Strawberry Walnut Spinach Salad (Printable View)
Fresh strawberries, crunchy walnuts, tender spinach, and balsamic vinaigrette combine for a lively salad.
# What You Need:
→ Salad Components
01 - 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and thoroughly dried
02 - 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
03 - ½ cup walnut halves, toasted until fragrant
04 - ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
05 - ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese, optional garnish
→ Balsamic Vinaigrette
06 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
08 - 1 teaspoon honey
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - ¼ teaspoon sea salt
11 - ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# How-To Steps:
01 - Place the washed and dried spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted walnuts, and red onion slices in a large salad bowl. Toss ingredients gently to distribute evenly.
02 - Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top if desired. This step can be omitted for vegan or dairy-free preparations.
03 - In a small bowl or jar with tight-fitting lid, vigorously whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until completely emulsified and slightly thickened.
04 - Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad immediately before serving. Use salad tongs to toss gently, ensuring all components are lightly coated. Serve at once to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sweet and salty combination hits every craving at once without weighing you down
- It comes together in fifteen minutes flat but looks impressive enough for company
02 -
- I once dressed this salad too early and ended up with wilted, soggy greens that nobody wanted to eat
- The walnuts lose their crunch quickly, so always add them at the very last minute and toast them right before you need them
03 -
- Buy strawberries at the peak of season and store them unwashed until you're ready to use them
- A glass jar with a tight lid makes emulsifying the dressing absolutely foolproof every single time