Description
This irresistible 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad combines fresh strawberries, tender spinach, crunchy almonds, and tangy feta with a homemade balsamic dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, light lunches, or as an impressive side dish for guests!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Salad Base:
- 6 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried (about 6–8 ounces)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (substitute with goat cheese or vegan feta for dairy-free option)
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted (substitute with walnuts or pecans for variety)
- Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries or blueberries for additional sweetness
- For the Balsamic Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (use maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small clove garlic, minced (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the spinach leaves using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels.
- Hull and slice the fresh strawberries into thin, even pieces.
- Thinly slice the red onion (soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you prefer a milder flavor).
- If using raw nuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make the Balsamic Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
- Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the dressing and whisk until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – add more honey for sweetness or more vinegar for tanginess.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
- Add the sliced strawberries, red onion, and dried cranberries (if using).
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts over the top.
- Drizzle with half of the prepared dressing just before serving.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients without bruising the delicate spinach leaves.
- Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.
Notes
- Use fresh, in-season strawberries for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
- Toast your nuts for enhanced flavor – this simple step dramatically improves taste and texture.
- Make the dressing ahead of time and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Add protein like grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas to transform this side salad into a satisfying main course.
- Don’t dress until serving to prevent the spinach from wilting – keep dressing separate if preparing in advance.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, healthy salad, quick salad, summer salad, fresh strawberry salad, spinach feta salad, balsamic dressing