Description
A fresh and vibrant Spinach Strawberry Salad featuring a homemade basil vinaigrette, tender baby spinach, sweet strawberries, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy sliced almonds. This quick and easy salad is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, coming together in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Basil Vinaigrette
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Salad
- 1 (5 ounce) container baby spinach
- 1 cup strawberries (quartered)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Prepare the Basil Vinaigrette: Add fresh basil leaves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a small food processor or blender. Process for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the mixture is smooth and has a bright green color, creating a flavorful and vibrant dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: Place the baby spinach on a large serving platter or salad bowl. Evenly scatter the quartered strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced almonds over the spinach for a balanced mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the prepared basil vinaigrette over the salad just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp. Toss lightly if desired and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the vinaigrette to maximize flavor and vibrancy.
- For a nuttier taste, toast the sliced almonds lightly before adding to the salad.
- Substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a creamier texture if preferred.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be prepped in advance by making the dressing and keeping ingredients separate until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American