Description
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta: Fresh strawberries, spinach, feta cheese in a zesty vinaigrette. A vibrant, refreshing, and healthy salad bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups (240g) fresh baby spinach, washed and dried thoroughly
- 2 cups (400g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup (60g) candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup (40g) dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dressing In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. If using a jar, seal tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until emulsified. If using a bowl, whisk energetically until the mixture thickens slightly and ingredients are well incorporated. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the salad components.
- Step 2: Prep Your Ingredients Wash your spinach thoroughly and dry completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels—any excess moisture will dilute your dressing. Hull and slice your strawberries into thin, even slices that will distribute beautifully throughout the salad. Thinly slice the red onion and place in a small bowl of ice water for 5-10 minutes to remove some of the harsh bite if desired.
- Step 3: Assemble the Base In a large serving bowl, add your baby spinach leaves. Drizzle about two-thirds of the prepared dressing over the spinach and toss gently to coat every leaf. This pre-dressing technique ensures the perfect distribution of flavors throughout your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta.
- Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients Drain the red onions if you soaked them. Now layer your prepared strawberries, crumbled feta, red onion slices, candied nuts, and dried cranberries (if using) over the dressed spinach. The key is to distribute these ingredients evenly rather than mixing them in, creating a gorgeous presentation where each component is visible.
- Step 5: Finish and Serve Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top of your arranged salad, focusing primarily on the strawberries to enhance their natural sweetness. Serve your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta immediately while the spinach is still crisp and the contrast between the cold strawberries and room-temperature feta is at its peak of perfection.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250 calories per serving
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 8 grams
- Cholesterol: 25 mg