Description
This quick and vibrant Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is a refreshing side dish that comes together in just a few minutes. Sweet strawberries, tender baby spinach, crunchy nuts, and creamy feta are tossed together with a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette. It’s perfect for weeknight meals or when you need a crowd-pleasing, colorful salad in a hurry.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Salad
- 5 oz (about 6 cups) baby spinach, washed and dried
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (or pecans or walnuts for variation)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar with a lid, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the salad base: In a large salad bowl, add the baby spinach leaves, making sure they are dry to prevent wilting.
- Add mix-ins: Scatter the sliced strawberries over the spinach, followed by the sliced almonds and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss and serve: Drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Gently toss everything together until the spinach is lightly coated and the toppings are evenly distributed. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein and to make it a main course.
- Substitute goat cheese or omit cheese for a vegan option.
- Swap almonds with pecans or walnuts as preferred.
- To keep strawberries fresh, add them just before serving.
- Toss salad right before serving to prevent wilting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
