Strawberry Walnut Spinach Salad (Printable Format)
Vibrant blend of strawberries, walnuts, baby spinach, and balsamic dressing for a fresh, light meal.
# What You Need:
→ Salad Components
01 - 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and thoroughly dried
02 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 - ½ cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
04 - ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
→ Balsamic Vinaigrette
06 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
07 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1 teaspoon honey or pure maple syrup
10 - ¼ teaspoon sea salt
11 - ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, sea salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously until fully emulsified and set aside at room temperature.
02 - Place the washed and dried baby spinach in a large salad bowl as the foundation. Layer with sliced strawberries, toasted walnuts, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese if desired.
03 - Drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad. Using salad servers or tongs, gently toss the mixture to ensure all spinach leaves are lightly coated with dressing.
04 - Plate the salad promptly to maintain crisp texture. Optionally garnish with additional walnut pieces or strawberry slices. This dish is best enjoyed fresh while the greens remain perky.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The balsamic vinaigrette strikes that perfect balance between tangy and sweet
- It comes together in literally fifteen minutes but looks like something from a restaurant
02 -
- I once served this after letting it dress too early and ended up with wilted sad greens so dress right before serving
- The walnuts absolutely must be toasted that crunch is non negotiable
03 -
- If your strawberries aren't very sweet a pinch of extra honey in the dressing saves the day
- A mandoline makes those onion slices magically thin but a sharp knife and patience work too