Imagine biting into a refreshing, vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze, where the sweet juiciness of strawberries dances on your palate, mingling perfectly with the earthy spinach. The tangy balsamic glaze brings everything together in a harmonious symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing like they just won a karaoke contest. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Every time I prepare this salad, I am transported back to sunny picnics in the park with friends, laughter echoing as we enjoyed this delightful dish. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or as a light lunch that feels like a mini-vacation on your plate. Trust me, once you take a bite, you will be looking for excuses to whip it up again and again. For more inspiration, check out this salads for lunch recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Spinach Salad is quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights
- The flavor combination of sweet strawberries and tangy balsamic glaze is utterly irresistible
- With its bright colors and fresh ingredients, it’s visually stunning on any table setting
- Versatile enough to complement any meal or stand alone as a light lunch or snack
I remember serving this salad at a family gathering last summer, and everyone asked for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Spinach: Choose vibrant green leaves; baby spinach works best for tenderness and flavor.
- Strawberries: Look for plump, ripe berries without blemishes for the sweetest flavor.
- Red Onion: Use thinly sliced red onion for a mild bite that complements the sweetness of strawberries.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy texture and salty contrast to the salad’s sweetness.
- Balsamic Glaze: Opt for store-bought or homemade; it enhances flavor while adding beautiful drizzles.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness; use high-quality oil for the best taste.
- Salt & Pepper: A pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper elevate all flavors in this vibrant dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Salad Base: Start by rinsing the spinach under cool water and gently patting it dry with paper towels. This ensures your greens are crisp and free from grit.
Slicing Strawberries Like a Pro: Hull the strawberries by removing the green tops and slice them into quarters or halves depending on their size. The juicy red slices should glisten invitingly.
Add Some Zing with Onion: Thinly slice half of a red onion and toss it into your salad bowl. The sharpness of the onion will play beautifully against the sweet berries.
Crumble That Feta!: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of your salad mixture. Its creamy texture provides an excellent contrast to the juicy strawberries.
The Dressing Dance: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over your salad. A little goes a long way! Toss gently until everything is beautifully coated and gleaming.
Final Touches & Serve!: Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving immediately. Enjoy your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze while basking in compliments from family or friends!
You Must Know
- This vibrant strawberry spinach salad with balsamic glaze is not just beautiful; it’s a delightful balance of sweet and savory
- The fresh ingredients create a refreshing taste that dances on your palate
- It’s perfect for summer picnics or as a light lunch option
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by washing and drying your spinach thoroughly, followed by slicing the strawberries. Assemble the salad right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap goat cheese for feta, or add nuts like walnuts for extra crunch. Avocado can also bring creaminess to this delightful dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge without dressing to maintain freshness. Enjoy within two days for the best taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor in your salad
- Always dress salads just before serving to prevent sogginess
- Adding nuts enhances both texture and nutritional value, creating a more balanced meal
When I first made this salad for a summer gathering, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it; they even asked for seconds!
FAQ
Can I make strawberry spinach salad with balsamic glaze ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the ingredients but dress it right before serving to keep freshness.
What type of nuts can I add to the strawberry spinach salad?
Walnuts or pecans work wonderfully, adding crunch and flavor contrast.
How can I customize the balsamic glaze for my salad?
You can mix in honey or maple syrup for added sweetness if desired.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a refreshing, vibrant dish that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the earthiness of spinach. Topped with a tangy balsamic glaze and crumbled feta, this salad is not only visually stunning but also perfectly balanced in flavor. Ideal for summer picnics or light lunches, it brings a mini-vacation to your plate with every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the baby spinach thoroughly.
- Slice the hulled strawberries into quarters.
- Thinly slice the red onion and add it to a large salad bowl.
- Crumble feta cheese over the top of the salad ingredients.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze and olive oil over everything.
- Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently until coated.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg