Mastering Strawberry Feta Spinach

This strawberry feta spinach salad combines the perfect balance of sweet juicy berries, tangy cheese, and fresh greens for a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing. The simple balsamic dressing ties everything together, making this my go-to option when I want something light yet satisfying.

I first created this salad for a summer picnic and was amazed at how quickly it disappeared. Even my vegetable-skeptical nephew asked for seconds, which in our family counts as a culinary miracle.

Ingredients

• Fresh baby spinach: serves as the perfect tender base with mild flavor that lets other ingredients shine
• Strawberries: bring natural sweetness and bright color look for plump berries with deep red color
• Feta cheese: adds creamy tanginess choose a quality Greek feta for best flavor
• Walnuts: provide essential crunch and healthy fats toast them lightly for enhanced flavor
• Red onion: delivers a gentle bite that balances the sweetness select smaller onions for milder flavor
• Balsamic vinaigrette: ties everything together with its sweet acidity use a high quality aged balsamic if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Ingredients:

Hull and slice strawberries using a sharp paring knife to remove the green tops completely. Crumble feta into small but not tiny pieces for better distribution throughout the salad. Chop walnuts coarsely so they retain texture. Slice red onion paper thin to avoid overpowering other flavors.

Create Base:

Add all 8 cups of baby spinach to your largest mixing bowl, ensuring plenty of room for tossing. The spinach will create a fluffy bed that catches all the dressing and smaller ingredients.

Layer Components:

Arrange sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, chopped walnuts, and red onion slices over the spinach. Distributing ingredients evenly across the top creates a beautiful presentation and ensures balanced flavors in every bite.

Add Dressing:

Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette slowly and evenly across the entire salad, starting around the edges and working toward the center. Using exactly one third cup provides enough coverage without making the salad soggy.

Gentle Tossing:

Using salad tongs or two large spoons, lift ingredients from the bottom and fold over the top with a light touch. Repeat this motion 5 to 8 times until everything is lightly coated but not crushed or bruised.

Save This

The secret that transforms this salad from good to exceptional is using perfectly ripe strawberries. I learned this during berry season last year when I made two versions side by side using supermarket berries versus freshly picked ones. The difference in sweetness and aroma was immediately noticeable to everyone at the table.

Make Your Own Dressing

While store bought vinaigrette works perfectly fine, creating your own elevates this salad considerably. Simply whisk together 3 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar, 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. The freshness is unmatched and allows you to adjust sweetness according to how ripe your strawberries are.

Seasonal Adaptations

This salad shifts beautifully with the seasons. In summer, add blueberries or blackberries alongside the strawberries. Fall calls for sliced pears and cranberries instead of strawberries. Winter works wonderfully with segmented citrus and pomegranate seeds. Spring welcomes tender asparagus tips and pea shoots alongside early strawberries.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vibrant salad on chilled plates for the most refreshing experience. It pairs wonderfully with grilled salmon, lemon herb chicken, or a simple crusty bread and white wine for a complete meal. For entertaining, consider serving it in individual portions on small plates as a stunning first course.

Common Queries

→ What type of spinach works best?

Fresh baby spinach is ideal for its tender leaves and mild flavor, providing the perfect base for the salad's toppings.

→ Can nuts be substituted?

Absolutely! Walnuts can be replaced with pecans or almonds for a different texture or flavor profile.

→ How do I keep the salad fresh?

It's best served immediately, but you may refrigerate for 30 minutes to meld flavors. For storage, keep tightly sealed for up to 1-2 days.

→ What's a good protein addition?

Grilled chicken or tofu makes this salad more filling and adds extra protein while complementing the existing flavors.

→ Can dressing be customized?

Yes, swap balsamic vinaigrette for a strawberry vinaigrette to add sweetness, or use your preferred light dressing.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

You can prepare the components ahead, but toss everything together just before serving to keep the spinach crisp.