Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad

Discover the vibrant and refreshing Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Toasted Nuts—a delightful dish that beautifully balances sweet and savory flavors. Packed with nutritious ingredients like spinach and strawberries, this salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also supports your health. Ideal for light lunches, dinner parties, or as a refreshing side, it's an adaptable favorite that's easy to make and visually appealing. Enjoy the burst of flavor and nutrition in every bite!

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Ingredients

6 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and dried

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced into thin rounds

1/2 cup red onion, finely sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped

1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (your choice of store-bought or homemade)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional: 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Start by carefully washing the baby spinach in cool water and gently drying it with a salad spinner or paper towels. Hull the strawberries by removing their green tops, then slice them into thin rounds. Finally, slice the red onion into thin slivers for a mild onion flavor.

Toast the Nuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Once warm, add the walnuts or pecans to the skillet. Toast them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until they turn golden brown and emit a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before adding to the salad.

Combine Spinach and Strawberries: In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly cleaned spinach leaves with the sliced strawberries, creating a colorful base for your salad.

Add the Extras: Gently incorporate the thin slices of red onion and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese into the salad mixture. Aim for a harmonious blend of colors and textures.

Dress the Salad: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the assembled salad mixture. Carefully toss everything together using salad tongs or two large spoons, ensuring that all ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Finish with Nuts and Basil: Evenly distribute the toasted nuts over the top of the salad for added crunch and a delightful rich flavor. If desired, scatter fresh basil leaves across the salad to introduce a fresh herbal note.

Serve: Serve the salad in individual plates for a refined presentation or serve it family-style directly from the bowl for a communal feel. Enjoy this refreshing and vibrant salad as a delightful starter or a light meal!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings