Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta
Enjoy the refreshing blend of flavors in Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta, a delightful twist on classic spinach salad recipes. This dish features the perfect combination of sweet and crisp notes, complemented by a tantalizing spinach salad dressing. Whether you're looking for a quick recipe for spinach salad or a refreshing spinach and strawberry salad, this dish is a flavorful celebration of the vibrant pairing of strawberries and spinach.
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Ingredients:
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6 cups fresh baby spinach
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1 1/2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
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1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
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1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
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12 Large Cherry Tomato's Cut in half
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Sweet And Savory Vinaigrette
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1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
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1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1-2 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon honey
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1/2 tsp Salt
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1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Salad Recipes
How To Make Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Feta
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In a large salad bowl, combine fresh baby spinach leaves with hulled and sliced strawberries.
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Add crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.
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Cut 12 large cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the salad.
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Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad ingredients.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Toss the salad gently to ensure even distribution of the ingredients and dressing.
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Serve immediately and enjoy your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and cherry tomatoes!
Sweet And Savory Vinaigrette
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In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, add the balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard.
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Finely mince the garlic cloves and add them to the bowl.
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Drizzle in the honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version) to balance the acidity of the vinegar. You can adjust the sweetness to your taste.
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Slowly pour in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking the mixture vigorously. If you're using a jar, you can simply shake it well to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
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Continue to whisk (or shake) until the dressing is well emulsified, meaning that the oil and vinegar have combined into a smooth mixture.
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Season the vinaigrette with salt and freshly ground black pepper
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Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the balance of sweetness, acidity, and seasonings as needed. You can add a bit more honey, vinegar, or salt, depending on your taste.
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Once you're satisfied with the flavor, your balsamic vinaigrette is ready to drizzle over your salad.
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Salad Variations
Grilled Chicken:
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Add slices of grilled chicken breast for a heartier, protein-packed salad.
Shrimp:
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Grilled or sautéed shrimp can be a fantastic addition for a seafood twist.
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Tofu: For a vegetarian option, marinate and pan-fry tofu cubes to add protein.
Nuts and Seeds:
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Toasted Almonds or Pecans: Reintroduce the crunch factor by adding toasted, slivered almonds or pecans.
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Sunflower Seeds: Sprinkle sunflower seeds for an added nutty flavor and texture.
Cheese Variations:
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Goat Cheese: Substitute feta with creamy goat cheese for a different tangy note.
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Blue Cheese: For a bolder flavor, crumbled blue cheese pairs well with the sweetness of strawberries.
Additional Fruits:
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Sliced Apples: Add crisp apple slices for a sweet and crunchy element.
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Mandarin Oranges: Incorporate mandarin orange segments for a citrusy twist.
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Blueberries or Raspberries: These berries complement strawberries beautifully.
Herbs and Greens:
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Arugula: Mix in some arugula leaves for a peppery contrast to the sweet strawberries.
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Fresh Mint or Basil: Chopped fresh herbs can enhance the overall freshness of the salad.
Crunchy Croutons:
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Homemade or store-bought croutons can be a satisfying addition for extra texture.
Dressing Variations:
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Raspberry Vinaigrette: Swap the balsamic vinaigrette for a homemade or store-bought raspberry vinaigrette for a fruitier dressing.
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Lemon Poppyseed Dressing: Create a zesty and slightly sweet dressing by incorporating lemon juice, honey, and poppy seeds.
Grains:
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Quinoa: For added heartiness and nutrition, mix cooked quinoa into the salad.
Avocado:
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Sliced avocado can add creaminess and healthy fats to the salad.
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To store the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta (including cherry tomatoes) and keep it fresh for later consumption, follow these steps:
Refrigeration:
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Store the salad in an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag to prevent air from reaching the salad. Make sure the container is clean and dry.
Keep Dressing Separate:
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If possible, store the dressing separately from the salad. This helps prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Temperature:
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Refrigerate the salad as soon as possible, ideally within two hours of preparation. Store it at a temperature of 35-40°F (1-4°C).
Seal Properly:
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Ensure the container or bag is properly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent odors from the refrigerator from affecting the salad.
Layering:
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If you must store the salad with the dressing, consider layering the ingredients. Place the heartier and less absorbent ingredients (like the spinach, strawberries, cherry tomatoes) at the bottom and the more delicate items (like the feta) at the top.
Use within 2-3 Days:
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Consume the salad within 2-3 days to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. The salad may become less crisp over time.
Toss Before Serving:
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Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ensure an even coating.
Remember that the salad may not be as crisp after refrigeration, especially if it has been dressed in advance. By keeping the dressing separate and following these storage guidelines, you can help maintain the salad's texture and flavor when you're ready to enjoy it.