Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite summer salad! Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together sweet, juicy strawberries, creamy feta, and crisp baby spinach, all tossed in a tangy homemade balsamic dressing. It’s a colorful, flavor-packed salad that feels fancy enough for company but is so easy, you’ll make it anytime you crave something light and delicious. Whether you serve it as a lunchtime showstopper or a side dish at dinner, this salad delights with every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese is all about letting each ingredient shine. Every component in this recipe plays an important role — from the sweet burst of strawberries to the salty nibble of feta and the gentle crunch of toasted almonds. Here’s what makes this salad unforgettable:

• Fresh Baby Spinach: Provides a tender, vitamin-rich base with a subtle earthy flavor that lets the other ingredients pop.
• Strawberries, hulled and sliced: Use fresh, ripe berries for juicy sweetness and a beautiful bright red contrast.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy feta elevates the taste and adds a hint of saltiness.
• Sliced Almonds, toasted: Toasting almonds brings out their nutty aroma and gives the salad just the right amount of crunch.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A quality olive oil creates a luscious, fruity undertone for the dressing.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy-sweet depth that ties the dressing together and balances the salad’s flavors.
• Honey: Just a touch to mellow out the acidity and accentuate the strawberries’ sweetness.
• Salt: Helps highlight all the flavors; don’t skip it!
• Black Pepper: A dash of pepper provides a gentle warmth, finishing off the dressing perfectly.

How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Start by grabbing your largest salad bowl — it makes tossing everything together much easier. Add the fresh baby spinach, followed by the sliced strawberries, then sprinkle the crumbled feta and toasted almonds right over the top. The simple act of layering keeps everything looking gorgeous and evenly distributed.

Step 2: Make the Balsamic Dressing

In a small bowl or a mason jar, pour in your olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add in the honey, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using a jar, just screw on the lid and give it a really good shake; otherwise, whisk the ingredients until the dressing is beautifully emulsified and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad

Right before serving, drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Gently toss everything together using salad tongs or clean hands — make sure every leaf is lightly coated but don’t overmix, so the feta and berries remain intact. The goal is glossy spinach and evenly glistening toppings in every bite of your Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese!

How to Serve Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese

Garnishes

To make your Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese extra stunning, try adding a few reserved strawberry slices, a handful of additional crumbled feta, or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper right on top. Even a few tiny mint or basil leaves look beautiful and add a fun pop of freshness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a heartier meal. On the side, serve with a crusty baguette or a herby quinoa pilaf – both make a delicious backdrop for the salad’s bright, juicy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese in individual clear cups or small mason jars for portable, perfect portions. Another fun idea: layer the ingredients in a trifle bowl to show off the striking colors, or stuff the salad into whole wheat pita pockets for a unique lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately if possible. Once tossed together, the spinach will wilt over time, but undressed salad can be covered and kept in the fridge for up to a day. The feta and strawberries will keep their freshness best if kept cool and dry.

Freezing

This isn’t a salad suited for freezing, as the fresh spinach and strawberries will become soggy and lose their texture after thawing. The dressing, however, can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a week.

Reheating

Since Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese is meant to be enjoyed fresh and chilled, there’s no reheating required. If the salad has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

FAQs

Can I use another cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! Soft goat cheese is a lovely substitute if you prefer its tangy creaminess, while crumbled blue cheese can add a bold twist. Just about any mild, salty cheese will pair well with the strawberries and spinach.

What can I use instead of almonds?

Pecans or walnuts are fantastic options if you want a different flavor or texture, and pumpkin seeds work well if you need a nut-free alternative. Toast them up to bring out that irresistible crunch!

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious choice for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check labeling on cheeses and dressing ingredients if you have severe sensitivities.

How can I add protein to make it a meal?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are easy ways to turn your salad into a filling entrée. You can also sprinkle on quinoa or add slices of avocado for an extra boost of protein and healthy fats.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

You can prep the spinach, slice the strawberries, and toast the almonds in advance. For best results, wait to add the dressing and feta until just before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring some serious joy to your table, you have to try this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese. It’s easy to prepare, gorgeous to serve, and the mix of flavors is downright addictive. Whether you’re enjoying it solo for a quick lunch or sharing it with friends, this salad never fails to impress!

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