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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Easy Homemade Balsamic Glaze

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
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A vibrant and refreshing salad combining fresh strawberries, crisp baby spinach, toasted nuts, and a luscious homemade balsamic glaze. Perfect for quick meals, gatherings, and a healthy treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups baby spinach (about 180g), fresh and crisp
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries (about 300g), hulled and sliced
  • ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (about 75g)
  • ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts (about 50g), roughly chopped
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar (120ml)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the nuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add pecans or walnuts and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned—about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the balsamic glaze: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally and let it cook down until syrupy and reduced by half (about 8 to 10 minutes).
  3. Make the dressing: Remove glaze from heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to taste. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Prep the salad ingredients: Rinse and dry baby spinach thoroughly. Hull and slice strawberries. Thinly slice red onion. Crumble feta cheese. Tear fresh basil leaves if using.
  5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, red onion, toasted nuts, and basil. Drizzle half the balsamic glaze dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Add more dressing as needed to taste.
  6. Serve immediately: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze for a pretty finish. Serve right away for the freshest flavor and texture.

Notes

Toast nuts to enhance flavor and crunch. Make balsamic glaze slowly to avoid bitterness. Use a salad spinner to dry spinach thoroughly. Toss salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp. The glaze can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to two weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, balsamic glaze, fresh salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, summer salad, potluck salad

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-balsamic-glaze/