Strawberry Spinach Bliss Salad

$- 4 cups fresh baby spinach - 1 cup fresh strawberries - 1/4 red onion - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup sliced almonds - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste To make a bright and tasty Strawberry Spinach Salad, start with fresh produce. You need four cups of baby spinach. This greens base gives your salad a nice crunch and a vibrant color. Next, slice up one cup of fresh strawberries. They add sweetness and a pop of red. Finally, add a quarter of a red onion, thinly sliced. This onion adds a sharp flavor that balances the sweet strawberries. Now let’s move on to the dairy and nuts. You will want half a cup of crumbled feta cheese. It adds creaminess and a salty bite. Toast a quarter cup of sliced almonds for the best flavor and crunch. The nuts bring a satisfying texture that pairs well with the soft cheese. For the dressing, whisk together two tablespoons of honey with one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. This mix brings a sweet-tart taste. Add three tablespoons of olive oil for richness. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. This dressing ties all the ingredients together and enhances their flavors. Gather all these ingredients, and you are ready to create a fresh and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the dressing, gather a small bowl. Add two tablespoons of honey. Next, pour in one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Then, add three tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle in a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Now, whisk all these ingredients together. You want a smooth blend that tastes sweet and tangy. Once done, set the dressing aside. Grab a large salad bowl. First, add four cups of fresh baby spinach. This will be the base of your salad. Next, layer one cup of sliced strawberries on top of the spinach. Their bright red color will make the salad pop. Now, sprinkle a half cup of crumbled feta cheese over the strawberries. This adds a nice creaminess. Then, toss in a quarter cup of toasted sliced almonds for a crunchy texture. Finally, add a quarter of a thinly sliced red onion. This gives your salad a nice bite. Before serving, drizzle the dressing you made over the salad. Be sure to coat everything well. Now, gently toss the salad. You want to mix all the flavors without breaking the spinach. Serve the salad right away for the best taste. Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors in each bite! - To choose ripe strawberries, look for bright red color. The berries should feel firm but not hard. Check for a sweet scent; this means they are ripe and ready to eat. Avoid any that have green or white spots. - For fresh spinach, choose bright green leaves. They should be crisp and free from wilting. If spinach feels slimy, it is not fresh. Always wash and dry it well to keep it crisp. - Keep your salad ingredients fresh by storing them separately. Place spinach in a sealed bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Store strawberries in a container with holes for airflow. This helps prevent spoilage. - For leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This will help the salad stay fresh and crunchy. - Add fresh herbs like basil or mint for a pop of flavor. You can also try a sprinkle of black pepper or a dash of chili flakes for some heat. These small changes can elevate your salad and make it more exciting! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness in your salad. Toast the Almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just shake well before drizzling over the salad. Season to Taste: Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference, as the feta cheese can add a salty flavor on its own. {{image_2}} You can switch fruits based on what is in season. In summer, use peaches or blueberries. In fall, try apples or pears. Each fruit brings a new taste. This keeps your salad fresh and exciting. You can always mix and match. Enjoy the bright colors and flavors of the season! If you need vegan options, skip the feta. Use avocado for creaminess instead. You can also swap honey for agave syrup. This makes it vegan-friendly. For a gluten-free choice, ensure your balsamic vinegar has no additives. Most balsamic vinegar is gluten-free, but check the label. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad! Adding protein makes the salad heartier. Grilled chicken works well. It adds a nice smoky flavor. You can also use chickpeas for a plant-based option. They add great texture and protein. Just toss them in with the other ingredients. Both options will make your salad filling and satisfying! Spinach is a superfood packed with vitamins. It has vitamin A, C, and K. These vitamins boost your immune system and improve your skin. Spinach also has iron, which helps your blood stay healthy. Strawberries are full of fiber and antioxidants. They help with digestion and can lower your risk of heart disease. Eating strawberries may also improve your mood. Feta cheese adds flavor and creaminess to the salad. It contains calcium, which is good for bones. Feta may also be easier to digest than other cheeses. However, feta has some fat and sodium. Use it wisely to keep your meal healthy. To make a balanced meal, serve the salad with grilled chicken or quinoa. These proteins help you feel full and satisfied. You can also enjoy it with a slice of whole-grain bread for added fiber. For drinks, pair the salad with iced tea or sparkling water. These drinks refresh your palate without adding too many calories. If you prefer something sweeter, a light lemonade works well too. Each serving of this salad has about 200 calories. The breakdown is as follows: - Fat: 15g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Protein: 5g This salad is low in calories, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. Enjoy the flavors without the guilt! Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time. To prep in advance, follow these tips: - Prepare the Dressing: You can make the dressing a day early. Just whisk the honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Store it in a jar in the fridge. - Wash and Dry Spinach: Wash and dry the spinach a few hours ahead. Keep it in a sealed bag or container. - Slice Strawberries: You can slice the strawberries a few hours before serving. Store them in the fridge to keep them fresh. - Combine Just Before Serving: Mix all the ingredients right before serving. This keeps the salad crisp and bright. The prepared salad is best eaten immediately. However, if you have leftovers, here are storage guidelines: - Refrigerate Promptly: Store the salad in an airtight container and put it in the fridge right away. - Use Within Two Days: The salad will stay fresh for up to two days. After that, it may lose its crunch. - Keep Dressing Separate: If you have leftovers, keep the dressing separate. This helps prevent sogginess. If you prefer not to use feta cheese, there are great substitutes: - Goat Cheese: This has a creamy texture and tangy flavor. - Vegan Cheese: Look for plant-based feta or crumbled cheese options. - Cottage Cheese: This is a mild alternative that adds protein. - Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan can add a nutty flavor. These options let you customize the salad to suit your taste! This salad combines fresh spinach, strawberries, and feta for a tasty dish. You learned how to make the dressing and assemble the salad step-by-step. Keeping your ingredients fresh will enhance the flavors. You can also modify the recipe to fit your diet. Remember, this salad offers great health benefits. Enjoy it as a light meal or a side. Try different variations to keep it exciting. With these tips, you will impress everyone with your salad-making skills. Happy cooking!$

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, and feta cheese, topped with a honey balsamic dressing.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Set aside.
In a large salad bowl, add the fresh spinach and layer the sliced strawberries on top.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted almonds over the salad.
Add the thinly sliced red onion for an additional layer of flavor.
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving.
Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients, ensuring the dressing coats everything evenly.
Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Notes

Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Keyword feta, healthy, salad, spinach, strawberries