If you’re searching for a salad that bursts with fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and textures that delight every bite, then this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Feta Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender baby spinach leaves mingling with juicy, sweet strawberries, the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds, and the creamy tang of feta cheese—all drizzled with a luscious honey-balsamic dressing. This salad isn’t just visually stunning but also a celebration of fresh ingredients coming together in perfect harmony, making it an absolute favorite to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad is a wonderful example of how simple, high-quality ingredients can create something memorable. Each element plays a starring role, from the leafy greens providing freshness and body, to the strawberries adding natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves: The tender base of the salad that is both nutritious and mildly flavored.
- 1 pint fresh strawberries: Adds juicy sweetness and bright red color for an irresistible look and taste.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted: Brings a toasty crunch and nutty depth to every bite.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional): Offers a creamy, tangy contrast that balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional): Gives a mild sharpness and texture variation.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: For a smooth, rich dressing base.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Adds tang and subtle sweetness to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Enhances the natural sweetness and ties the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Provides a slight kick and emulsifies the dressing.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing all the salad’s natural flavors.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Begin by washing the baby spinach leaves thoroughly and gently drying them to avoid sogginess. Hull and slice the fresh strawberries thinly to maximize their juicy burst. Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden and fragrant—watch closely to prevent burning, as this step really unlocks their flavor.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, gently combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, crumbled feta (if using), and thinly sliced red onion (if using). Toss everything together with care to keep the ingredients intact while evenly distributing each component for balanced bites.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your personal taste. This simple yet flavorful dressing perfectly complements the fresh ingredients without overpowering them.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad gradually, tossing gently after each addition to ensure the spinach and toppings are evenly coated without getting soggy. This careful approach lets the salad absorb just the right amount of dressing for maximum flavor and texture harmony.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the dressed salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Add an extra flourish by garnishing with some additional sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, and toasted almonds. Serve immediately to savor the fresh crispness and complex flavors—the perfect side or a light meal on warm days.
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and a sprinkle of feta on top not only makes the salad look gorgeous but also boosts the flavor in every forkful. Fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of aged balsamic glaze can also elevate the presentation and add a new layer of taste.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or even light pasta dishes. It’s also a refreshing complement to heavier mains, balancing richness with its bright, crisp profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in individual mason jars for picnics or packed lunches. Layer the ingredients with dressing at the bottom to keep everything fresh until you’re ready to toss and eat. Alternatively, fill hollowed-out strawberries with a little feta mixture to create bite-sized hors d’oeuvres inspired by the salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover salad components separately when possible: store the spinach and strawberries in airtight containers, and keep the toasted almonds and feta dry and cool. Combine and toss with dressing only right before serving to prevent wilting.
Freezing
Since this salad highlights fresh fruits and leafy greens, freezing is not recommended as it will affect the texture and flavor negatively. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and generally not recommended. Fresh is always best to enjoy the delicate textures and bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Baby arugula, mixed baby lettuces, or kale (massaged for tenderness) can work wonderfully, each adding a unique flavor and texture to the salad.
What’s the best way to toast almonds?
Use a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 3-5 minutes until the almonds are golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, as nuts toast quickly.
Is the feta cheese necessary?
Feta adds a beautiful salty tang that contrasts with the sweet strawberries. However, it’s optional—feel free to omit it for a dairy-free option or if you prefer a milder salad.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes! The dressing can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before using to re-emulsify.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
When kept properly—greens and toppings separate from dressing—it stays fresh for up to two days. Once dressed, it’s best consumed the same day to enjoy the crisp textures fully.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Feta Recipe is a shining example of how fresh, simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re serving it at a casual lunch or a festive gathering, it’s sure to brighten the table and delight your taste buds. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring baby spinach, sweet strawberries, toasted almonds, and a tangy homemade balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light, nutritious appetizer or side dish, this salad combines crisp greens with fruity and savory flavors for a refreshing summertime meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Wash the baby spinach leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Hull the strawberries and slice them thinly. Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and fragrant, watching carefully to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, crumbled feta cheese if using, and thinly sliced red onion if using. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad starting with a small amount and adding more as needed. Toss gently to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Transfer the dressed strawberry spinach salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Optionally garnish with extra sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately to enjoy the salad’s fresh flavors. It’s ideal for warm weather meals, picnics, or as a light, nutritious starter or side.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh and ripe strawberries to enhance sweetness.
- Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning and bring out their nutty flavor.
- Feta cheese and red onions are optional but add a nice tang and complexity to the salad.
- This salad is best served fresh; avoid dressing it too far ahead to prevent wilting.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Adjust salt and pepper in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
