![- Spinach - Strawberries - Red Onion Fresh produce is key to this salad. Spinach adds a bright green base. I use 4 cups of fresh spinach, washed and dried. Strawberries bring a sweet and juicy bite. Slice up 1 cup of strawberries for the right flavor. Red onion adds a sharp taste. I prefer 1/4 of a red onion, thinly sliced for balance. - Walnuts - Feta Cheese Next, we add nuts and cheese. Walnuts add a nice crunch and healthy fats. Toast 1/2 cup of walnuts to enhance their flavor. Feta cheese gives a creamy, tangy touch. Crumble 1/4 cup of feta cheese for the best results. - Balsamic Vinegar - Olive Oil - Honey - Seasonings The dressing ties everything together. I use 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar for tang. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil for richness. A tablespoon of honey brings sweetness. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. This simple dressing makes the salad pop. For the complete recipe, check [Full Recipe]. Start by making your dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk until blended and smooth. The dressing should taste balanced. If it’s too tangy, add more honey. If it’s too sweet, a splash of vinegar helps. Now, move to the salad. In a large bowl, combine: - 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried - 1 cup strawberries, sliced - 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced Mix these ingredients gently. This helps keep the spinach intact. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss carefully to coat all the ingredients. This step is key. You want each bite to be flavorful. Taste the salad. Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding salt or pepper based on your liking. For a beautiful presentation, serve the salad in a large bowl or individual plates. You can sprinkle extra feta on top for a nice touch. Pair this salad with grilled chicken or a slice of crusty bread. It makes a great light meal or side dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Selecting Quality Spinach and Strawberries I always look for vibrant green spinach. The leaves should be crisp and free of brown spots. For strawberries, pick ones that are bright red and firm. Smell them too; ripe strawberries have a sweet scent. You want fresh ingredients for the best flavor. How to Toast Walnuts Toasting walnuts brings out their unique flavor. Start by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them often for about 5 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they smell nutty and are golden brown. Let them cool before adding to your salad. Substituting Ingredients You can easily swap ingredients if needed. Try using arugula instead of spinach for a peppery taste. If strawberries aren't available, use blueberries or apples. Each swap can give a new twist to this salad. Customizing the Dressing The dressing is simple yet can be changed. You might want to add a squeeze of lemon for brightness. If you enjoy a sweeter taste, increase the honey a bit. Mix and match until you find your favorite flavor. Preparing Ingredients in Advance Chop and wash your ingredients ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. This step makes it easy to throw everything together when you are ready to eat. Keeping the Salad Fresh To keep your salad fresh, avoid dressing it until serving. This way, the spinach stays crisp. You can store the salad components in airtight containers. They will stay good for a few days, making meal prep a breeze. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} Adding different elements to your spinach strawberry walnut salad can make it even better. Here are some fun ways to change it up. - Grilled Chicken: Adding grilled chicken makes the salad hearty. It gives you extra protein and adds a nice flavor. Just slice the chicken and mix it in with the salad. - Quinoa: If you want a plant-based protein, try quinoa. Cook the quinoa first, let it cool, and then add it to the salad. It adds a nice texture and boosts nutrition. - Adding Citrus Elements: Try adding citrus like orange or lemon. Squeeze some juice over the salad for a fresh zing. The bright flavor pairs well with strawberries. - Experimenting with Different Cheeses: While feta is great, you can try goat cheese or blue cheese. Each type adds a unique taste. Just crumble it over the salad to change the flavor profile. - Winter Ingredients: In winter, you can add roasted sweet potatoes or apples. These ingredients bring warmth and sweetness to the dish. They make the salad feel cozy and filling. - Fall Additions: In the fall, consider adding pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries. They add a pop of color and a burst of flavor. This makes the salad festive and fun. These variations keep your spinach strawberry walnut salad exciting and fresh. You can find the full recipe to get started! To keep your spinach strawberry walnut salad fresh, store it properly. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container. This helps to keep the flavors and textures intact. Try to eat the salad within two days for the best taste. For spinach, wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel. Then, place them in a plastic bag. This keeps the leaves crisp and fresh. Avoid storing spinach near fruits like apples and bananas. These fruits release gases that can cause spinach to spoil faster. How long can you store the salad? You can store this salad in the fridge for up to two days. After that, the spinach may wilt, and the strawberries may lose their freshness. Watch for signs of spoilage. If the salad looks slimy or smells off, it’s best to toss it. Mold is also a clear sign that the salad has gone bad. Best methods for reviving leftovers include adding fresh ingredients. You can toss in more spinach or some fresh strawberries to brighten the flavors. If the salad seems dry, drizzle a little extra dressing over it. When to discard? If the salad has been in the fridge for more than two days, it’s safer to throw it out. Always trust your senses. If it looks or smells bad, don’t eat it. Enjoy your spinach strawberry walnut salad while it’s fresh for the best experience! For the full recipe, check out the details above. You can store this salad in the fridge for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. After three days, the spinach may wilt and the strawberries may spoil. Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time. To keep it fresh, store the dressing separately. Mix the salad ingredients without the dressing. When you are ready to eat, add the dressing and toss. This keeps the salad crisp and tasty. If you have nut allergies or do not like walnuts, you can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These options add crunch without nuts. You can also skip nuts altogether and still enjoy a great salad. This salad is perfect for meal prep. Prep the spinach, strawberries, and onions in advance. Store them in separate containers. Add the walnuts and dressing just before serving. This helps keep everything fresh throughout the week. For a complete guide, check out the Full Recipe. This blog post covered everything you need for a Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad. We discussed key ingredients like fresh produce, nuts, cheese, and dressings. I provided step-by-step instructions for preparation and serving. Tips for choosing fresh ingredients and making variations were also highlighted. In summary, you can easily customize this salad to fit your taste. It’s a delicious and healthy option for any meal. Storing and reheating tips ensure you enjoy leftovers at their best. Dive into your salad-making and enjoy the vibrant flavors!](https://easycookingbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/7dafd5b4-60ac-4397-8031-40747006a9a5-250x250.webp)
Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad
Discover the perfect summer dish with this delicious Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad recipe! Bursting with vibrant flavors, this salad combines fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta, all tossed in a delightful balsamic dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's ideal for a light meal or a fresh side. Click through to explore this easy and healthy recipe that will impress your guests and nourish your body!