Strawberry Spinach Balsamic Salad (Print version)
A refreshing salad with strawberries, spinach, nuts, and tangy balsamic dressing, ideal for spring and summer.
# Ingredient List:
→ Salad Components
01 - 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
02 - 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 - ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
05 - ½ cup roasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
06 - ¼ cup sliced cucumber (optional)
→ Balsamic Vinaigrette
07 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How To Make It:
01 - In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, nuts, and cucumber (if using).
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
03 - Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine.
04 - Serve immediately for best flavor and freshness.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sweet and savory combo hits every craving at once without weighing you down
- It comes together in fifteen minutes but looks like something from a restaurant
02 -
- I learned the hard way that adding dressing too early makes everything soggy now I always dress it right at the last second
- Room temperature ingredients matter here take the cheese out of the fridge twenty minutes before you start
03 -
- Candied pecans take this salad from great to unforgettable just toss warm roasted nuts with a bit of maple syrup before they cool
- Add sliced avocado or grilled chicken if you want to turn this into a main course that still feels light and fresh