Strawberry Spinach Salad

$- 4 cups fresh baby spinach - 1 cup fresh strawberries - 1/2 cup feta cheese - 1/4 cup sliced almonds - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Seasoning: Sea salt and pepper Fresh ingredients make this salad shine. Start with baby spinach. It's tender and packed with nutrients. Use 4 cups for a good base. Next, add 1 cup of fresh strawberries. They should be sweet and ripe for the best flavor. For a creamy touch, add 1/2 cup of feta cheese. It brings a nice contrast to the fresh greens. Then, toss in 1/4 cup of sliced almonds. They add a crunchy texture that balances the softness of the spinach and strawberries. Now let’s talk about the dressing. You need 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar for a zesty kick. Mix this with 2 tablespoons of honey for sweetness. The honey rounds out the acidity of the vinegar. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to bring it all together. Finally, season with sea salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this salad fresh and zesty! 1. Combine spinach and strawberries: Start with a large bowl. Place 4 cups of fresh baby spinach in it. Next, add 1 cup of luscious fresh strawberries. Make sure to hull and slice the strawberries first. The bright red slices will look stunning against the green spinach. 2. Add feta, almonds, and onion: Now, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. This creamy cheese pairs well with the sweet strawberries. Next, toss in 1/4 cup of sliced almonds for crunch. Finally, add 1/4 of a red onion, finely shaved. The onion adds a nice bite to the salad. 3. Whisk together dressing ingredients: In a small bowl, mix your dressing. Start with 1/4 cup of high-quality balsamic vinegar. Add 2 tablespoons of pure honey for sweetness. Then, pour in 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Use a pinch of sea salt and a dash of cracked pepper. Whisk until smooth. This dressing will bring all the flavors together. 4. Drizzle and toss salad: Carefully drizzle your dressing over the salad base. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to toss the salad. Make sure to coat all the ingredients without bruising the spinach or strawberries. 5. Adjust seasoning if needed: After tossing, taste your salad. If it needs more flavor, add a little more salt or pepper. It’s all about making it perfect for your taste. 6. Serve immediately or chill: You can serve the salad right away for a fresh experience. If you want to enhance the flavors, let it chill for about 5 minutes. Either way, enjoy this Strawberry Spinach Bliss Salad right away. For the full recipe, look back at the ingredients section. To make the best strawberry spinach salad, always choose fresh, ripe strawberries. Look for berries that are bright red and firm. Avoid any with green or white spots. These strawberries will add sweetness and vibrant color to your dish. Next, let’s talk about sogginess. To prevent this, wash your spinach and strawberries before use. Dry them well with a clean towel or use a salad spinner. This step keeps your salad crisp and fresh without any unwanted water. For a stunning display, serve your salad in clear glass bowls. This way, all the colors shine through. You can also add a whole strawberry on top of each bowl. This simple touch makes your salad look fancy and inviting. You can prepare this salad in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. This way, the spinach stays fresh and crunchy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad will last for 1-2 days. However, the spinach may wilt over time. Enjoy your strawberry spinach salad fresh for the best taste, or check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! {{image_4}} You can make your Strawberry Spinach Salad even heartier by adding protein. - Grilled chicken or shrimp: These options add a tasty boost. Simply grill your chicken or shrimp until cooked through, then slice or toss them into the salad. - Chickpeas for a vegetarian option: If you prefer a plant-based protein, add chickpeas. They are easy to use and pack a nutritious punch. Just rinse canned chickpeas and toss them in. Changing up the salad's flavors can make it new each time. - Different cheeses: Try goat cheese or blue cheese for a bolder flavor. Goat cheese adds creaminess, while blue cheese offers a tangy kick. - Alternative nuts: Switch out sliced almonds for walnuts or pecans. Both nuts bring their own unique crunch and flavor, enhancing the salad's texture. The dressing is key to a delicious salad. Here are some tasty alternatives. - Citrus vinaigrette: A bright and zesty citrus vinaigrette can add a refreshing twist. Mix fresh orange or lemon juice with oil, salt, and pepper for a simple dressing. - Creamy poppy seed dressing: For a richer taste, try a creamy poppy seed dressing. This adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess that pairs well with the strawberries. Feel free to explore these variations to make your Strawberry Spinach Salad truly your own. You can find the Full Recipe for all the details on making this delightful dish. To keep your salad fresh, store components separately. Put spinach in a dry, airtight container. This helps avoid moisture that can lead to wilting. Keep strawberries in the fridge, but don’t wash them until you're ready to eat. This keeps them firm and tasty. Store feta cheese in its brine for the best flavor. Almonds should go in a cool, dry place. Fresh spinach lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Strawberries are best when used within 3 days after purchase. Feta cheese can last up to a week if stored properly. If you prepare the salad ahead of time, eat it within 24 hours for the best taste. The dressing can store in the fridge for up to a week. You can get creative with leftovers! Toss leftover salad into a wrap for lunch. Blend it into a smoothie for a fresh twist. You can also mix it with cooked pasta for a quick meal. Another idea is to add it to an omelet for breakfast. These options help you enjoy every bite without waste. For the full recipe, check out the Strawberry Spinach Bliss Salad recipe. Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. They work well in this salad. Just remember to thaw them first. Pat them dry gently with a paper towel. This step helps avoid extra moisture in your salad. Frozen strawberries may be softer than fresh ones. They can still add great flavor. You can try other leafy greens. Arugula offers a peppery flavor. Kale adds a hearty texture. Mixed greens create a mild taste. Each green can change the salad’s vibe. Experiment to see what you like best. To make this salad vegan, swap the honey for maple syrup. You can also use a plant-based cheese. Nutritional yeast is a great option for a cheesy flavor. These simple changes keep the salad tasty and fresh while meeting vegan needs. For the full recipe, check out the Strawberry Spinach Bliss Salad. This blog post explored how to make a delectable Strawberry Spinach Salad. We covered fresh ingredients like baby spinach, strawberries, and feta. You learned step-by-step instructions on preparing the salad and making a tasty dressing. I shared tips for perfecting your salad and creative variations. Remember to store your salad properly to keep it fresh. Try this salad for a light meal or as a side dish. Enjoy each bite and have fun experimenting with flavors!$

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Discover the ultimate Strawberry Spinach Bliss Salad that’s both refreshing and delicious! Packed with vibrant baby spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy almonds, this salad is perfect for any occasion. Drizzled with a homemade balsamic dressing and ready in just 10 minutes, it's a must-try recipe.

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Ingredients

4 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and patted dry

1 cup luscious fresh strawberries, hulled and elegantly sliced

1/2 cup creamy feta cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted for enhanced flavor

1/4 red onion, finely shaved into thin slices

1/4 cup high-quality balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons pure honey for natural sweetness

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by placing the baby spinach in a large mixing bowl, followed by the beautifully sliced strawberries.

Next, incorporate the crumbled feta cheese, toasted almonds, and finely sliced red onion into the bowl, creating layers of texture and flavor.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil. Season this mixture with a pinch of sea salt and a dash of freshly cracked pepper. Continue whisking until the dressing is smooth and well blended.

Carefully drizzle the dressing over the assembled salad ingredients, ensuring even coverage.

Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss the salad to coat all components in the delicious dressing without bruising the spinach or strawberries.

Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.

Serve immediately for a refreshing experience, or allow the salad to chill for about 5 minutes to enhance the flavors before enjoying.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For an appealing display, serve the salad in clear glass bowls to highlight the vibrant, colorful ingredients. Add a whole strawberry on top of each bowl as a charming garnish to elevate the visual impact.