The sun is shining, and your taste buds are begging for something vibrant and fresh. Imagine biting into a juicy strawberry, its sweetness bursting in your mouth, perfectly complemented by the crunch of tender spinach and a rich balsamic glaze that dances on your palate. balsamic brown sugar pork roast This strawberry spinach summer salad with balsamic glaze isn’t just a dish; it’s a celebration on a plate, ready to make your next picnic or BBQ unforgettable.
This recipe brings back memories of lazy summer afternoons spent lounging in the backyard, enjoying laughter and good company. I can still hear the chatter among friends as we passed around bowls of this delightful salad, all while trying not to drop any strawberries — an Olympic event in itself. Perfect for warm days or as a light side dish at dinner gatherings, this salad promises an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This strawberry spinach summer salad with balsamic glaze is quick to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Its sweet and tangy flavor profile will tantalize your taste buds while being visually stunning on any table.
- You can easily customize it with seasonal ingredients for extra flair.
- Ideal for picnics or barbecues, it’s a versatile dish that complements almost any meal.
Ingredients for Strawberry spinach summer salad with balsamic glaze
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Spinach: Use baby spinach leaves for a tender texture; they add color and nutrition.
- Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries; their sweetness is key to enhancing the salad’s flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta provides a creamy contrast to the crisp textures of the salad.
- Walnuts: Lightly toasted walnuts add crunch and nuttiness that balances the sweetness of strawberries.
- Balsamic Glaze: Store-bought or homemade, this glaze adds a tangy sweetness that ties all ingredients together.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Strawberry spinach summer salad with balsamic glaze
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Rinse and dry your fresh spinach leaves thoroughly. Slice the strawberries into thin pieces so they sit beautifully on top of the greens.
Step 2: Combine Spinach and Strawberries
In a large mixing bowl, add the baby spinach leaves and sliced strawberries. Toss them gently to mix without bruising those precious berries.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Nuts
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad followed by toasted walnuts. The creaminess of the feta combined with the crunch of walnuts creates an irresistible texture contrast.
Step 4: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze
Generously drizzle balsamic glaze over your gorgeous creation. Be adventurous — go heavy if you enjoy that sweet-tangy kick!
Step 5: Toss Gently
Using tongs or two large spoons, toss everything together carefully until all ingredients are coated in that heavenly glaze.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Transfer your beautiful strawberry spinach summer salad with balsamic glaze onto plates or serve straight from the bowl. Enjoy it fresh for maximum flavor!
Now you have created a dish that’s not only easy but also brimming with freshness! It’s perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself in something seriously tasty on a hot day.
You Must Know
- This refreshing strawberry spinach summer salad with balsamic glaze is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a quick way to elevate any meal.
- The combination of sweet strawberries and peppery spinach creates a delightful taste explosion that everyone will love.
- Perfect for picnics or a light dinner, it’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by washing the spinach and slicing the strawberries. While you toss those together in a bowl, whisk up your balsamic glaze. Drizzle it over the salad just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preference! Add nuts for crunch, feta cheese for creaminess, or even grilled chicken to make this salad a full meal. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To maintain freshness, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy another serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh strawberries for sweetness; frozen ones can turn mushy.
- Always wash spinach thoroughly to remove grit.
- Don’t add dressing until just before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant.
Sometimes I whip up this strawberry spinach summer salad with balsamic glaze at family gatherings, and I’ve received rave reviews every single time—who knew salad could steal the show?
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for a strawberry spinach summer salad with balsamic glaze?
To make a delicious strawberry spinach salad with balsamic glaze, gather fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced almonds. You’ll also need a homemade or store-bought balsamic glaze to drizzle on top. Optionally, you can add sliced red onions for extra flavor. This combination of ingredients creates a refreshing dish perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a light lunch. For more inspiration, check out this strawberry cheesecake cookies recipe.
How do I prepare the dressing for my salad?
For the dressing in your strawberry spinach summer salad with balsamic glaze, simply mix balsamic vinegar with olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. If you prefer convenience, you can also use a pre-made balsamic glaze. Drizzle this over your salad just before serving for the best flavor.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
While it’s best to enjoy your strawberry spinach summer salad with balsamic glaze fresh to maintain its crispness, you can prepare some components ahead of time. Wash and dry the spinach and slice the strawberries in advance. Keep them stored separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad right before serving to ensure it retains its texture and flavor.
What are some variations of this salad?
You can customize your strawberry spinach summer salad with balsamic glaze to suit your taste preferences. Try adding protein like grilled chicken stir fry recipe/”>quick cabbage stir fry You can also substitute goat cheese for feta or use walnuts instead of almonds for added crunch. These variations create unique flavors while maintaining the essence of the original recipe.
Conclusion for Strawberry spinach summer salad with balsamic glaze :
In summary, the strawberry spinach salad with balsamic glaze is an easy and refreshing dish that combines vibrant flavors and textures. With simple ingredients like fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, and creamy feta cheese, it makes a perfect addition to any meal or gathering. Remember to prepare your dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh! Enjoy this delightful salad during the warm months for a light yet satisfying option that everyone will love.
Strawberry Spinach Summer Salad with Balsamic Glaze
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Elevate your summer gatherings with this vibrant Strawberry Spinach Summer Salad, a delightful blend of juicy strawberries, tender spinach, and creamy feta, all drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light dinners, bursting with fresh flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Quick to prepare and visually stunning, it’s a refreshing way to celebrate seasonal ingredients while impressing your guests.
Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup ripe strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup toasted walnuts
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the baby spinach thoroughly. Slice the strawberries.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach and sliced strawberries; toss gently.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted walnuts over the salad.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze generously on top.
- Toss gently until everything is coated.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (210g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: - Customize by adding grilled chicken for protein or substituting goat cheese for feta. - For added sweetness, consider mixing in blueberries or mandarin oranges. - To maintain freshness, store leftovers in an airtight container without dressing.