Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Spinach: Fresh, leafy greens that form the base of the salad.

Strawberries: Sweet, juicy berries that add a burst of flavor and color.

Toasted sliced almonds: Nuts that provide a crunchy texture and a nutty taste.

Crumbled feta cheese: A tangy, salty cheese that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.

Olive oil: A healthy fat used as the base for the dressing.

Balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing.

Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the acidity of the vinegar.

Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of spice and helps emulsify the dressing.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dressing.

To enhance the flavor of your toasted sliced almonds, consider toasting them yourself rather than buying pre-toasted ones. Spread the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and fragrant. This will add a deeper, richer flavor to your strawberry spinach salad.

• fresh spinach - Substitute with arugula: Arugula provides a peppery flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.

• sliced strawberries - Substitute with sliced peaches: Peaches offer a similar sweetness and juicy texture, making them a great alternative.

• toasted sliced almonds - Substitute with toasted sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds add a similar crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.

• crumbled feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a creamy texture and tangy flavor that works well in salads.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and similar health benefits, making it a good replacement.

• balsamic vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar provides a tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and can be used as a natural sweetener.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard has a similar tangy flavor and adds texture to the dressing.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar salty flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• To keep your strawberry spinach salad fresh, store the salad and dressing separately. Place the spinach and strawberries in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

• For the dressing, pour it into a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.

• If you need to prepare the salad in advance, consider adding the toasted almonds and feta cheese just before serving to maintain their crunch and texture.

• To freeze the salad, it's best to only freeze the spinach. Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. The spinach can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• Avoid freezing the strawberries, almonds, and feta cheese as they do not retain their texture well after thawing.

• When ready to serve, thaw the spinach in the refrigerator overnight. Assemble the salad with fresh strawberries, toasted almonds, and feta cheese.

• Always taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt can enhance the flavors.

• For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or mint just before serving.

• First, separate the spinach from the rest of the salad. Reheating spinach can make it wilt and lose its fresh texture.
• Place the remaining ingredients (strawberries, almonds, and feta cheese) in a microwave-safe dish.
• Microwave on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, just enough to take the chill off without cooking the ingredients.
• Alternatively, you can use a stovetop method. Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat and gently warm the ingredients for a minute or two, stirring occasionally.
• Once warmed, combine the ingredients back with the fresh spinach.
• If the dressing has separated, give it a quick whisk or shake before drizzling it over the salad again.
• Toss everything together gently and serve immediately.

• Large mixing bowl: To combine the spinach, strawberries, almonds, and feta cheese.

• Small bowl: To whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper for the dressing.

• Whisk: To thoroughly mix the dressing ingredients.

• Salad tongs: To toss the salad and ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.

• Measuring cups: To measure the spinach, strawberries, and almonds accurately.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper precisely.

• Knife: To slice the strawberries.

• Cutting board: To provide a surface for slicing the strawberries.

• Serving bowl: To present the salad attractively when serving.

Pre-wash the spinach: Washing and drying the spinach ahead of time saves you a step when assembling the salad.

Use pre-sliced strawberries: Buying pre-sliced strawberries can cut down on prep time significantly.

Toast almonds in bulk: Toast a large batch of almonds and store them for future use, saving time on multiple recipes.

Make dressing in advance: Prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick assembly.

Buy crumbled feta: Purchasing pre-crumbled feta cheese eliminates the need to crumble it yourself.