A vibrant and refreshing combination of fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and a tangy balsamic dressing. This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese is the perfect addition to any meal, whether it's a summer barbecue or a light weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The baby spinach gives a crisp, fresh base, while the sweet strawberries offer a burst of flavor. The creamy feta adds a tangy richness, and the toasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch. The balsamic dressing ties it all together with its tangy yet slightly sweet finish. Plus, it's incredibly quick and easy to prepare—just 10 minutes from start to finish!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Optional: ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Prepare the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, and toasted almonds. Add red onion if desired. -
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified. -
Assemble the Salad:
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Add protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein to make this a heartier meal.
- Nuts: If you prefer a different crunch, try substituting the almonds with walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
- Cheese alternatives: Swap the feta with goat cheese, blue cheese, or a vegan cheese option.
- Dressing variation: For a creamier dressing, add a teaspoon of Greek yogurt to the balsamic vinaigrette.
- Fruits: Try adding other fresh fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a twist.
Storage/reheating
This salad is best served fresh, but you can store the individual components in separate airtight containers:
- Salad mix (spinach, strawberries, feta, almonds): Store in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Keep the dressing separate.
- Dressing: Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Avoid storing the dressed salad as the greens may wilt.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
To keep the salad fresh, assemble it without the dressing and store the components separately. Dress just before serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best for this salad, but if you only have frozen, make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before using.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I use a different type of vinegar for the dressing?
Yes, if you prefer a different flavor, you can swap balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or white wine vinegar.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese, ricotta, or vegan cheese alternatives are great substitutes for feta.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, to make this salad vegan, replace the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.
How can I toast the almonds?
Place sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir often for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
Can I use spinach from the garden?
Fresh, tender baby spinach from the garden will work wonderfully in this salad!
How can I make this salad spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes to the dressing or sprinkle a little chili powder on the salad for an extra kick.
Can I use a different sweetener for the dressing?
Yes, you can substitute honey with agave syrup, stevia, or any other sweetener of your choice.
Conclusion
This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients. With its perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, it's ideal for a light lunch, side dish, or even a healthy snack. Plus, the quick prep time and endless customization options make it a go-to salad for any occasion.
Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant and refreshing Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese combines fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or a quick dinner, this easy-to-make salad offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Ready in just 10 minutes, it's customizable with options for extra protein, different nuts, or fruits.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Optional: ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, and toasted almonds. Add red onion if desired.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately.
Notes
- To make the salad heartier, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Substitute the almonds with walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
- For a creamier dressing, add a teaspoon of Greek yogurt to the balsamic vinaigrette.
- To make the salad vegan, swap feta cheese with a plant-based cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
