Description
A fresh and vibrant Spinach Strawberry Salad combining tender baby spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, all brought together with a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light, healthy meal or a refreshing side dish, ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 5 oz spinach or baby kale, washed (about 5 cups)
- 1 lb strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup candied pecans
Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry produce: Thoroughly wash and dry the spinach or baby kale and the strawberries to ensure they are clean and fresh.
- Prepare strawberries: Hull and slice the strawberries evenly to create uniform pieces that blend well in the salad.
- Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine the washed spinach, sliced strawberries, and crumbled feta cheese, mixing gently.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar or glaze, extra virgin olive oil, raw honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the mixture is emulsified and well combined.
- Add dressing to salad: Pour the freshly made dressing over the salad just before serving to keep ingredients crisp.
- Toss salad: Gently toss the salad until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle candied pecans on top as a garnish and serve the salad immediately to enjoy it at its freshest.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Candied pecans add a crunchy texture and sweetness but can be substituted with toasted walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a vegan option, replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it entirely.
- The dressing can be adjusted for sweetness or acidity by varying the amount of honey or balsamic vinegar.
- To make ahead, prepare the dressing and chop ingredients separately; assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
