Indulge in a vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the savory richness of feta cheese. This delightful salad is perfect for a light lunch, a picnic, or as a side dish at any gathering. The blend of textures and flavors—from the crisp spinach to the juicy strawberries and creamy feta—creates a harmony that is both satisfying and nourishing.
A Fresh, Sweet, and Savory Combination
This strawberry spinach salad isn’t just about taste; it’s about a perfect balance of flavors. The fresh spinach leaves provide a mild, earthy base, while the strawberries bring a burst of sweet, tangy freshness. Crumbled feta adds a salty contrast that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and enhances the overall flavor profile. Whether you’re enjoying it on a sunny afternoon or pairing it with your favorite grilled dish, this salad will not disappoint.
Not only is this salad a treat for your taste buds, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious and healthy dish that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. If you’re looking for a light, nutritious meal or a vibrant addition to any gathering, this strawberry spinach salad with feta is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta
To create this refreshing and flavorful salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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Fresh Spinach – A base of fresh, crisp spinach is key. Look for young, tender leaves for the best texture.
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Strawberries – Sweet, ripe strawberries are a must. Make sure they are juicy and vibrant for the best flavor.
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Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta adds a creamy, tangy element that pairs wonderfully with the sweet strawberries and spinach.
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Walnuts (optional) – A handful of walnuts adds a crunchy texture and a rich flavor that complements the other ingredients.
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Red Onion (optional) – Thinly sliced red onions add a mild sharpness and a bit of color to the salad.
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Olive Oil – A simple drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil will help tie all the ingredients together.
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Balsamic Vinegar – Balsamic vinegar brings a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances out the salad.
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Honey (optional) – A small amount of honey can be added to the dressing for a hint of natural sweetness.
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Salt and Pepper – A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper will enhance the flavors of the salad.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta
This salad is quick and easy to prepare, and it comes together in just a few simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel or a salad spinner. Remove any stems if necessary. Hull and slice the strawberries into thin slices or halves, depending on your preference. If using, thinly slice the red onion and chop the walnuts into smaller pieces.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. If you like a bit of sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey to the mix. Stir the dressing until the ingredients are well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, add the spinach, sliced strawberries, and crumbled feta cheese. If you’re using walnuts and red onion, add them to the bowl as well.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated evenly.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor. If you’re preparing it in advance, keep the dressing separate and dress the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.
Enjoy this light, healthy, and delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta as a perfect addition to any meal!
How Long to Store and Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can store the ingredients and assemble it later for convenience. Here’s how to store and serve the salad:
How to Store Leftovers
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Refrigerator: If you have leftover salad, store the spinach, strawberries, and feta separately in airtight containers to preserve their freshness. The salad should be consumed within 24 hours for the best taste. Do not store the salad with the dressing, as it can cause the spinach to wilt.
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Dressing: Store the dressing in a separate container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake well before using.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta
Here are some tips to ensure your salad is always fresh and delicious:
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Fresh Spinach: Make sure the spinach is fresh and not wilted. Opt for baby spinach for a more delicate texture, or use mature spinach for a bolder flavor.
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Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for the sweetest taste. If they are too tart, you can drizzle a bit more honey on the salad for added sweetness.
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Feta Cheese: For a creamier texture, try using goat cheese instead of feta, or crumble the feta by hand for a more rustic look.
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Crunch Factor: If you want to add more texture, consider adding other nuts like almonds or pecans. Toasted nuts will give an extra layer of flavor.
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Make It Vegan: For a vegan version, skip the feta and replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
How to Make the Salad Ahead of Time
If you want to make the salad ahead of time, prepare the spinach, strawberries, and feta, and store them separately in airtight containers. When ready to serve, toss them together and drizzle with the dressing. This will ensure your salad stays crisp and fresh.
How to Serve the Salad
This strawberry spinach salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or even a warm quinoa dish. It also works well as a light meal on its own, especially if you add a few more toppings like grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein.
With these simple tips, your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta will be a crowd-pleaser every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Can I make the Strawberry Spinach Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance! For the best results, store the spinach, strawberries, and feta cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Just before serving, toss everything together and drizzle with the dressing. This will keep the salad fresh and prevent the spinach from wilting. -
Can I use a different type of cheese in the salad?
Absolutely! While feta adds a tangy flavor, you can substitute it with goat cheese, blue cheese, or even a plant-based cheese for a vegan option. Each will bring a unique flavor profile to the salad. -
How can I make this salad more filling?
To turn this salad into a more substantial meal, you can add protein sources like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. You can also toss in some cooked quinoa or roasted nuts for added texture and nutrients. -
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture for this salad, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw them beforehand and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture that can make the salad soggy.
These frequently asked questions should help you enjoy your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta to the fullest, whether you’re making it ahead of time or experimenting with different ingredients!
Print
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta is a simple yet elegant dish that combines sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and fresh spinach into a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish, or a refreshing appetizer, this salad is sure to impress your guests and leave you craving more!
Ingredients
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4 cups fresh spinach (baby spinach preferred)
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1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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½ cup crumbled feta cheese
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¼ cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
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2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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1 tsp honey (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Wash and dry the spinach leaves thoroughly. Set them aside.
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Hull and slice the strawberries. If using, thinly slice the red onion and chop the walnuts.
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, feta, walnuts, and red onion (if using).
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Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
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For extra crunch, you can add toasted almonds or pecans.
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For a vegan version, skip the feta and try a plant-based cheese alternative.
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You can store leftover salad ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Dress just before serving for the freshest taste.
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This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes