Ready to enjoy a vibrant and tasty dish? My Summer Strawberry Spinach Salad is fresh and flavorful, perfect for hot days. With juicy strawberries, crisp spinach, crunchy almonds, and creamy feta, this salad bursts with taste. Plus, it’s easy to make! Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and steps that will turn a handful of basics into a delightful meal for your table.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Vibrant: This salad captures the essence of summer with its bright colors and fresh ingredients, making it an inviting dish for any occasion.
- Health Benefits: Packed with nutrients from spinach and strawberries, this salad is not only delicious but also a great choice for a healthy lifestyle.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this salad in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect side dish for summer barbecues or picnics.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Tips
Selecting ripe strawberries
Look for bright red strawberries. They should feel firm but not hard. If they smell sweet, they are ripe. Avoid berries with green or white patches.
Choosing fresh spinach
Pick spinach that is bright green and crisp. Avoid any leaves that are wilted or yellowing. Fresh spinach will stay crunchy in your salad.
Best types of feta cheese
Choose feta cheese that is creamy and crumbly. Look for Greek feta made from sheep’s milk for rich flavor. Avoid pre-crumbled feta as it often lacks freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Dressing
To start, grab a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Use a whisk to mix them together. Keep whisking until the dressing looks smooth. Next, season the dressing with salt and pepper to your liking. This step adds flavor to the salad.
Assembling the Salad
Now, take a large salad bowl. Place 4 cups of fresh spinach in the bowl. Then, add 1 cup of sliced strawberries on top. The bright color of strawberries makes the salad pop. Next, sprinkle 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese over the spinach and strawberries. Add 1/4 cup of toasted sliced almonds for crunch.
Tossing the Salad
Using tongs, gently toss the salad. This helps mix all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to mush the strawberries. After that, drizzle your prepared dressing over the salad. Toss the salad again until everything is lightly coated in the tasty dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. When ready, serve it on a platter. For a beautiful touch, garnish with extra strawberry slices and a sprinkle of sliced almonds. This adds an appealing look to your dish. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful summer strawberry spinach salad!
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfect the Salad
To balance the flavors, use the right dressing. The mix of balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil brings out the best in the salad. Whisk them together until smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Aim for a nice blend of sweet and tangy.
Serve the salad chilled. This keeps the spinach crisp and fresh. You can let it sit for about five minutes after tossing. This allows the flavors to mix well. If you serve it too warm, the spinach may wilt.
Variations and Substitutions
You can easily customize this salad with other fruits. Blueberries and peaches add a nice twist. Each fruit brings its own flavor and color.
Try different nuts for extra crunch. Walnuts and pecans work well too. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor further.
If you want a vegan option, swap the feta for avocado or vegan cheese. For the dressing, mix olive oil with lemon juice instead of honey. This keeps the salad light and refreshing.
Pro Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, select fresh, ripe strawberries and crisp spinach. Seasonal produce enhances the overall taste of your salad.
- Perfectly Toasted Almonds: Toast your sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, to bring out their nutty flavor and crunch.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey, depending on your taste preference and the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the salad to sit for 5 minutes before serving gives the flavors time to meld, resulting in a more flavorful experience.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and flavorful. If you can, store the dressing separately. This helps prevent soggy greens. When ready to eat, pour the dressing over the salad and toss it gently.
To keep the greens fresh, wrap them in a damp paper towel before sealing. This adds moisture and keeps them crisp. Avoid crushing the greens to keep them whole and pretty.
Duration of Storage
The salad will last about 2 days in the fridge. After that, the greens may wilt and lose flavor. Check for signs of spoilage. If the spinach looks slimy or discolored, it’s best to toss it. Strawberries should also be firm and bright. If they feel mushy or smell sour, they are past their prime.
Nutritional Information
Health Benefits of Ingredients
Nutritional value of spinach
Spinach is a power food. It is low in calories and high in vitamins. One cup gives you Vitamin A, C, and K. It also has iron, which keeps your blood healthy. Spinach is rich in antioxidants, which help fight disease. Plus, it has fiber that aids digestion.
Benefits of strawberries
Strawberries are not just sweet; they are good for you too. They have Vitamin C, which boosts your immune system. One cup of strawberries has a lot of fiber. This helps you feel full and supports good digestion. They also have antioxidants, which help protect your body.
Caloric Breakdown
Approximate calories per serving
This salad has about 200 calories per serving. It’s light yet filling. The fresh ingredients keep the calorie count low.
Macronutrient distribution
In each serving, you get:
– 10 grams of fat (mostly from olive oil and feta)
– 25 grams of carbs (from spinach and strawberries)
– 6 grams of protein (from feta cheese and almonds)
This balance makes it a healthy choice for lunch or dinner. Enjoy this salad without guilt!
FAQs
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Just prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients. Keep the dressing separate until serving. This keeps the spinach fresh and crisp. I like to mix the salad right before serving.
What other dressings work well with this salad?
Many dressings pair nicely with this salad. A honey mustard dressing adds a sweet kick. A citrus vinaigrette brings a fresh flavor. You can also try a creamy poppy seed dressing for a rich taste.
Can I use dried fruit instead of fresh?
You can swap fresh fruit for dried fruit. Dried cranberries or cherries work well. They add a sweet, chewy texture. Just remember, dried fruit is sweeter, so adjust the honey in your dressing if needed.
How can I add protein to this salad?
Adding protein is easy! Grilled chicken or shrimp makes a great choice. You can also toss in some chickpeas or beans for a vegetarian option. Adding nuts is another way to boost protein and crunch.
What’s the best way to serve this on a buffet?
For a buffet, serve the salad in a large bowl. Place the dressing on the side for guests to add as they like. This keeps the salad fresh and lets everyone customize their serving. Garnish with extra strawberries and almonds for an attractive look.
This salad combines fresh spinach, strawberries, and feta for a bright dish. The dressing enhances the flavors, making every bite enjoyable. Remember to choose ripe fruits and fresh greens for the best taste. You can store leftovers safely, ensuring they stay crisp. Feel free to get creative with variations and substitutions. Enjoy this healthy, delicious salad as a side or main dish!
