If you love salads that burst with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, you are going to adore this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy all in one bowl, making it an irresistible dish that feels both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you want a light lunch or a stunning side for dinner, this salad is a delightful way to showcase seasonal strawberries and crisp spinach with the savory touch of feta cheese. It’s simple to make, yet impressive enough to serve guests or enjoy any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each item is carefully chosen to add a unique layer of flavor and texture to the final dish, making every bite exciting and fresh.
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach: Tender and packed with nutrients, spinach serves as a vibrant, earthy base.
- 1 cup ripe strawberries, sliced: Juicy and sweet, strawberries lend a bright pop of color and flavor.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Adds a creamy, salty contrast that elevates the salad.
- 1/4 cup walnuts (optional), toasted: Toasted walnuts contribute a satisfying crunch and subtle nuttiness.
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar: This brings a tangy depth that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: A rich, fruity oil that smooths out the vinaigrette and adds a luscious mouthfeel.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate balance.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Start by washing the baby spinach leaves thoroughly to remove any grit or soil, ensuring every bite is clean and fresh. Also, slice your ripe strawberries evenly to guarantee a burst of sweetness in each forkful.
Step 2: Combine Spinach and Strawberries
In a large salad bowl, gently toss together the spinach and sliced strawberries. This mix creates a beautiful canvas of green and red that looks just as good as it tastes.
Step 3: Add Toasted Walnuts
If you’re using walnuts, chop them into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle evenly over the salad for that perfect toasted crunch, which adds an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Step 4: Crumble in the Feta Cheese
Generously crumble the feta cheese over the salad. The creamy, salty feta perfectly complements the sweet strawberries and fresh spinach, lending a wonderful contrast.
Step 5: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. This simple vinaigrette is what brings everything together with a burst of tang and richness.
Step 6: Dress and Toss Gently
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, then toss gently using salad tongs or large forks. Be careful not to bruise the strawberries as you mix, to keep that fresh, vibrant flavor intact.
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, consider adding fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of black sesame seeds on top. These garnishes not only add eye-catching color but also bring complementary aromas and textures that enhance the salad experience.
Side Dishes
This strawberry spinach salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a light pasta dish. It’s a versatile side that brightens up any meal with its fresh and inviting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual glass bowls to showcase its vibrant layering, or arrange it on a large wooden platter for a rustic, shareable presentation. You can even stuff it into whole wheat pita pockets for a fun, portable meal option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this strawberry spinach salad with feta recipe, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers to keep everything crisp and fresh. Mixed together, the spinach might wilt quickly.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. Freezing will cause the delicate spinach and strawberries to lose their texture and taste.
Reheating
Because this is a fresh, raw salad, reheating is not recommended. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this salad?
Fresh strawberries are the best choice for this salad to keep its crisp, juicy texture. Frozen strawberries tend to be mushy once thawed and can alter the salad’s texture.
What are some good alternatives to walnuts?
If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have allergies, sliced almonds, pecans, or even pumpkin seeds work beautifully to add crunch and a different nutty note.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The balsamic vinaigrette can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just whisk again before drizzling over the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This strawberry spinach salad with feta recipe is vegetarian-friendly and a great way to enjoy a flavorful, nutrient-packed meal.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, simply replace the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it altogether and add extra nuts or avocado for creaminess.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a salad that balances fresh, sweet strawberries with leafy spinach and tangy feta, all brought together by a homemade balsamic dressing. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta Recipe a try—it’s a quick, simple, and delicious dish that’s bound to become a favorite for any season. Once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved classic in my kitchen!
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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Featuring fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, creamy feta cheese, and optional toasted walnuts, it’s dressed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette that brings all the ingredients together beautifully. Ideal for a light lunch, side dish, or healthy snack, this no-cook salad comes together quickly and offers a nutritious boost with vibrant colors and textures.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup ripe strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts (optional), toasted
Dressing
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt and pat dry. Slice the ripe strawberries into even pieces to ensure every bite has balanced flavor.
- Combine Base Ingredients: Place the cleaned spinach and sliced strawberries into a large salad bowl, mixing gently to combine without damaging the leaves or fruit.
- Add Walnuts: If using walnuts, chop them coarsely and sprinkle evenly over the salad to add crunch and nuttiness.
- Add Feta Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad for a creamy, tangy flavor contrast.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is emulsified and well combined.
- Toss Salad: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad just before serving, then gently toss all components together, taking care not to bruise the strawberries or wilt the spinach.
Notes
- To toast walnuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned.
- For a nuttier flavor, substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- Use fresh strawberries at peak ripeness for the best sweet taste.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain the texture of the spinach and strawberries.
- For a vegan version, omit feta cheese or substitute with vegan cheese alternatives.
