When summer arrives, this Strawberry Spinach Salad becomes the star of my table. There’s something magical about the combination of juicy, sun-ripened strawberries, crisp, salty bacon, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed together with tender spinach and crunchy walnuts. It’s a symphony of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every single bite. Perfect as a light lunch or topped with grilled chicken for a satisfying dinner, this is the salad you’ll be making all season long.
Ingredients
• 4 packed cups (120g) fresh spinach leaves
• 8 medium (100g) strawberries, sliced
• 6 slices (60g) bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
• ½ cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup (40g) toasted walnuts
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup (60ml) Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette, for serving
Instructions
1. Directions
2. In a large serving bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, chopped bacon, crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, and thinly sliced red onion.
3. Just before serving, drizzle with your desired amount of Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette.
4. Gently toss the salad until all are lightly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Nutritional Information
• Per serving, dressing not included.
• Calories: 197
• Fat: 15 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Total Carbs: 5.8 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2 g
• Net Carbs: 3.8 g
Pro Tips
• Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. This simple step dramatically enhances their flavor and crunch.
• Transform this salad into a hearty main course by adding grilled chicken, blackened salmon, or even a scoop of quinoa.
• For the best results, add the vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the spinach from becoming wilted and soggy.
• Feel free to swap the feta for goat cheese or blue cheese, and the walnuts for pecans or slivered almonds for a different flavor profile.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this strawberry spinach salad ahead of time
A: For the best texture, assemble and dress the salad just before serving. You can prep the ingredients in advance by cooking the bacon, toasting the walnuts, and slicing the strawberries and onion. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to combine them.
Q: What can I use instead of feta cheese
A: This salad is very versatile. Creamy goat cheese is an excellent substitute for feta. For a bolder flavor, you could also use crumbled blue cheese.
Q: How can I make this salad a full meal
A: To turn this salad into a satisfying main course, add a source of protein. Grilled chicken, blackened salmon, or shrimp are great options. For a vegetarian meal, add a scoop of cooked quinoa or chickpeas.
Q: Are there other nuts I can use besides walnuts
A: Yes, feel free to swap the walnuts for other nuts. Toasted pecans, slivered almonds, or even candied pecans would all be delicious additions to this salad.
