Spring Recipe: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm days or as a colorful side to any meal. This simple salad brings together sweet strawberries, fresh spinach, and a tangy balsamic glaze to create a balanced flavor that tastes as good as it looks. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or a potluck, this salad is easy to prepare and full of healthy ingredients that won’t weigh you down.
Ingredients
Here’s how each ingredient brings the salad together:
Fresh spinach: This is the base of your salad. Spinach is tender, mild in flavor, and full of nutrients like iron and vitamin C. It pairs really well with sweet and tangy ingredients.
Strawberries: Sweet, juicy strawberries add a burst of flavor and color. Their natural sweetness balances the tanginess of the glaze and the slight bitterness of the greens.
Goat cheese or feta: Both add a creamy, tangy contrast to the fruit. Goat cheese is softer and richer, while feta offers a slightly saltier taste. Either choice adds depth to the salad.
Toasted walnuts or pecans: These bring crunch and a nutty flavor, plus healthy fats. Toasting them enhances their aroma and gives your salad a bit of extra texture.
Red onion (thinly sliced): Just a few slices will add a little bite and sharpness that balances the sweet and creamy elements.
Balsamic glaze: This is the star of the dressing. It’s thick, sweet, and tangy, and it ties everything together. Drizzling it on top adds flavor and a nice finish without needing a full dressing.
Olive oil (optional): A light drizzle of olive oil can soften the glaze and add a silky texture to the salad.
Steps to make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze
1. Wash and prep the spinach
Rinse your spinach leaves thoroughly under cold water, then pat them dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner. This helps keep the salad crisp and fresh.
2. Slice the strawberries
Remove the stems and slice your strawberries lengthwise. Try to keep the slices even so they blend well in each bite.
3. Toast the nuts
Place your walnuts or pecans in a dry pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally for 3–5 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Let them cool before adding to the salad.
4. Thinly slice the red onion
Use a sharp knife to slice the onion into thin rings or half-moons. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
5. Assemble the salad
In a large bowl or serving dish, layer the spinach first. Add the sliced strawberries, sprinkle the red onion, crumble the goat cheese or feta, and top with the toasted nuts.
6. Drizzle with balsamic glaze
Finish the salad with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top. You can add a touch of olive oil if you like, but it’s totally optional.
7. Toss or serve as is
If you’re serving right away, give it a gentle toss so the flavors mix. Otherwise, serve it as is and let everyone dig in.
Cooking Tips
These simple tips will help you make the most out of your Strawberry Spinach Salad and ensure every bite is full of flavor and texture.
- Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If they’re too sour, add a tiny pinch of sugar before adding them to the salad.
- If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens and reduces.
- Prep all the ingredients in advance but wait to drizzle the glaze until just before serving to keep everything crisp.
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