Strawberry Spinach Salad Fresh (Print Version)

A vibrant mix of strawberries, spinach, nuts, and tangy balsamic dressing for a fresh, flavorful meal.

# What You Need:

→ Greens

01 - 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried

→ Fruits

02 - 1 1/3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

→ Cheese

03 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

→ Nuts & Seeds

04 - 1/3 cup sliced almonds or candied pecans, toasted

→ Dressing

05 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
07 - 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Set aside.
02 - In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, and toasted nuts.
03 - Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
04 - Gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.
05 - Serve immediately to retain freshness and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes, perfect for when you need something both impressive and effortless.
  • The sweet-tart-salty balance feels indulgent without weighing you down, making it equally at home at brunch or dinner.
  • Everything stays fresh and crisp because you dress it at the last second, unlike soggy salads that sit in fridges.
02 -
  • Never dress the salad more than a minute or two before eating—this is non-negotiable if you want that signature crunch that makes people ask for the recipe.
  • Toasting your own nuts changes everything; five minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat brings out an aroma and depth that pre-toasted nuts simply can't match.
03 -
  • Toast your nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for five minutes, stirring occasionally—this single step elevates the entire salad with almost no extra effort.
  • Whisk the dressing by hand rather than shaking it; you'll feel the exact moment it emulsifies into something silky instead of separated.
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