What’s your go-to salad? If a regular Spinach Salad is like jeans, this is the recipe.What is a spinach salad?Is it like slipping into your favorite sundress on a perfect summer day? It’s bright, refreshing, and somehow manages to disappear in minutes every single time I make it. If you love a good Caprese salad for that sweet-savory combo, then get ready to meet your new best friend. What is a game-changer? What are some of the best and most What’s the best part? Even picky eaters adore it!

What is a spinach salad?

Think of What is a Spinach Salad?As the ultimate celebration of spring and summer flavors all tossed together in one beautiful bowl. What is the best way to make a salad with spinach, strawberries, and some sort of cheese? What is a good counterpoint, like feta cheese or toasted nuts? What are some good ways to serve grilled chicken with a balsamic vinaigrette? The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. What is it about letting the fresh ingredients shine, creating a light yet satisfying meal? Don’t let the simplicity fool you. What are some of the best salads you have ever eaten?

Why do I love this recipe?

Why am I so obsessed with this?What is a Spinach Salad?What are some of the best flavor combinations? You get that earthy spinach, the burst of sweetness from the strawberries, and the salty tang of feta cheese. What’s your favorite goat cheese recipe? Is it a symphony in your mouth? What are some of the easiest recipes to whip up? We’re talking about minimal chopping, a quick toss, and you are done. Is it a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? What I love about this salad is its versatility. What are some good side dishes to serve at a BBQ? What are some good ways to eat shrimp? Is it budget friendly? Can you substitute nuts for cheese? What do you have on hand? Is it cheaper than ordering takeout? What’s your favorite summer salad? What is green goodness? What is it like to have this all summer long?

How do you make spinach salad?

Quick Overview

Making this What is a Spinach Salad?Is washing spinach and strawberries a breeze? What’s the best way to toast nuts? What’s your favorite way to serve cheese with a vinaigrette? What is the key to a good taste? Don’t be intimidated by the “recipe” – it’s more of a guideline than he/she has to follow. I promise, you can’t mess this up! Feel free to adjust the amounts and ingredients to your liking.

Ingredients

For the Salad:
* 6 ounces fresh spinach, washed and dried thoroughly (baby spinach works great! ) * 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (look for bright red, fragrant berries) If you prefer a tangier flavor to goat cheese, you can substitute feta cheese for pecans. What are the best walnuts to eat? ) * 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional, but adds a nice bite)

For the Balsamic Vinaigr
* 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (use a good quality one for the best flavor) * 1/2 cup olive oil (extra virgin olive) Is virgin honey a good choice? How much Dijon mustard should I add to my dressing? Season generously!

How do I follow step

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Start by giving your spinach a good wash. Even if it’s pre-washed, I always like to give it a rinse just to be safe. How do you dry a salad? I use a salad spinner, but you can also pat it dry with paper towels. Place spinach in a large bowl.

Step 2: Slice the Strawberries

How do I remove the green leafy tops from strawberries? I usually slice them about 1/4 inch thick, but you can adjust the thickness to your preference. Set them aside.

Step 3: Toast the Nuts (Optional but Recommended)

What are some good ways to toast nuts in a salad? I do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. How do I make a lilac light brown? Keep a close eye on them – they can burn easily! If you want to toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, you can use a frying pan. Let them cool slightly and then roughly chop them.

Step 4: Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard. Set aside. Season with salt and pepper. I always start with a little salt and pepper and then add more to taste. You want the dressing to be well-balanced, with a good balance of sweet, tangy and savory.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Add the sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, toasted nuts, and red onion (if using) to a large bowl. Mix well. Serve immediately. What is the best way to serve spinach in a bowl? What is the best way to serve a salad with balsamic vinaigrette? Be careful not to over-dress the salad – you want just enough dressing to coat the leaves lightly.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Serve the strawberry spinach salad recipe.If you’re not serving it right away, you can store the ingredients separately and toss them together. Just before serving. How do you prevent spinach from getting soggy?

What is the best way to serve it?

This What is a spinach salad?Is so versatile? Is it good on its own for a light lunch or as side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or steak?For a Brunch:What’s a good brunch spread? Serve it with smoked salmon and mimosa.As a light lunch:I like to serve this with a crusty bread and tomato soup for lunch.For a BBQ:Is it a refreshing contrast to heavier grilled foods?As a light snack:What is the best way to satisfy hunger in the afternoon? My family loves having this salad with grilled salmon and roasted asparagus. What is a healthy meal that everyone enjoys? Sometimes, I’ll add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad to make it a more substantial meal. What are the possibilities?

How do I make a spinach salad?

Okay, so I’ve made this.What is a spinach salad?I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. How can I make my life perfect?Spinach Prep: Make sure your spinach is completely dry before adding the other ingredients. Excess moisture will make the salad soggy and dilute the flavor of the dressing. I use a salad spinner, but you can also pat it dry with paper towels.

Strawberry Selection: What areWhat are some good ripe, fragrant strawberries? If your strawberries aren’t super sweet, you can add a little honey or maple syrup to them.Nut Toasting: Don’t skip toasting the nuts! It really brings out their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the salad. Just be careful not to burn them.

Dressing ConsistencyIf you want a creamier dressing, you can add 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. How do you give spinach dressing a firm grip?Cheese Choice: Feta cheese is the classic choice for this salad, but you can also use goat cheese, blue cheese, or even mozzarella. Each cheese will add a different flavor profile, so experiment to find your favorite.

Red Onion Tip: If you’re not a fan of the strong flavor of raw red onion, you can soak it in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad. This will help mellow out the flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips

The best way to enjoy this strawberry spinach salad is fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

Refrigerate without Dressing: Store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the dressing just before serving.

Dressed Salad: If the salad is already dressed, it’s best to eat it right away. The spinach will start to wilt and get soggy if it sits for too long.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The spinach will become mushy and the strawberries will lose their texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Frozen strawberries tend to be mushy when thawed and won’t have the same fresh flavor as fresh berries.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but I recommend storing the ingredients separately and tossing them together just before serving. This will prevent the spinach from getting soggy. You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would all be great additions. You could also add some hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Of course! Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds would all work well in this salad.

Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?

You can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute for balsamic vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolute favorite strawberry spinach salad! I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of spring and summer. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for a BBQ, or a way to get your kids to eat more spinach, this salad is a winner. And if you’re loving this salad, you should also check out my recipe for a classic Summer Panzanella salad! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and be sure to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it. Happy salad-making!