Ingredients
– 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
– 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment Needed
– Large salad bowl
– Knife and cutting board
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk (if making homemade dressing)
– Serving utensils
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Begin by washing your spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. I love using a salad spinner for this—it not only dries the greens perfectly but gives me a moment to appreciate their vibrant green color. Once it’s dry, place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
2. Next, prepare your strawberries! Slice them into thin pieces, and as you do, take a moment to inhale their sweet fragrance. Once sliced, scatter them generously over the spinach.
3. Now, it’s time to add the crunchy elements! Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and the chopped walnuts or pecans on top, followed by the thinly sliced red onion for some bite. The mixture of colors—green from the spinach, red from the strawberries, and white from the feta—is absolutely gorgeous!
4. Finally, drizzle your balsamic vinaigrette over the entire salad. If you prefer a homemade dressing, I recommend whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a dash of honey, and some salt and pepper. Toss everything gently to combine, but try not to break those lovely strawberries. (See the next page below to continue steps…)