Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad

After a long week, nothing sounds better than a meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying, and that’s exactly what this Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad delivers. Honestly, my family and I have become completely obsessed with this salad! The vibrant colors alone are enough to make you smile, but the taste? Oh, the taste is just incredible. The sweetness of ripe strawberries, the slight tang of feta, the earthy spinach, all tossed in a light, zesty vinaigrette – it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. Even my picky eaters, who usually turn their noses up at anything green, are happily devouring this salad. It’s become a staple at our summer barbecues, potlucks, and even just a simple weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad, it will quickly become a favorite in your household too.

Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad

• Fresh Spinach: The base of our salad, providing a mild, earthy flavor and packed with nutrients. Opt for baby spinach for its tender leaves.
• Ripe Strawberries: The star of the show! Their sweetness perfectly complements the savory elements of the salad. Choose plump, red, and fragrant strawberries for the best flavor.
• Feta Cheese: Adds a salty, tangy, and creamy element that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and the earthiness of the spinach. Look for feta packed in brine for optimal moisture and flavor.
• Red Onion: Provides a sharp, pungent bite that cuts through the richness of the feta and adds complexity to the salad. Thinly sliced red onion is key to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
• Toasted Nuts (Optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds work wonderfully. Toasting enhances their flavor and texture.
• Olive Oil: The base of our vinaigrette, providing healthy fats and a rich, fruity flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best taste and nutritional benefits.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a sweet and tangy depth to the vinaigrette, complementing the strawberries and feta beautifully.
• Dijon Mustard: Emulsifies the vinaigrette and adds a subtle tangy kick.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar and mustard in the dressing.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the salad and dressing.

Instructions: How to Make Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad

1. Prepare the Spinach: Begin by thoroughly washing the baby spinach. Even if it’s pre-washed, it’s always a good idea to give it a rinse to remove any lingering grit. Pat the spinach dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess water. This will help the dressing adhere better to the leaves and prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
2. Slice the Strawberries: Wash the strawberries and remove the green hulls. Depending on their size, slice them into halves or quarters. The goal is to have bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat in the salad. If using very large strawberries, you might even slice them into smaller pieces.
3. Thinly Slice the Red Onion: Carefully peel and thinly slice the red onion. For a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced red onion in cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to reduce some of the sharpness. Drain and pat dry before adding to the salad. If you are sensitive to raw onion, you can also consider using shallots for a milder flavor profile.
4. Toast the Nuts (Optional but Recommended): If using nuts, toasting them is highly recommended as it significantly enhances their flavor and adds a wonderful crunch. You can toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Watch them closely to prevent burning. Let the toasted nuts cool completely before adding them to the salad.
5. Crumble the Feta Cheese: If you bought a block of feta, crumble it into bite-sized pieces. If you purchased pre-crumbled feta, you can use it directly. Make sure to drain any excess brine if using feta packed in brine.
6. Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and slightly thickened. If using a jar, you can simply close the lid tightly and shake well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang, depending on your preference.
7. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted nuts (if using).
8. Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Start with about half of the dressing and toss gently to combine, ensuring that all the ingredients are lightly coated. Add more dressing as needed, but be careful not to oversaturate the salad, as this can make it soggy.
9. Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad immediately after dressing. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the spinach can wilt and the strawberries can become soft if left to sit for too long after dressing.

Nutrition Facts for Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad

(Per Serving, approximate values, may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size)

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately)
• Calories: 250-350 kcal (Calories can vary depending on the amount of dressing, feta, and nuts used. This is an estimated range for a moderate serving.) – Provides a light to moderate calorie count, suitable as a side or light meal.
• Fat: 15-25g (Primarily healthy fats from olive oil, feta cheese, and nuts. The amount will depend on the quantity of feta, oil in the dressing, and nuts.) – Good source of healthy fats, beneficial for heart health and satiety.
• Protein: 5-8g (From spinach, feta cheese, and nuts. Contributes to muscle building and satiety.) – Offers a decent amount of protein for a salad, contributing to a feeling of fullness.
• Fiber: 3-5g (From spinach and strawberries. Important for digestive health and blood sugar regulation.) – High in dietary fiber, promoting gut health and helping to keep you feeling full.
• Vitamin C: High (Strawberries and spinach are excellent sources of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function.) – Excellent source of Vitamin C, boosting the immune system and acting as a powerful antioxidant.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary. For precise nutritional information, calculate based on the specific ingredients and quantities used.

Preparation Time for Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • This includes washing and prepping the spinach, slicing strawberries and red onion, crumbling feta, toasting nuts (if using), and making the balsamic vinaigrette. The salad is quick to assemble, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The majority of the time is spent on ingredient preparation, which is straightforward and doesn’t require any cooking.

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad

This versatile salad can be enjoyed in many ways! Here are some serving suggestions:

• As a Side Dish:
  • Perfect accompaniment to grilled dishes: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, steak, or tofu. The salad’s freshness cuts through the richness of grilled meats beautifully.
  • Pairs well with pasta and grains: Complement pasta dishes, quinoa salads, or rice bowls with a refreshing side of Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad.
  • Ideal for potlucks and barbecues: A crowd-pleasing salad that travels well and is always a hit at gatherings.
• As a Light Lunch or Main Course:
  • Add protein for a heartier meal: Top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp, chickpeas, lentils, or hard-boiled eggs to make it a more substantial and protein-rich lunch or dinner.
  • Serve with crusty bread: Enjoy the salad with a slice of warm, crusty bread for a satisfying and light meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious vinaigrette.
  • Combine with soup: Pair the salad with a light soup, such as tomato soup or gazpacho, for a balanced and flavorful meal.
• Creative Serving Ideas:
  • In lettuce wraps: Spoon the Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad into large lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or romaine) for a low-carb and refreshing wrap.
  • Over bruschetta: Top toasted baguette slices with a spoonful of the salad for a flavorful appetizer or light snack.
  • With a cheese board: Incorporate the salad as a fresh element on a cheese board, offering a contrast to the richness of cheeses and crackers.

Additional Tips for the Best Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of ingredients truly shines in this simple salad. Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries, good quality feta cheese (preferably in brine), and extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
2. Don’t Dress the Salad Too Early: Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting and the salad from becoming soggy. If you are preparing the salad ahead of time, you can prepare all the components and store them separately, then assemble and dress right before serving.
3. Adjust Sweetness and Tanginess in the Dressing: Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the honey (or maple syrup) and balsamic vinegar to your liking. Some prefer a sweeter dressing, while others prefer a tangier one. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like agave or different types of vinegar like red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
4. Add Other Fruits: Feel free to experiment with adding other fruits to the salad, such as blueberries, raspberries, or mandarin oranges. These fruits can complement the strawberries and add extra layers of flavor and texture.
5. Vary the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with other cheeses like goat cheese, crumbled blue cheese, or even fresh mozzarella balls. Each cheese will bring a different flavor profile to the salad.
6. Incorporate Different Greens: While spinach is the classic choice, you can also use a mix of greens, such as spring mix, romaine lettuce, or arugula, for a different texture and flavor. Arugula will add a peppery note, while romaine will add a crisp crunch.
7. Spice it Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette or a few slices of pickled jalapeños to the salad. This will add a subtle kick that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the strawberries.
8. Make it Vegan: To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese. You can add toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra texture and flavor, and consider adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor note. You can also use a vegan feta alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries and red onion, crumble the feta, and make the dressing. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Q2: What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar? Can I use another type?
A: Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with other types of vinegar. Red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even white wine vinegar would work well. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile to the dressing, but they can all provide the necessary acidity.

Q3: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Fresh strawberries are highly recommended for the best texture and flavor in this salad. Frozen strawberries can become mushy when thawed and release a lot of liquid, which can make the salad soggy. If you must use frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid thoroughly before adding them to the salad.

Q4: How long does Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad last in the refrigerator?
A: Once dressed, the salad is best consumed immediately. However, if you have leftovers of undressed salad, you can store the spinach mixture and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The strawberries might soften slightly, but the salad will still be enjoyable.

Q5: Can I add protein to make this salad a full meal?
A: Absolutely! Adding protein is a great way to make this salad a more substantial meal. Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, tofu, chickpeas, lentils, or hard-boiled eggs are all excellent additions. You can simply toss cooked protein into the salad or serve it on top.

Q6: What are some good nut alternatives if I have nut allergies?
A: If you have nut allergies, you can easily substitute nuts with seeds for crunch and texture. Toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), or even sesame seeds would be great alternatives. Make sure to toast the seeds to enhance their flavor.

Q7: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad is naturally gluten-free, as it is made with fresh produce, feta cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette, none of which contain gluten. Always double-check ingredient labels, especially for Dijon mustard and any pre-made ingredients, to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe gluten allergy or intolerance.

Q8: Can I make the balsamic vinaigrette vegan?
A: Yes, the balsamic vinaigrette can easily be made vegan by using maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. All other ingredients in the vinaigrette are naturally vegan.

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