Description

A bright, refreshing, and easy-to-assemble salad featuring baby spinach, fresh strawberries, toasted walnuts, and feta cheese with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

6 ounces baby spinach (pre-washed)
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled (optional)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small clove garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Wash and dry the strawberries, then slice off the green tops and cut them in half or quarters depending on size.
Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Let them cool.
In a small jar with a lid, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Screw the lid on tight and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until emulsified.
If using loose spinach, wash and dry thoroughly. Thinly slice the red onion; soak in cold water for 5-10 minutes if you prefer a milder flavor.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the spinach and red onion gently.
Add the strawberries and toasted walnuts to the bowl. Crumble the feta (and goat cheese if using) over the top.
Just before serving, drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad. Toss gently with tongs to coat the leaves without bruising them. Add more dressing or salt to taste if needed.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Toast walnuts for better flavor. Ensure spinach is completely dry to prevent soggy salad. Dress immediately before serving. Can be made dairy-free by omitting cheese and using maple syrup. Can be made vegan by omitting cheese and honey.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Salad
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 180
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 220
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 12
Fiber: 3
Protein: 6

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, weeknight dinner, healthy salad, balsamic vinaigrette, easy recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free