Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Dressing

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Are you ready to fall in love with salad all over again? Let’s dive into the world of refreshing flavors with this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Dressing. Whether you’re managing a busy weeknight or prepping for a brunch with friends, this salad is a delightful way to impress without stress. Packed with vibrant ingredients and drizzled with a homemade balsamic dressing, it’s sure to be your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Strawberry Salad

First off, let’s just say that spinach and strawberries are a match made in heaven. The crispness of fresh spinach pairs beautifully with the sweet juiciness of strawberries, creating a refreshing contrast that makes every bite a little celebration! Plus, this dish is light yet satisfying, making it perfect for a quick lunch, a side for dinner, or a lovely starter for a gathering. And don’t worry, even your pickiest eaters will find something to love here—there’s magic in those strawberries!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your delightful salad:

6 cups fresh baby spinach
2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced (because a little zing never hurt anybody!)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, but highly recommended for a flavor boost)
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (or pecans if you like a twist!)
For the balsamic dressing:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Salad Glory

Wash and Spin: Start by washing your fresh baby spinach under cool, running water. Give it a good spin in a salad spinner or pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. Imagine it’s a mini gym session for your greens!
Slice & Dice: Next, grab your strawberries and hull them before slicing them into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice your red onion and set both aside.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (if you’re feeling sweet), salt, and pepper. The dressing should be a blissful balance of tangy and sweet—kind of like your favorite pair of jeans after a good wash!
Tossing Time: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, walnuts, and crumbled feta. Drizzle with your homemade balsamic dressing and toss gently to combine. Remember, gentle is the name of the game—you’re not trying to start a salad wrestling match!
Serve It Up: Voilà! You have yourself a stunning Spinach Strawberry Salad. Serve it immediately or toss it into the fridge if you want to prep ahead. Just don’t let it sit too long—nobody likes a soggy salad, right?

Cooking Tips

Walnut Swap: If you’re nut-free or just not a fan, feel free to leave out the walnuts or substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
Dress with Care: Always dress your salad immediately before serving for the freshest crunch. It’s like putting on a fancy coat right before heading out!
Leftover Makeover: If you have leftovers (which is a rare occurrence with this beauty), store them in the fridge without the dressing. They’ll stay crisp, and you can add more dressing later!

Personal Touch: My love affair with this Spinach Strawberry Salad began during a lazy summer afternoon when my sister Patricia and I were looking for something light and refreshing to accompany our lazy grilled chicken. One bite and we were hooked—not just on the flavor, but on the joyous memories of sharing summer meals together. Now, it’s our go-to recipe for everything!

FAQs

Can I substitute the balsamic dressing in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, try a lemon vinaigrette or even a poppy seed dressing for a different twist.

How can I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Just remember to store it without the dressing to keep the ingredients fresh.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Sure thing! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to chow down—nobody likes a wilty salad!

With a little bit of love and a dash of creativity, this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Dressing has the potential to become your go-to recipe for any occasion. It’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious! So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make a little kitchen magic together. Cheers to more flavorful moments and fewer dull dinners!

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