Strawberry Spinach Spring Salad (Printer View)

Tender spinach tossed with strawberries, toasted nuts, and goat cheese, finished with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

# Components:

→ Salad

01 - 6 cups baby spinach, washed and patted dry
02 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
03 - 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese (or crumbled feta as alternative)
04 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1/3 cup toasted pecans or sliced almonds

→ Balsamic Dressing

06 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
08 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Method:

01 - Combine extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl or jar; whisk or shake until emulsified and set aside.
02 - Place the baby spinach in a large bowl, then add the sliced strawberries and thinly sliced red onion.
03 - Scatter the toasted pecans or sliced almonds over the spinach and fruit for texture and crunch.
04 - Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the salad and use salad tongs to toss gently until ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the top just before serving and present immediately to preserve freshness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It delivers that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy in every bite—just like a secret shortcut to impress guests.
  • All you need is a quick chop and toss, and suddenly your table feels celebratory, even on a Tuesday.
02 -
  • If you toss the goat cheese in with the dressing, it vanishes into creamy oblivion instead of staying in delightful nuggets.
  • The day I tried using stale nuts, even the dog turned up her nose—freshly toasted is a game changer.
03 -
  • Always toast your nuts—even in a pinch, a few minutes in a dry pan wakes up their flavor.
  • Letting the salad sit for just five minutes after dressing lets everything meld beautifully without wilting the spinach.
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