Description
A fresh and vibrant Spinach Strawberry Salad featuring baby spinach, sweet strawberries, tangy red onion, creamy feta or goat cheese, crunchy toasted nuts, and optional dried cranberries, all tossed in a homemade balsamic poppy seed dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a colorful side that pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the sweetness and seasoning to your preference and set the dressing aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and dried cranberries if using. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad, followed by the toasted almonds or pecans. These add a creamy texture and crunch to the salad.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared balsamic poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to ensure that the spinach and toppings are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste. It pairs excellently with grilled chicken or fish for a hearty and balanced meal.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it altogether.
- To toast nuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
- Dried cranberries add a nice tart sweetness but can be left out if you prefer a less sweet salad.
- Adjust the dressing sweetness based on your taste preference by adding more honey or maple syrup as desired.
- Use fresh baby spinach for the best texture and flavor; avoid wilted or old leaves.
