Table of Contents
Ingredients:
- For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, rinsed and patted dry
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Begin by preparing your spinach—if it’s not pre-washed, give it a good rinse under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Slice your strawberries, and if you’re including red onion, slice it thinly. If using almonds, toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until they’re just golden and fragrant.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion (if using). If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it over the top along with the toasted almonds.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creates a beautifully emulsified dressing that’s both sweet and tangy, perfect for draping over the fresh ingredients.
- Dress the Salad:
- Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together to make sure the spinach, strawberries, and other components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing to ensure the spinach stays fresh and crisp. This salad makes a fantastic side dish or can be enjoyed as a light, refreshing meal on its own.
Tips and Variations:
- Nuts: Almonds add a lovely crunch, but walnuts or pecans are also fantastic in this salad.
- Cheese: Feta or goat cheese adds a creamy tanginess, but blue cheese can be an exciting twist for a stronger flavor.
- Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken or salmon on top.
- Fruit: Feel free to include other berries or even sliced avocado for additional textures and flavors.