Description
A fresh and vibrant spinach strawberry salad featuring tender baby spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a sweet and tangy homemade balsamic dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal or side dish in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 5 oz spinach or baby kale, washed (about 5 cups)
- 1 lb strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup candied pecans
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Wash Greens and Fruit: Wash and dry the spinach and strawberries thoroughly to remove any dirt and ensure freshness.
- Slice Strawberries: Hull the strawberries by removing the green leafy tops, then slice them evenly for a uniform texture.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, and crumbled feta cheese to build the base of your salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, raw honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the mixture is emulsified and well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle candied pecans over the top as a crunchy, sweet finishing touch and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Substitute goat cheese if feta isn’t available or preferred.
- For a nut-free option, omit candied pecans or replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
- Adjust honey and mustard quantities in the dressing to taste for a sweeter or tangier profile.
- Serve immediately after dressing to prevent spinach from wilting.
- This salad can be easily doubled for larger groups.
