Savory Spinach and Strawberry Feta Delight
This Savory Spinach and Strawberry Feta Delight is a vibrant and refreshing salad that beautifully combines the peppery taste of baby spinach, the sweetness of freshly sliced strawberries, and the creamy tang of feta cheese. Enhanced with a hint of red onion for crunch and topped with fragrant basil blossoms, each bite offers a burst of flavor that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at your next gathering. Drizzled with a homemade raspberry balsamic vinaigrette, this salad not only delights the palate but also provides a colorful and nutritious addition to your meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby Spinach
1-2 cup (loose and washed)
Strawberries
4 (washed, hulled, halved and sliced)
Feta Cheese
1-2 tablespoon (crumbled)
Red Onion
1 teaspoon (thinly sliced)
Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (for dressing)
White Pepper
to taste (freshly ground for garnish)
Basil Blossoms
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the stems from the baby spinach leaves and thoroughly wash them under cold water. Gently pat dry.
2
Wash, hull, halve, and then slice the strawberries into thin pieces, taking care to keep them uniform in size for a beautiful presentation.
3
Peel and thinly slice the red onion; set aside to mellow the flavor.
4
Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces for easy mixing.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the prepared baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, and sliced red onion. Toss gently to combine and set aside.
6
In a blender or small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 1 tablespoon of raspberry balsamic vinegar. Blend for about 15 seconds or whisk until well mixed. Adjust the ratio to your personal taste preference.
7
Drizzle the dressing over the salad, ensuring a light coating. Toss the salad to evenly distribute the dressing, using tongs to lift it gently.
8
Plate the salad beautifully on a serving dish, and finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground white pepper and a scattering of basil blossoms for an aromatic touch.
9
Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Savory Spinach and Strawberry Feta Delight?
The main ingredients include baby spinach, fresh strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, red onion, raspberry balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, white pepper, and basil blossoms.
What kind of spinach should I use?
The recipe calls specifically for baby spinach leaves because they are more tender and offer a milder flavor compared to mature spinach.
How many strawberries are needed for this salad?
You will need 4 strawberries, which should be washed, hulled, halved, and then thinly sliced.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian as it contains only plant-based ingredients and dairy cheese.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative or omit the cheese entirely.
What is in the homemade dressing?
The dressing is a simple raspberry balsamic vinaigrette made from 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of raspberry balsamic vinegar.
How do I prepare the red onion?
Peel the red onion and slice it very thinly. The recipe suggests letting it set aside for a few minutes to mellow the sharp flavor.
What are basil blossoms and are they edible?
Basil blossoms are the small flowers that grow on a basil plant. They are completely edible and provide a fragrant, aromatic touch to the salad.
What type of pepper is recommended for seasoning?
The recipe recommends using freshly ground white pepper to garnish the salad for a subtle heat.
Can I substitute the raspberry balsamic vinegar?
Yes, if you do not have raspberry balsamic vinegar, you can use regular balsamic vinegar or a red wine vinegar with a touch of honey.
How should I wash the baby spinach?
Remove the stems and wash the leaves thoroughly under cold water, then gently pat them dry before assembling the salad.
What is the ratio of oil to vinegar in the dressing?
The ratio is 2 parts extra virgin olive oil to 1 part raspberry balsamic vinegar.
Should I use a blender for the dressing?
You can use a blender for about 15 seconds to emulsify the dressing, or simply whisk it by hand in a small bowl.
Can I add nuts to this salad for extra crunch?
While not in the original recipe, toasted walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds would be excellent additions for extra texture.
Is this salad intended as a side or a main dish?
It is perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish for a larger gathering or dinner party.
How do I ensure the strawberries look uniform?
After hulling and halving them, slice them carefully with a sharp knife to maintain a consistent thickness for a professional presentation.
What flavor profile can I expect from this dish?
Expect a vibrant mix of peppery spinach, sweet strawberries, tangy feta, and a fruity, acidic finish from the raspberry vinaigrette.
When should I add the dressing?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to ensure the leaves do not wilt.
Can I use black pepper instead of white pepper?
Yes, black pepper can be used as a substitute, though it will have a slightly bolder and more pungent flavor than white pepper.
How much feta cheese is required?
The recipe suggests using 1 to 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredient amounts (1-2 cups of spinach), this recipe is sized for 1 large individual serving or 2 smaller side portions.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
The recipe does not list salt as an ingredient, as the feta cheese typically provides enough saltiness for the dish.
What is the best way to toss the salad?
Use tongs to gently lift and turn the salad, which helps distribute the dressing without crushing the delicate strawberries or spinach.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, but do not combine them with the dressing until you are ready to serve to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
What makes the salad 'savory'?
The combination of the red onion, feta cheese, and white pepper balances the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a savory flavor profile.
How much red onion is used?
Only a small amount (1 teaspoon) of thinly sliced red onion is used to provide a hint of crunch and sharp flavor.
What color should the raspberry balsamic vinaigrette be?
It will typically have a dark, rich reddish-purple hue due to the raspberry infusion in the balsamic vinegar.
What if I don't have basil blossoms?
If basil blossoms are unavailable, you can garnish the salad with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves (chiffonade) instead.
Is extra virgin olive oil necessary?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its superior flavor, which complements the fresh ingredients in raw salad preparations.
Should the salad be served cold?
Yes, the salad is best served immediately after assembly while the spinach and strawberries are fresh and chilled.