Almond Strawberry Spinach Salad

$You need 4 cups of fresh spinach leaves. Wash and dry them well. Spinach adds a bright color and a healthy crunch. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, making this salad both tasty and nutritious. Use 1 cup of strawberries. Make sure to hull and slice them. Strawberries bring a sweet and juicy flavor that pairs well with spinach. Their vibrant red color makes your salad pop. Add ½ cup of sliced almonds. Toast them for extra flavor. Almonds give this salad a nice crunch and a nutty taste. They also provide healthy fats and protein. Include ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese. Feta adds a creamy, tangy touch. It balances the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly. This cheese also boosts the salad's flavor profile. Slice ¼ of a red onion thinly. Red onion gives a sharp taste that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients. It adds a nice bite and a hint of color. For the dressing, you need: - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk these ingredients together in a small bowl. The dressing ties all the flavors together. Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet acidity, while honey balances it out. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take a small bowl. In it, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. This mixture is your dressing. Make sure it’s smooth and well-blended. Set it aside for now; it will add great flavor to your salad. Next, grab a large salad bowl. Add the fresh spinach leaves to the bowl. Then, toss in the sliced strawberries. The bright red color will pop against the green spinach. After that, add the toasted sliced almonds, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Each ingredient adds its own taste and texture. Now it’s time to mix. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Use tongs or a large spoon to gently toss everything together. Make sure all the ingredients get coated with the dressing. This step is key for flavor. You want every bite to be delicious! After tossing, take a moment to taste the salad. This helps you know if it needs more salt or pepper. If you think it could use a bit more flavor, sprinkle in more salt and pepper. Toss again to mix. Trust your taste buds; they know what you like! For a stunning salad, use a clear bowl. This lets the bright colors shine. Start with a layer of spinach, then add strawberries. Next, sprinkle on the feta and almonds. Finish with red onion on top. To impress, garnish with whole strawberries or a sprig of mint. This adds a lovely touch. To toast almonds, first, heat a dry pan on medium. Add the sliced almonds and spread them out in one layer. Stir them often with a spatula. Watch closely; they can burn fast! In about 3 to 5 minutes, they will turn golden brown and smell nutty. Remove from heat and let them cool. Toasted almonds add a great crunch to your salad. Once you mix your dressing, taste it! If it’s too tangy, add a bit more honey. For more flavor, try adding a dash of salt or pepper. If you prefer a creamier dressing, add a bit of yogurt. You can also tweak the balsamic or olive oil. Make it your own! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh spinach and ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Toasting Almonds: Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to enhance their nutty flavor. Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before drizzling over the salad. Season to Taste: Always taste your salad before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even more honey for sweetness. {{image_2}} You can swap spinach for other greens. Try kale or arugula for a new twist. Both have a strong taste that pairs well with strawberries. If you like a milder flavor, use baby lettuce or mixed greens. These will keep the salad light and fresh. Fruits add fun and color to your salad. You can use blueberries or mandarin oranges instead of strawberries. Both add sweetness and a nice pop. For nuts, walnuts or pecans will work well. They give a crunchy texture and a rich flavor that complements the salad. Want a vegan version? Skip the feta cheese and use avocado for creaminess. You can also add chickpeas for protein. They are tasty and will keep you full longer. For the dressing, use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it plant-based. To keep your Almond Strawberry Spinach Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place any leftover salad in the fridge. It will stay good for up to two days. However, the longer it sits, the soggier it may get. If you can, separate the dressing from the salad. This keeps the spinach and strawberries crisp. To keep your ingredients fresh, store spinach and strawberries separately. Wrap fresh spinach in a damp paper towel. Place it in a plastic bag, then in the fridge. For strawberries, keep them in a container with holes. This allows air to flow, keeping them fresh. You can also wash strawberries right before using them. You do not need to reheat this salad. It tastes best cold. If you want to serve it later, toss in the dressing right before eating. This keeps everything fresh and flavorful. If you do not have time, serve it as is. The flavors will still shine, making it a tasty option. Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. To keep it fresh, store the dressing separately. Mix the salad ingredients without the dressing. Refrigerate both. Add the dressing just before serving. This keeps the spinach crisp and the strawberries fresh. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. It has iron and calcium, which help your bones and blood. Strawberries are full of antioxidants and vitamin C. They help boost your immune system and keep your skin healthy. Together, they make a nutritious duo! You can change the dressing to suit your taste. Try using lemon juice instead of balsamic vinegar for a zesty flavor. For creaminess, add yogurt or mayo. You can also add herbs like basil or dill for extra flavor. Make it your own! Many ingredients work well in this salad. Try adding sliced apples or pears for sweetness. Walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture. Avocado gives creaminess, while grilled chicken makes it a meal. Mix and match to find your perfect flavor! This blog post explored a tasty spinach and strawberry salad. We looked at fresh spinach, strawberries, almonds, feta cheese, and red onion. We also covered how to make the dressing. Next, we shared tips for presentation and toasting almonds. You can customize with different nuts and fruits. For storage, keep leftovers fresh and ready to eat. This salad is simple, fresh, and healthy. Enjoy experimenting with your flavors and ingredients!$

Almond Strawberry Spinach Salad

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, and toasted almonds, topped with a tangy dressing.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
0.5 cup sliced almonds, toasted
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 whole red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Set aside.
In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves and sliced strawberries.
Add the toasted sliced almonds, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion to the salad bowl.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients.
Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated in the dressing.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Serve immediately as a refreshing side or main salad.

Notes

For an eye-catching display, layer the salad ingredients in a clear serving bowl to showcase the vibrant colors, and garnish with a few whole strawberries on top.

Keyword almonds, feta, salad, spinach, strawberries