Description
Simple Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a fresh and vibrant summer salad made with sweet strawberries, tender spinach, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and a tangy homemade balsamic dressing. This easy salad comes together in minutes and works perfectly as a healthy lunch or refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds (optional)
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup blueberries (optional)
- 1/4 cup grilled chicken strips (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
Instructions
1. Rinse the spinach leaves under cool water and dry thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean towel.
2. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl and gently fluff the leaves.
3. Wash the strawberries, remove the green tops, and slice them into halves or quarters.
4. Add the sliced strawberries over the spinach leaves.
5. Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl. For a milder taste, soak onion slices in cold water for five minutes and drain.
6. Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese evenly over the salad.
7. Add sliced almonds or chopped pecans for crunch.
8. Add sunflower seeds or chia seeds if desired.
9. In a small bowl combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
10. Whisk the dressing until smooth and slightly thickened.
11. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess if needed.
12. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette lightly over the salad just before serving.
13. Toss gently with salad tongs so the dressing coats the spinach without crushing it.
14. Add optional avocado slices or grilled chicken if desired.
15. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra strawberries, nuts, or cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe and sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
- Baby spinach provides a tender texture, but mixed greens or arugula also work well.
- For a vegan version, omit cheese and replace honey with maple syrup.
- Lightly toast nuts in a dry pan for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately for the freshest texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg