May: Strawberry Spinach Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a fresh and vibrant taste of spring with our May: Strawberry Spinach Salad. This recipe is a delightful mix of fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, and creamy feta cheese, perfect for a light lunch or a dinner side. It's a quick and easy way to enjoy the season's bounty!

Ingredients for May: Strawberry Spinach Salad

Spinach: The fresh, crisp base of your salad. It provides a nutrient-rich backdrop that's both versatile and delicious.

Strawberries: These juicy red gems add sweetness and a pop of color. They’re the highlight of this recipe, bringing a refreshing, fruity note.

Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, it complements the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly.

Toasted Almond Slices: These add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that rounds out the salad's texture.

Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp contrast, it gives a subtle bite and depth of flavor.

Balsamic Vinaigrette: A classic dressing that ties all the ingredients together with its sweet and tangy notes.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Toast the almonds yourself for maximum freshness and flavor.
  • If the strawberries are a little tart, a sprinkle of sugar can balance them out.
  • For a more robust flavor, let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great side for a barbecue. Serve it alongside a crusty baguette or a bowl of creamy soup for a more substantial meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Goat cheese or blue cheese can be great alternatives for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients in advance, but wait to dress the salad until just before serving to keep it fresh.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinaigrette?
A simple mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar will do the trick. Add a touch of honey for sweetness if desired.

May: Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by rinsing and drying your spinach leaves. This ensures they're clean and crisp, setting the stage for a fresh salad. Next, grab a large salad bowl and toss in the spinach.

Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl. Their sweetness is going to be a game-changer. Crumble the feta cheese over the top, letting it mingle with the strawberries and spinach.

Sprinkle the toasted almond slices into the mix. These little guys are like the secret weapon for texture. Follow up with the red onion, which should be sliced nice and thin so it doesn’t overpower the dish.

Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over everything. Use a gentle hand here; you want just enough to coat but not drown the salad.

Give everything a gentle toss with a pair of salad tongs. Make sure every piece is lightly dressed. Finally, season with a little salt and pepper to taste, and there you have it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A beautiful blend of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of tanginess.
  • Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weekdays or a last-minute dish.
  • Simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

4 cups fresh spinach
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup toasted almond slices
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse and dry the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach with sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, toasted almond slices, and red onion.
3. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
4. Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

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