Classic Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Make this sweet and savory spinach and strawberry salad recipe. It serves as a light meal or a side dish, featuring bright strawberries, dark spinach, and creamy cheese, topped with a simple balsamic vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 ounces feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the washed spinach and sliced strawberries.
- If you are not serving immediately, keep the dressing separate to prevent the spinach from wilting.
- Just before serving, drizzle about half of the vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss the ingredients to coat lightly.
- Divide the salad among serving plates. Top each portion with crumbled feta or goat cheese and toasted sliced almonds.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Toasting the almonds brings out their flavor; place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, watching closely.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, increase the honey slightly.
- This salad is excellent for a healthy lunch aesthetic pinterest presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 21
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 25