Strawberry Spinach Walnuts Salad (Printable)
A fresh blend of strawberries, spinach, walnuts, and tangy vinaigrette for a light, flavorful dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Salad Components
01 - 5 oz baby spinach leaves, washed and thoroughly dried
02 - 8 oz fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced into quarters
03 - ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
04 - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
05 - 2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced
→ Balsamic Vinaigrette
06 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
08 - 1 tsp honey or pure maple syrup
09 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
# Directions:
01 - Place the dried baby spinach in a large salad bowl. Top with the sliced strawberries, chopped walnuts, crumbled feta cheese if using, and thinly sliced red onion.
02 - In a small bowl or sealable jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Whisk vigorously or shake until the mixture becomes thick and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
03 - Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the salad just before serving. Gently toss to coat all ingredients without bruising the spinach. Serve immediately as an appetizer or light main course.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in 15 minutes flat but tastes like something from a restaurant
- The sweet and savory combo is impossible to stop eating
02 -
- Dress this salad right before serving or the spinach will wilt into disappointment within minutes
- Dry your spinach thoroughly after washing because water on the leaves prevents the dressing from clinging properly
03 -
- Invest in good balsamic vinegar because cheap stuff tastes harsh and acidic
- Room temperature ingredients absorb dressing better than cold ones straight from the fridge