Spinach Strawberry Feta Salad: A Burst of Spring Flavors!

As spring blossoms into summer, the desire for light, refreshing, and vibrant meals takes center stage. What better way to celebrate the season’s bounty than with a Spinach Strawberry Feta Salad? This salad isn’t just a delightful combination of sweet and savory; it’s also incredibly easy to make, packed with nutrients, and visually stunning, making it perfect for everything from a quick lunch to an elegant dinner party appetizer.

This recipe offers a symphony of textures and flavors. The tender spinach leaves provide a healthy base, while the juicy strawberries burst with sweetness. The salty, crumbly feta cheese adds a tangy counterpoint, and the crunchy toasted nuts offer a satisfying textural element. A light and zesty vinaigrette ties it all together, creating a harmonious and irresistible salad experience. Let’s dive into the details of creating this culinary masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Strawberry Feta Salad

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet strawberries, salty feta, and earthy spinach is a match made in heaven.
• Easy to Make: With minimal prep time, this salad comes together in minutes.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this salad is a guilt-free pleasure.
• Versatile: Perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or a potluck contribution.
• Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors and textures make this salad a feast for the eyes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable Spinach Strawberry Feta Salad:

For the Salad:

• Spinach: 6 ounces (about 6 cups) fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and dried. Baby spinach is preferred for its tenderness.
• Strawberries: 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced. Choose ripe, firm berries for the best flavor.
• Feta Cheese: 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled. Look for a block of feta in brine for the best flavor and texture, rather than pre-crumbled feta.
• Nuts: 1/4 cup sliced almonds, pecans, or walnuts, toasted. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently, or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Red Onion (optional): 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced. Adds a sharp, pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients. Soak the sliced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow its sharpness if desired.

For the Vinaigrette:

• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil. Use a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the vinaigrette.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup. Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Emulsifies the vinaigrette and adds a subtle savory note.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors of the salad.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Salad Bowl
• Small Bowl for Vinaigrette
• Whisk
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Skillet or Oven for Toasting Nuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started on creating this delicious Spinach Strawberry Feta Salad!

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

The foundation of our salad is fresh, clean spinach. Thoroughly wash the spinach leaves under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Use a salad spinner or pat the leaves dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

Hull the strawberries by removing the green tops. The easiest way to do this is to use a paring knife or a strawberry huller. Slice the strawberries into thin slices. You can slice them lengthwise or crosswise, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Toast the Nuts (Optional)

Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently until they are lightly golden brown and fragrant. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 4: Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk vigorously until the vinaigrette is emulsified and the ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a little more honey if you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, or a little more balsamic vinegar for a tangier flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, toasted nuts, and sliced red onion (if using). Gently toss the ingredients together to distribute them evenly.

Step 6: Dress the Salad

Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as this can make it soggy. You can always add more vinaigrette if needed. Alternatively, you can serve the vinaigrette on the side, allowing each person to dress their own salad.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Spinach Strawberry Feta Salad immediately and enjoy the burst of spring flavors! This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the spinach can wilt if it sits for too long.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to customize this Spinach Strawberry Feta Salad to your liking:

• Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to the salad.
• Substitute Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, try goat cheese, blue cheese, or mozzarella.
• Add Other Fruits: Consider adding other seasonal fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or mandarin oranges.
• Change the Nuts: Experiment with different types of nuts, such as pistachios, cashews, or sunflower seeds.
• Add Seeds: Sprinkle some chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Make it Vegan: Omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan feta alternative. Use maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette.
• Add Avocado: For a creamy texture and healthy fats, add sliced avocado to the salad.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a touch of heat.
• Use a Different Vinegar: Substitute balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or champagne vinegar.
• Make it a Meal Prep Salad: Layer the ingredients in a jar, starting with the vinaigrette at the bottom, followed by the nuts, feta cheese, strawberries, and spinach. This will prevent the spinach from getting soggy. When ready to eat, shake the jar and pour the salad into a bowl.

Serving Suggestions

This Spinach Strawberry Feta Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Light Lunch: Enjoy a generous portion of the salad as a refreshing and healthy lunch.
• Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak as a vibrant side dish.
• Appetizer: Offer it as a light and flavorful appetizer at your next dinner party.
• Potluck Dish: Bring it to a potluck or picnic for a crowd-pleasing salad that everyone will love.
• Brunch Dish: Add it to your brunch spread for a fresh and colorful addition.

Nutritional Information

This Spinach Strawberry Feta Salad is packed with nutrients and offers numerous health benefits. Here’s a general overview of the nutritional information per serving (estimated):

• Calories: Approximately 250-350 calories
• Protein: 8-12 grams
• Fat: 15-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 15-25 grams
• Fiber: 3-5 grams

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the portion size. This salad is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, and antioxidants. Spinach is rich in iron and calcium, while strawberries are a great source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Feta cheese provides calcium and protein. The nuts contribute healthy fats and fiber.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to store the salad undressed, as the vinaigrette can make the spinach soggy. Add the vinaigrette just before serving. The salad will keep for up to 2 days, but the spinach may wilt slightly over time.

Conclusion

This Spinach Strawberry Feta Salad is a delightful and versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors, textures, and colors, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy this burst of spring flavors! It’s a healthy, delicious, and visually appealing way to celebrate the season’s bounty. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this salad is a winner. Enjoy!