinach: Look for bright green leaves without wilting for the best flavor; baby spinach works great too.
• Strawberries: Choose ripe berries with a vibrant red hue; they should be sweet and juicy for maximum flavor.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess; opt for high-quality cheese for the best results.
• Pecans or Walnuts: Use toasted nuts for an extra crunch; they add a delightful texture contrast.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A good quality balsamic vinegar enhances the dressing’s flavor; try aged balsamic for extra depth.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides richness; it pairs beautifully with the vinegar.
• Honey: A touch of honey balances acidity; you can substitute maple syrup if desired.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle kick to your dressing; choose smooth Dijon for better mixing.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Gather your ingredients because it’s time to create something spectacular!

Prepare Your Greens: Rinse the fresh spinach under cold running water and gently pat dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel until no moisture remains.

Slice Strawberries: Hull the strawberries and slice them thinly for even distribution throughout your salad. The more colorful they are, the more appealing your dish will look!

Toast Your Nuts: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the pecans or walnuts until fragrant—about 5 minutes—stirring occasionally to avoid burning.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the spinach leaves and sliced strawberries. Drizzle on your dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Add Feta and Nuts: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts over your beautifully arranged salad. Serve immediately to enjoy that perfect crunch!

Now you’re ready to impress everyone at your next gathering with this classic strawberry spinach salad! It’s light yet satisfying—a true crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds (or thirds). Enjoy every bite while soaking up compliments like sunshine on your face!

Content

Fresh spinach is key: Ensure your spinach is crisp and vibrant for the best texture. I once used wilted leaves, and let’s just say my salad was a sad sight.

Use ripe strawberries: Look for bright red strawberries that smell sweet. I learned this the hard way after using bland, white ones that ruined my salad.

Dress just before serving: This prevents sogginess. A friend dressed her salad too early, and it turned into a mushy mess.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing the spinach and strawberries thoroughly. Next, slice the strawberries while you prepare the dressing to maximize freshness. Finally, combine everything right before serving for optimal flavor.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. You can also swap out feta cheese with goat cheese if you prefer a creamier taste. Fresh herbs like mint can elevate the flavor profile as well.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container without dressing to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply add fresh dressing right before serving to avoid soggy greens.

I vividly remember preparing this Classic Strawberry Spinach Salad for a family barbecue. The smiles on everyone’s faces as they dug in made all the chopping worthwhile.

FAQ

What can I substitute for spinach in this salad?

You can use arugula or mixed greens as delicious alternatives to spinach.

How long will leftover salad last in the fridge?

Leftover salad can last up to two days if stored properly without dressing.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

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Classic Strawberry Spinach Salad

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Experience the vibrant flavors of this Classic Strawberry Spinach Salad, featuring fresh greens and juicy strawberries drizzled with a sweet-tangy dressing—ideal for any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups fresh spinach
• 1 ½ cups ripe strawberries, sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ⅓ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. Rinse spinach under cold water and pat dry.
2. Hull and slice strawberries thinly.
3. Toast nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine spinach and strawberries; drizzle dressing just before serving.
6. Top with crumbled feta and toasted nuts; serve immediately.

Notes

• For added crunch, consider using walnuts or pecans.
•  Substitute feta with goat cheese for a creamier flavor.
•  Fresh herbs like mint can elevate the taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg