Description
A bright and refreshing salad featuring fresh strawberries, baby spinach, toasted almonds, and a tangy balsamic-poppy dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 120 g (4 cups) baby spinach
- 300 g (about 2 cups) strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 35 g (1/3 cup) sliced almonds, toasted
- 30 g (1/4 cup) crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- 30 g (1/4 small) red onion, very thinly sliced
- 5 g (handful) fresh basil, torn (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 45 ml (3 tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) balsamic vinegar
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) honey or maple syrup
- 5 ml (1 tsp) Dijon mustard
- 5 ml (1 tsp) poppy seeds
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) kosher salt
Instructions
- Toast the almonds by placing 35 g (1/3 cup) sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate to cool.
- Prepare the strawberries by hulling and slicing 300 g (about 2 cups) strawberries into even slices, about 6 mm (1/4 inch) thick. Thinly slice 30 g (1/4 small) red onion and soak in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the bite; drain and pat dry.
- Make the dressing by whisking together 45 ml (3 tbsp) olive oil, 30 ml (2 tbsp) balsamic vinegar, 15 ml (1 tbsp) honey, 5 ml (1 tsp) Dijon mustard, 5 ml (1 tsp) poppy seeds, and 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) kosher salt in a jar; shake until emulsified.
- Toss the salad in a large bowl with 120 g (4 cups) baby spinach, sliced strawberries, drained onion, and torn basil (if using). Drizzle half the dressing and toss gently; add more dressing to taste.
- Finish the salad by scattering 35 g (1/3 cup) toasted almonds and 30 g (1/4 cup) crumbled feta over the top. Season with freshly ground black pepper and a light pinch of kosher salt if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
Best served immediately to prevent sogginess. Store leftovers separately for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
