15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad: Fresh & Flavorful Delight

Recipe By:
Juliette
Updated:

Indulging in a vibrant 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is like taking a refreshing plunge into a cool spring breeze. Imagine the delightful crunch of fresh spinach, the sweet juiciness of strawberries, and the tangy pop of feta cheese dancing on your palate. Feta and cranberry salad pairing It’s a salad that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also looks like a work of art on your plate – vibrant greens and luscious reds mingling together.

This colorful dish is perfect for those busy weeknights or spontaneous picnics when you’re craving something light yet satisfying. Picture yourself whipping up this beauty in just 15 minutes while simultaneously impressing your family or friends – yes, you can be a culinary wizard without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute meals.
  • The flavor combination is simply divine, with sweet, savory, and tangy notes coming together harmoniously.
  • Visually, this salad is a feast for the eyes with its bright colors and textures.
  • Enjoy it as a light lunch, side dish for dinner, or even at gatherings!

Ingredients for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Fresh Baby Spinach: Choose vibrant green leaves that are crisp and healthy; they serve as the base for your salad.
  • Strawberries: Select ripe strawberries with a bright red color; they add sweetness and freshness.
  • Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and a salty kick; look for high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
  • Walnuts: Toasted walnuts bring crunch and nuttiness; chop them roughly to sprinkle throughout the salad.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: A drizzle of balsamic vinegar provides acidity and depth; opt for high-quality vinegar for maximum impact.
  • Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavors; it’s smooth and fruity, making it perfect for dressing salads.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

How to Make 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Wash the baby spinach thoroughly under cool water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner if you have one (you fancy!).

Step 2: Slice Those Strawberries

Hull and slice the strawberries into bite-sized pieces. The more strawberries you add, the more sweetness will burst through each bite!

Step 3: Toast Your Walnuts

In a small skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts until golden brown—about 3-5 minutes should do it! Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn (unless you want smoky-flavored salad).

Step 4: Combine It All

In a large bowl, toss together the spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted walnuts until well mixed—don’t be shy; show that salad who’s boss! Roasted vegetable chickpea bowl.

Step 5: Make Your Dressing

In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar and olive oil until emulsified. Drizzle it over your beautiful mixture.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Toss everything gently until well-coated in dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy that fresh crunch —feel free to garnish with extra walnuts or cheese if you’re feeling fancy.

Now transfer your masterpiece onto plates and revel in the glory of serving an irresistible salad that took no time at all!

You Must Know

  • This amazing chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
  • You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
  • The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
  • Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing and prepping your spinach, then slice strawberries while marinating your chicken. Toss everything together with your favorite dressing right before serving for that fresh crunch.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap spinach for kale or add some goat cheese for creaminess. Nuts like walnuts or pecans can bring in a delightful crunch, making this salad even more exciting.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To maintain freshness, avoid adding dressing until you’re ready to serve.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always wash produce thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides.
  • Use ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor.
  • A light drizzle of balsamic vinegar elevates the taste without overpowering it.

I once made this salad for a picnic, and everyone raved about how refreshing it was! It felt great to share something so simple yet delicious with friends and family.

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for a 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?

To prepare a delicious 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, gather fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, sliced almonds, and feta cheese. For the dressing, use olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and salt. Balsamic watermelon salad You can also add grilled chicken or turkey slices for protein. Ensure your ingredients are fresh to enhance flavors. This quick salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner.

How can I customize my 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?

You can easily customize your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad by adding your favorite ingredients. Consider including nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. You can swap feta cheese with goat cheese or leave it out entirely for a dairy-free option. If you prefer more sweetness, add some dried cranberries or blueberries. Feel free to experiment with different dressings to suit your taste.

Can I make the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare components of the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad in advance. Wash and chop the spinach and strawberries ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing in another container to prevent sogginess. Combine everything just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

What are the health benefits of a 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?

The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad offers numerous health benefits. Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C, while strawberries provide antioxidants that support heart health. Almonds add healthy fats and protein, making this salad nutritious and filling. The balsamic dressing enhances flavor without excessive calories. This salad is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a healthy meal option.

Conclusion for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad:

In summary, the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is a quick and easy dish that combines fresh ingredients for a delightful meal. With its vibrant flavors from strawberries and the crunch of almonds, it makes an excellent addition to any dining table. Customize it with your favorite toppings or proteins to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this nutritious salad as a refreshing lunch or side dish that everyone will love! For more inspiration, check out this refreshing blood orange salad recipe.

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15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Experience a burst of flavor and freshness with this vibrant 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad. Crisp baby spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts come together in a delightful medley that’s visually stunning and satisfying. Perfect for quick lunches or as a vibrant side dish, you can whip up this salad in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous picnics.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach (about 120g)
  • 1 cup ripe strawberries, sliced (about 150g)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 75g)
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped (about 30g)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Wash the baby spinach under cool water and pat dry.
  2. Hull and slice strawberries into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
  4. In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, feta cheese, and toasted walnuts.
  5. In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar and olive oil until emulsified.
  6. Drizzle dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat.
  7. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 370mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: - Customize your salad by adding nuts like pecans or swapping feta for goat cheese. - To keep leftovers fresh, store salad components separately and combine before serving.

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