Go Back
Fresh baby spinach is the base of our salad. You need 4 cups of it. Make sure you wash and dry it well. This ensures your salad has a fresh taste. Spinach adds a nice crunch and is full of nutrients. It’s a great way to get your greens in! Next, we have strawberries and almonds. Use 1 cup of strawberries, hulled and sliced. They add a sweet touch to the salad. The bright red color makes the dish pop! Then, add 1/2 cup of sliced almonds. Toast them for extra flavor. They give a nice crunch and pair well with the berries. For the dressing, you will need a few simple items. Use 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix these in a small bowl. You can adjust the taste with salt and pepper. This dressing ties all the flavors together. It’s sweet and tangy, perfect for our salad. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a small bowl. Pour in a 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette. Add 1 tablespoon of honey. Whisk them together until smooth. This dressing adds a sweet touch. Taste it, and add salt and pepper as you like. Next, take a large mixing bowl. Place 4 cups of fresh baby spinach into it. Add 1 cup of hulled and sliced strawberries. Then, toss in 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. Mix these ingredients gently with your hands. Now, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss everything lightly to coat the spinach and fruit. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of toasted sliced almonds. If you want, add 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Toss again to mix well. Serve right away to enjoy the fresh flavors! To make a great Strawberry Almond Spinach Salad, you need fresh ingredients. Start with baby spinach. Look for vibrant green leaves with no wilting. They should feel crisp to the touch. Next, choose strawberries that are bright red and firm. Avoid any with dark spots. Sliced almonds should be toasted for a nutty flavor. You can toast them in a pan over low heat for a few minutes. This step adds a nice crunch to your salad. The dressing makes this salad shine. For the best taste, use high-quality balsamic vinaigrette. Blend it with honey to balance the tanginess. Whisk them together in a small bowl until they mix well. Taste it and add a pinch of salt and pepper if needed. This dressing enhances the flavors of the salad. Be sure to coat your salad lightly. Too much dressing can make it soggy. Serve your salad right after mixing for the best texture. The fresh spinach and strawberries will stay crisp. If you want to chill it, wait no more than 30 minutes. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch or side dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra almonds on top for a beautiful finish. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Spinach: Always opt for fresh, vibrant baby spinach for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Toasting Almonds: Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant to enhance their flavor. Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of mustard to your balsamic vinaigrette for an extra layer of flavor. Serve Fresh: For the best taste and texture, serve the salad immediately after tossing. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. {{image_2}} You can change up this salad easily. Try adding grilled chicken for protein. You can also swap sliced almonds for walnuts or pecans. If you want more sweetness, add blueberries or raspberries. Want extra crunch? Toss in some sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. This salad shines in spring and summer, but you can use seasonal fruits. In fall, add sliced apples or pears. For winter, try pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and flavor. Each season brings new tastes to explore. To make this salad vegan, simply skip the feta cheese. You can replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. This salad is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for those with gluten sensitivities. Enjoy the fresh flavors without worry! To keep your Strawberry Almond Spinach Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent wilting. The salad stays good for about 30 minutes after dressing. If you want to store it longer, keep the dressing separate. This way, your greens stay crisp. For the best taste, use fresh ingredients. Check your spinach and strawberries before use. Look for bright colors and firm textures. If your spinach wilts or strawberries are mushy, it’s best to discard them. Keep the salad away from strong-smelling foods in the fridge. This helps maintain its fresh flavor. You can prepare parts of this salad ahead. Wash and dry the spinach. Slice the strawberries and almonds. Store each in separate containers. When you are ready to serve, mix everything together. Add the dressing just before eating for the best taste and crunch. Yes, you can use other greens. Try arugula, kale, or mixed greens. Each green adds its own flavor. Arugula brings a peppery taste, while kale adds crunch. Mixed greens create a mild base. Just keep the same dressing. This way, you still enjoy that sweet and tangy flavor. The salad is best fresh. If stored in the fridge, it lasts up to 30 minutes. After that, the spinach can wilt. The strawberries may get mushy too. To keep it fresh, store the dressing separately. Mix it in just before serving. This keeps the greens crisp and the strawberries firm. This salad pairs well with many dishes. Serve it with grilled chicken for protein. It also goes great with fish, like salmon. Pair it with a light soup for a full meal. For a snack, enjoy it with whole-grain bread. The flavors complement each other nicely. This blog post covered how to make a fresh baby spinach salad with strawberries and almonds. We shared tips on the best dressing, choosing ingredients, and serving ideas. Variations let you try new flavors or make it vegan. Be sure to follow the storage tips for freshness. This salad is perfect for any meal and easy to customize. Enjoy making it your own!

Strawberry Almond Spinach Salad

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, and toasted almonds, drizzled with a honey balsamic vinaigrette.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 0.5 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 0.25 cup balsamic vinaigrette
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette and honey until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion.
  • Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
  • Add the toasted sliced almonds and crumbled feta cheese (if using) to the salad, and toss lightly again to distribute.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes for a chilled option.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes for a chilled option.
Keyword healthy, salad, spinach, strawberries