Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Spinach: Fresh and vibrant, spinach forms the base of the salad, providing a nutritious and leafy green component.

Strawberries: Sweet and juicy, strawberries add a burst of flavor and color to the salad.

Toasted sliced almonds: These add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Feta cheese: Crumbled feta brings a creamy and tangy element to the salad, balancing the sweetness of the strawberries.

Olive oil: Used in the dressing, olive oil adds a rich and smooth texture.

Balsamic vinegar: This provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing.

Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.

Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a bit of a kick and helps emulsify the ingredients.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

Pepper: Adds a bit of spice and depth to the dressing.

To enhance the flavor and texture of your strawberry spinach salad, consider macerating the strawberries before adding them to the salad. Simply sprinkle a small amount of sugar over the sliced strawberries and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This process will draw out the natural juices, making the strawberries even more flavorful and slightly syrupy, which complements the balsamic vinaigrette beautifully.

• fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and nutritional profile, making it a great alternative.

• sliced strawberries - Substitute with sliced raspberries: Raspberries offer a similar tartness and sweetness, complementing the salad well.

• toasted sliced almonds - Substitute with toasted sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor.

• crumbled feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and similar health benefits.

• balsamic vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar offers a similar acidity and depth of flavor.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and can be used in the same quantity.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard has a similar tangy flavor and adds a bit of texture.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of seasoning with a slightly different mineral profile.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness with a slightly different flavor profile.

• To keep your strawberry spinach salad fresh, store the spinach and strawberries separately from the dressing. This prevents the spinach from becoming soggy.
• Place the spinach in a large, airtight container lined with a paper towel. The paper towel will absorb any excess moisture, keeping the spinach crisp.
• Store the sliced strawberries in a separate airtight container. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider placing a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb moisture.
• Keep the toasted sliced almonds in a small, airtight container at room temperature. This ensures they remain crunchy.
• The crumbled feta cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you have a block of feta, keep it in its brine to maintain its freshness.
• For the dressing, mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and dijon mustard in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the refrigerator and shake well before using.
• When ready to serve, combine the spinach, strawberries, almonds, and feta cheese in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Freezing Guidelines

• Freezing spinach is possible, but it will lose its crisp texture. If you must freeze it, blanch the spinach first by boiling it for 2 minutes, then immediately transferring it to an ice bath. Drain well and store in airtight freezer bags.
• Strawberries can be frozen by spreading them out on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Note that frozen strawberries will be softer when thawed.
• Toasted almonds can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag. This will help maintain their crunch.
• Feta cheese can be frozen, but it may change in texture. If you choose to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
• The dressing can be frozen in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator and shake well before using.

• Reheating a strawberry spinach salad can be tricky since you want to maintain the freshness of the spinach and the strawberries. Here are some methods to consider:

• Room Temperature Method:

  • Remove the salad from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together without wilting the spinach.

• Microwave Method:

  • If you must use a microwave, do so with caution. Place the salad in a microwave-safe dish and heat on low power for 10-15 seconds. This is just enough to take the chill off without cooking the spinach.

• Oven Method:

  • Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Spread the salad on a baking sheet and place it in the oven for about 5 minutes. This method is gentle and helps to slightly warm the salad without wilting the spinach.

• Stovetop Method:

  • Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add the salad and toss gently for 1-2 minutes. This method is quick and helps to warm the salad evenly.

• Dressing Reheat:

  • If you have leftover dressing, you can warm it separately. Place the dressing in a small saucepan over low heat until it is just warm. Drizzle the warm dressing over the cold salad to bring it to a more palatable temperature.

• Avoid Direct Heat:

  • Avoid direct high heat as it will wilt the spinach and make the strawberries mushy. Gentle warming is key to maintaining the salad's texture and flavor.

• Fresh Additions:

  • Consider adding fresh spinach and strawberries to the leftover salad to revive its freshness. This can help balance out any wilted or overly soft ingredients.

• Serve with Warm Components:

  • Pair the salad with warm components like grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. This way, the salad itself remains cool and crisp while the warm additions provide a delightful contrast.

• Large mixing bowl: Use this to combine the spinach, strawberries, almonds, and feta cheese.

• Small bowl: Use this to whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for the dressing.

• Whisk: Essential for mixing the dressing ingredients until they are well combined.

• Salad tongs: Useful for tossing the salad gently to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the spinach, strawberries, almonds, and feta cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Important for measuring the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the strawberries.

• Chef's knife: Ideal for slicing the strawberries evenly.

• Toaster or skillet: Use this to toast the sliced almonds to enhance their flavor and crunch.

Pre-wash and dry spinach: Buy pre-washed spinach or wash and dry it in advance to save time.

Use pre-sliced strawberries: Purchase pre-sliced strawberries or slice them the night before.

Toast almonds ahead: Toast the almonds in bulk and store them in an airtight container.

Make dressing in advance: Prepare the dressing a day before and store it in the refrigerator.

Combine ingredients quickly: Have all ingredients prepped and ready to mix just before serving.