Fresh & Flavorful: Your Ultimate Arugula & Spinach Salad with Strawberries & Feta

Are you searching for a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly easy salad recipe that bursts with flavor? Look no further! This Arugula and Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Feta is the answer to your culinary desires. Combining the peppery kick of arugula with the mild sweetness of baby spinach, juicy ripe strawberries, salty feta cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is a symphony of tastes and textures. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a stunning side dish, or a base for a more substantial meal, offering a delightful contrast that will awaken your taste buds.

Imagine a salad that balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes in every bite. Our recipe harnesses the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, perfectly complementing the distinctive, slightly peppery flavor of arugula. We elevate this classic combination with crumbled feta for a savory depth, thinly sliced shallots for a subtle oniony zest, and toasted walnuts for an irresistible crunch. The entire medley is then brought together by a quick and effortless balsamic vinaigrette, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish.

Why This Strawberry Feta Salad Will Be Your New Favorite

This isn’t just another salad; it’s a culinary experience designed for those who appreciate healthy ingredients presented in an exciting way. Drawing inspiration from popular combinations like arugula salad with feta and tomato and a delightful strawberry walnut salad, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds. Here’s why you’ll absolutely fall in love with this amazing creation:

• Explosion of Flavors: The dynamic interplay between the sweet strawberries, the savory and tangy feta, and the peppery arugula creates an unforgettable taste sensation. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building a complex yet harmonious flavor profile.
• Effortlessly Quick: With minimal prep and no cooking required, you can whip up this gourmet-level salad in under 15 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings when you need something delicious, fast.
• Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Loaded with fresh greens, antioxidant-rich strawberries, healthy fats from walnuts and olive oil, and protein from feta, this salad is a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced and healthy diet.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant red of strawberries, the crisp green of the leaves, and the white of the feta create a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress guests and brighten any meal.
• Versatile & Adaptable: Whether you enjoy it as a refreshing side, a light lunch, or a hearty main course with added protein, this salad is incredibly versatile. It’s also easily customizable to fit various dietary preferences and what you have on hand.

There’s an undeniable magic that happens when sweet strawberries meet salty feta and a vibrant, tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This combination doesn’t just satisfy; it makes your taste buds sing with delight. Give it a try, and discover your new go-to healthy and delicious salad!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Strawberry Arugula Salad

Crafting this exquisite salad requires a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component is chosen to contribute to the overall balance of flavor and texture, ensuring every forkful is a delight. Here’s what you’ll need for this quick and easy salad recipe:

For the Salad Base:

• Mixed Greens (Baby Spinach & Arugula): The foundation of our salad. Look for vibrant, crisp leaves. Baby spinach offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture, while arugula provides a delightful peppery, slightly bitter kick. This combination creates a fantastic base that’s both refreshing and interesting.
• Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Choose ripe, firm, and brightly colored strawberries. Their natural sweetness is crucial for balancing the arugula’s spice and the feta’s saltiness. Wash them thoroughly and hull before slicing.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a wonderful salty, tangy, and creamy element. Opt for good quality feta, preferably from sheep or goat’s milk, which offers a richer flavor. If you can find a block and crumble it yourself, even better!
• Shallot: A delicate cousin to the onion, shallots offer a milder, sweeter oniony flavor without being overpowering. Thinly sliced shallots add a subtle bite and aromatic depth.
• Walnuts: For that essential satisfying crunch and a dose of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Lightly toasting them before adding can enhance their nutty flavor.

For the Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base of any good vinaigrette. Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Provides the tangy, slightly sweet, and complex acidity for the dressing. A good quality balsamic will make a noticeable difference.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors. Adjust to your personal preference.
• Optional Minced Shallot: For an extra layer of savory aroma and subtle sharpness in the dressing. A tiny bit goes a long way.

When selecting your ingredients, prioritize freshness. The quality of each component shines through in a simple salad like this, making a significant difference in the final taste and enjoyment.

Crafting Your Delicious Arugula and Baby Spinach Salad: Step-by-Step

This salad is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly straightforward to assemble. The key is fresh ingredients and preparing them just right. Most mixed greens are sold in 5-ounce packages, either in bags or clamshells. This recipe is perfectly scaled for about half of a standard 5-ounce package (2-3 ounces of greens), yielding 2 larger or 4 smaller side servings. This approach ensures your greens stay crisp and prevents any potential sogginess from leftovers, allowing you to enjoy a fresh salad every time. However, if you’re serving a larger crowd or simply love salads, feel free to use the entire 5-ounce package of greens and double all the other ingredients accordingly.

Step 1: Prepare Your Greens

Begin by washing your mixed baby spinach and arugula thoroughly under cool running water. Even if pre-washed, giving them another rinse is always a good idea. Gently dry the greens using a salad spinner or by patting them carefully with paper towels. Transfer the perfectly crisp greens to a large serving bowl.

Step 2: Slice the Fruits and Aromatics

Next, hull your fresh strawberries and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform slices for a beautiful presentation and consistent flavor distribution. For the shallot, peel it and then slice it very thinly. About 6 to 8 ultra-thin slices are ideal for the salad itself, providing a delicate oniony flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. If desired, you can reserve a small piece of the remaining shallot to finely mince and add to the dressing for an extra layer of savory depth.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette

In a separate small bowl, combine your extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. These two ingredients form the flavorful base of our light and tangy dressing. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you’ve saved a piece of shallot, now’s the time to finely mince it. A Microplane zester works wonderfully here to create a very juicy, almost paste-like minced shallot, adding a fantastic aromatic punch to your dressing. Whisk all the dressing ingredients together vigorously until well combined and slightly emulsified.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad Components

Now, it’s time to bring all these wonderful elements together. Carefully arrange the crumbled feta cheese and the thinly sliced shallot pieces over your bed of mixed greens. Then, artfully scatter those sweet, juicy strawberry slices across the salad. The vibrant colors alone will make your mouth water!

Don’t forget the walnuts! Sprinkle them evenly over the assembled salad. These crunchy pieces provide a delightful textural contrast that truly elevates the experience. If you like, you can lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor even further.

Step 5: Dress and Serve Immediately

If you’re preparing this salad ahead of time, a crucial tip for success is to keep the salad components and the dressing separate. Store the assembled salad (greens, strawberries, feta, shallots, walnuts) in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and the dressing in a separate sealed jar. This ensures the greens remain crisp and fresh. Just before you’re ready to serve, bring them together.

When it’s time to enjoy, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad. Using salad tongs, gently toss the ingredients until every leaf and piece of topping is lightly coated with the tangy, flavorful dressing. Serve immediately to savor the ultimate crispness and freshness of this delightful arugula and spinach salad.

This recipe comfortably yields enough for 4 generous side portions or 2 substantial main course salads. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed for your desired serving size.

Health Benefits of This Vibrant Salad

Beyond its incredible taste, this Arugula and Spinach Salad is a powerhouse of nutrition, making it a truly guilt-free indulgence. Each ingredient contributes significantly to your well-being:

• Spinach & Arugula: These leafy greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, iron, and calcium. They are known for their antioxidant properties, supporting bone health, and promoting a healthy immune system.
• Strawberries: Bursting with vitamin C, manganese, and powerful antioxidants, strawberries help boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and can improve heart health.
• Walnuts: An excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts are renowned for their brain-boosting benefits, reducing inflammation, and supporting cardiovascular health. They also provide fiber and protein.
• Feta Cheese: While contributing a delicious salty tang, feta also offers calcium for strong bones and quality protein.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, EVOO is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.

Incorporating this salad into your diet is an easy and delicious way to boost your daily intake of essential nutrients and feel great!

Creative Serving Suggestions

This versatile Arugula and Spinach Salad is a fantastic addition to almost any meal. It shines brightest when strawberries are in peak season, offering their freshest, sweetest flavor. Here are some ideas to make this salad the star of your table:

• Perfect Side Dish: It makes an exceptional accompaniment to grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish. The fresh, tangy flavors cut through the richness of grilled proteins beautifully.
• Light Lunch Option: Enjoy it as is for a satisfyingly light and refreshing midday meal. The combination of greens, fruit, nuts, and cheese offers a balanced profile.
• Hearty Main Dish: To transform this into a more substantial meal, consider adding some grilled shrimp, slices of cooked chicken breast, or flaked salmon. For plant-based protein, roasted chickpeas, grilled tofu, or edamame can be delicious additions.
• Brunch Complement: Pair this vibrant salad with quiches, frittatas, or savory pancakes for an elegant brunch spread.
• Holiday & Special Occasion Starter: The colorful presentation and sophisticated flavor profile make it an ideal starter for holiday dinners or special gatherings.

However you choose to serve it, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit!

Variations & Customizations: Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this strawberry arugula and spinach salad is how easily it can be adapted to suit your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

• Cheese Swaps: Not a fan of feta? Try goat cheese for a creamier, tangier alternative, or even shaved Parmesan for a saltier, nuttier note. Fresh mozzarella pearls would also be delightful.
• Nutty Alternatives: Pecans, almonds (sliced or slivered), or even pine nuts can substitute for walnuts, offering different textures and flavors. Lightly toast any nuts for maximum flavor.
• Fruitful Additions: Consider adding other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or thin slices of apple or pear for different seasonal twists. A few avocado slices would also add a creamy richness.
• Boost of Flavor: A sprinkle of fresh mint or basil can elevate the herbaceous notes. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice in the dressing can brighten flavors even further.
• Dressing Enhancements: For a sweeter dressing, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. A pinch of Dijon mustard can also help emulsify the dressing and add a little zing.
• Protein Power-Ups: As mentioned in serving suggestions, grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or plant-based options like tofu, tempeh, or edamame are excellent for turning this side into a main course.

Top Tip for Ultimate Salad Crispness

The secret to an outstanding salad lies in its texture, and nobody enjoys a soggy salad. To ensure your greens remain perfectly crisp and fresh, always dress this salad right before serving. The acid in the vinaigrette will start to break down the delicate cell walls of the greens, causing them to wilt over time. By tossing the dressing in just minutes before it hits the table, you preserve the vibrant crunch of the arugula and spinach, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the first.

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Spinach and Arugula Salad with Strawberries and Feta

Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.