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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Candied Walnuts for Perfect Summer Lunch

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
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A quick, fresh, and satisfying summer salad featuring baby spinach, ripe strawberries, crumbled feta, and crunchy candied walnuts tossed in a bright balsamic dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • 1 cup walnut halves
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Candied Walnuts: Heat skillet over medium heat. Add melted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt, stirring until combined and bubbling (about 1-2 minutes). Add walnuts and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until walnuts are toasted and caramelized. Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
  2. Wash and Prep Salad Ingredients: Rinse spinach thoroughly and dry. Hull and slice strawberries. Thinly slice red onion if using. Measure out feta cheese.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, and red onion. Pour dressing over and gently toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle crumbled feta and candied walnuts on top just before serving.
  5. Final Touches: Give the salad one last gentle toss, being careful not to bruise the strawberries. Serve immediately or refrigerate components separately and toss just before eating.

Notes

Keep heat medium to low when candying walnuts to avoid burning. Spread walnuts on parchment immediately after cooking to prevent sticking and clumping. Whisk or shake dressing well before tossing. Slice strawberries just before serving to keep fresh. Store candied walnuts in airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For dairy-free, omit feta or substitute with avocado cubes. For vegan, replace honey with maple syrup and feta with vegan cheese or tofu.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, candied walnuts, summer salad, fresh salad, easy salad recipe, healthy lunch, quick salad, balsamic dressing

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-easy-candied-walnuts-for-perfect-summer-lunch/