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- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried - 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced I love using fresh baby spinach in this salad. It adds a nice crunch and is packed with nutrients. Make sure to wash and dry it well. The strawberries bring sweetness and color, making the salad pop. Choose ripe strawberries for the best flavor. - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted Feta cheese gives this salad a salty kick. Crumble it on top for a creamy texture. Toasted sliced almonds add crunch and nutty flavor. You can toast them in a pan for a few minutes until golden. - 1/4 cup balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste The dressing ties everything together. I mix balsamic glaze, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. The balsamic glaze adds sweetness and tang. Extra virgin olive oil gives richness. Honey enhances the flavors. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. This dressing is simple yet delicious! Start by making the dressing. Grab a small bowl and add the balsamic glaze, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients well. You want a smooth and tasty blend. Once mixed, set the dressing aside. Letting it rest helps the flavors blend. Next, take a large salad bowl. Add the fresh baby spinach and sliced strawberries. These two ingredients make a great pair. The spinach adds crunch, while the strawberries bring sweetness. Once they are in the bowl, drizzle your prepared dressing over the spinach and strawberries. Toss gently to coat the leaves evenly. Be careful not to break the leaves. Now it’s time for the final touches. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Then add the toasted sliced almonds. These add flavor and texture. Give the salad a final light toss. This helps mix in the feta and almonds without breaking them. Serve immediately for the best taste. If you prefer, chill the salad for 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavors. Enjoy this fresh and tasty dish! To keep your spinach fresh, wash it well. Rinse the baby spinach under cool water. Use a salad spinner to dry it gently. This step helps remove dirt and grit. When picking strawberries, look for bright red ones. They should feel firm, not mushy. A sweet smell is a good sign of ripeness. Avoid any that have green or white spots. Chilling your salad for 10-15 minutes boosts the taste. It allows the flavors to meld together. For extra flavor, think about adding fresh mint or basil. These herbs pair well with strawberries. A pinch of black pepper can also bring out the sweetness. Serve your salad in a large, shallow bowl. This style makes it easy to share. Drizzle some extra balsamic glaze over the top for a nice touch. To add color, place whole strawberries around the salad. Arrange the spinach and strawberries in a way that looks inviting. This makes every bite exciting! {{image_2}} You can switch out baby spinach for other greens. Try mixed greens or arugula for a peppery twist. If you prefer a milder flavor, use romaine lettuce. You can also change the cheese. Instead of feta, use goat cheese for a creamier taste. Crumbled blue cheese adds a bold flavor if you like stronger cheeses. While balsamic glaze shines in this salad, other dressings work well too. A honey mustard vinaigrette adds a sweet and tangy kick. You might also enjoy a citrus-based dressing. Adding fruits like blueberries or raspberries can enhance the flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can bring a new dimension to the dish. If you want a vegan salad, skip the feta cheese. You can replace it with avocado for creaminess. To make the dish gluten-free, ensure the dressing is free from gluten. Most balsamic glazes are gluten-free, but check the label. You can also add quinoa for extra protein and texture, making it filling and nutritious. To store your salad, use an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents sogginess. Place the spinach and strawberries in the container but add the dressing later. This way, the salad stays crisp. If you have feta and almonds left, keep them in a separate bag. This helps maintain their texture. You cannot freeze this salad. Freezing changes the texture of spinach and strawberries. They turn mushy after thawing. If you want to save it, try freezing the dressing separately. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. When ready to use, mix it with fresh ingredients. In the fridge, the salad lasts about three days. After that, the spinach wilts, and the strawberries become soft. Look for signs of spoilage, like a foul smell or discoloration. If you see any slimy spinach or mushy strawberries, it’s best to toss it. Always check before eating. The best balsamic glaze is thick and sweet. Look for one labeled as "aged" or "premium." These glazes have a richer flavor. Avoid cheap brands that are too runny and lack taste. A good glaze enhances the salad and adds depth. Yes, you can prepare some parts of the salad in advance. Wash and dry the spinach ahead of time. Slice the strawberries and store them in the fridge. However, add the dressing just before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. To make the salad more filling, add protein. Grilled chicken or chickpeas work well. You can also include quinoa or farro for a hearty touch. Nuts and seeds add extra crunch and nutrition, too. Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. Store the spinach, strawberries, and toppings separately. Keep the dressing in a jar. When ready to eat, combine everything. This way, you keep the salad fresh all week. Serve this salad with grilled meats or fish for a complete meal. It pairs well with burgers or sandwiches, too. For a light lunch, try it with crusty bread or a cheese platter. This article outlined how to create a delicious Balsamic Strawberry Spinach Salad. We talked about using fresh produce, dairy, and flavorful dressings. You learned step-by-step how to make the dressing and assemble the salad. Tips on keeping ingredients fresh and making your salad pop are included. In closing, this salad is not just tasty but also versatile. Mix and match ingredients to fit your taste. Enjoy it fresh or stored for later. Your salad journey starts here, so get creative and have fun!

Balsamic Strawberry Spinach Salad

Elevate your summer meals with this refreshing Balsamic Strawberry Spinach Salad! Packed with fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, and creamy feta, this quick and easy recipe also features toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. Drizzled with a homemade balsamic dressing, this salad is perfect for any occasion. Don’t miss out on the deliciousness—click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried

2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1/4 cup balsamic glaze

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic glaze, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Set aside.

    In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach and sliced strawberries.

      Drizzle the dressing over the spinach and strawberries, then toss gently to coat the leaves evenly.

        Add crumbled feta cheese and toasted almonds to the salad.

          Give it a final light toss to distribute the feta and almonds without breaking them up too much.

            Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill for 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavors.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl and drizzle with a little extra balsamic glaze on top for an elegant finish. Garnish with whole strawberries on the side for a pop of color.