Strawberry Spinach Walnuts Salad (Printable)
Bright blend of strawberries, spinach, walnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette in a refreshing salad.
# What You Need:
→ Salad Components
01 - 5 oz baby spinach leaves, washed and thoroughly dried
02 - 8 oz fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
03 - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
04 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
05 - 2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced
→ Balsamic Vinaigrette
06 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 1/2 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
# Steps:
01 - Combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, chopped walnuts, crumbled feta cheese (if using), and thinly sliced red onion in a large salad bowl.
02 - Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until fully emulsified and smooth.
03 - Drizzle vinaigrette evenly over salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients. Serve immediately as a starter or light main course.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in literally fifteen minutes flat but looks like something from a restaurant menu
- The contrast between juicy berries and crunchy walnuts makes every bite interesting
02 -
- Dressed spinach gets sad and wilted within an hour. Keep the dressing separate until you are literally walking to the table.
- Red onion can overpower everything else. Slice it paper thin or soak the slices in cold water for ten minutes to tame the bite.
03 -
- Taste your strawberries before you start. If they are not sweet, add an extra teaspoon of honey to the dressing
- Room temperature ingredients make the vinaigrette come together faster than cold ones