Strawberry Balsamic Dressing With Spinach Salad Recipe

Whipping up this vibrant strawberry balsamic spinach salad makes me feel like a culinary artist, blending sweet, tangy, and nutty elements into a delightful masterpiece. The zingy, fresh strawberry dressing adds a burst of flavor that dances on the taste buds, making every bite an inviting journey of taste and texture.

My Strawberry Balsamic Dressing with Spinach Salad is a work of art. This salad combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the rich, deep flavor of balsamic vinegar with honey’s hint of sweetness that dresses this salad in lieu of traditional dressing.

But that’s not all! This salad is artfully composed, with crumbled feta, which may in fact be the most undelicious cheese on the planet – not that nasty fetta that comes in brine but the work-your-mouth kind without those annoying curds.

Olivas aren’t on the official list of contents, but if you have some, toss a handful in. Spinach is the foundation of this salad, which is bathed in fabulous color and flavor.

Strawberry Balsamic Dressing With Spinach Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Strawberries: Rich in vitamin C, they add sweetness and antioxidants.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Provides a tangy flavor and is low in calories.
• Honey: Natural sweetener with antioxidant properties.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat that enhances flavor and texture.
• Spinach: Packed with iron, vitamins A and C, and fiber.
• Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and is a good source of calcium.
• Almonds: Provide healthy fats, protein, and a satisfying crunch.

Strawberry Balsamic Dressing With Spinach Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 5 ounces fresh spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

How to Make this Strawberry Balsamic Dressing With Spinach Salad Recipe

1. In a blender or food processor, place the strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.

2. Combine the ingredients and mix thoroughly until completely smooth and creamy. The end result should be a rich and tasty strawberry balsamic dressing.

3. Sample the dressing and change the seasoning if you feel it is called for. This could involve adding more honey to up the sweetness factor or introducing additional balsamic vinegar to give it that sharp tang we so enjoy.

4. In a sizeable bowl for salad, set down the fresh spinach leaves as the foundation.

5. Distribute the crumbled feta cheese evenly across the spinach.

6. Pour the sliced almonds into the salad and mix them in well so that they are evenly distributed throughout.

7. Place the other salad ingredients beneath the delicate slices of red onion.

8. Right before serving, liberally drizzle the strawberry balsamic dressing over the salad so that it lightly coats all the ingredients.

9. With clean hands or salad tongs, toss the salad gently to ensure even dressing distribution.

10. Serve at once as a vibrant and refreshing light main course or side dish.

Strawberry Balsamic Dressing With Spinach Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Blender or food processor
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Large bowl for mixing salad
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Salad tongs or clean hands for tossing
7. Serving plates or bowls

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen strawberries for the dressing?A: For optimal flavor, use fresh strawberries; but if they’re unavailable, thawed frozen strawberries can be used. Just make sure to drain them well before adding them to your blender. You want to avoid any excess liquid.
• Q: How should I store leftover dressing?A: Keep the dressing in an air-isolated container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use it after shaking well.
• Q: Can I substitute the feta cheese?A: Yes, you can use goat cheese or blue cheese as substitutes if you want a different flavor profile.
• Q: What can I use instead of honey if I want a vegan dressing?A: Agave syrup or maple syrup can be used as a vegan substitute for honey.
• Q: How do I toast the sliced almonds?A: Position them in a pan that is dry and warm, set to medium heat. Stir them often, and not too close to the surface, so that the whole substance warms evenly. In about 3-5 minutes, they will be golden and fragrant.
• Q: Can this salad be made in advance?A: The dressing and salad components can be prepared separately and in advance. They should be combined just before service to ensure maximum freshness.
• Q: Is it possible to add protein to this salad?A: For additional protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas might be excellent additives.

Strawberry Balsamic Dressing With Spinach Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use fresh raspberries or blackberries instead of fresh strawberries for a different berry flavor.
Use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar if you want a dressing that’s a little more tangy.
Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, as a vegan-friendly alternative.
Replace olive oil with avocado oil, and you’ll get a slightly different flavor and some additional health benefits. But don’t use it just for that; use it because you love the nutty, buttery taste of avocado oil.
If you want crumbled feta cheese to have a creamier texture, then swap it for goat cheese.

Pro Tips

1. Enhanced Flavor Balance For a more balanced and nuanced dressing, consider roasting the strawberries beforehand. Roasting can intensify their sweetness and add depth of flavor to the balsamic vinaigrette.

2. Nutty Crunch For an added layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the toasted almonds. This will introduce a subtle smokiness or heat that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and honey.

3. Cheese Variation If you’re not a fan of feta or want to try something different, substitute it with goat cheese. Its creamy texture and tangy taste work well with the sweetness of the strawberries and the nuttiness of the almonds.

4. Onion Soak To make the red onion milder and slightly less pungent, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will make them more palatable without losing their crunch and flavor.

5. Dressing Storage If you have leftover dressing, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It may thicken as it chills, so let it reach room temperature or whisk in a bit of water before using it again.