Description
A quick and healthy 15-minute strawberry spinach salad featuring fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, tangy cheese, and crunchy toasted nuts, all tossed in a balanced sweet and savory balsamic dressing. This vibrant salad is packed with antioxidants and fiber, perfect as a light side dish or easily boosted into a full meal with added protein.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- ¼ cup sliced almonds or pecans (toasted if possible)
For the Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, creating a balanced sweet and savory dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: Place the fresh baby spinach in a large bowl, then layer sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta or goat cheese, and toasted sliced almonds or pecans on top. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Notes
- For added protein, top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Incorporate avocado slices for a creamy texture.
- Sprinkle with poppy seeds to add extra crunch and texture.
- Swap balsamic vinegar for lemon juice to achieve a brighter, citrusy flavor.
