Ingredients
Creating this vibrant salad requires only a handful of fresh ingredients, each contributing to the overall harmony of flavors:
1. Fresh spinach leaves: The foundation of our salad, providing a tender and earthy base.
2. Strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
3. Pecans: Toasted to perfection, these add a delightful crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
4. Red onion: Sliced thinly to add a mild, sharp contrast to the sweet strawberries.
5. Feta cheese: Crumbled on top, it lends a creamy tanginess that complements the other ingredients.
6. Balsamic vinaigrette: A homemade vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and a touch of Dijon mustard to tie everything together.
These ingredients come together to create a salad that’s not only visually appealing but also a delight for the taste buds.
Instructions
Crafting this salad is as simple as it is enjoyable. Here’s how to bring this delightful dish to life:
1. Start by washing and drying the spinach leaves thoroughly, ensuring they’re crisp and clean.
2. Hull and slice the strawberries into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
3. In a dry skillet, toast the pecans over medium heat until they’re fragrant and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly.
4. Thinly slice the red onion and crumble the feta cheese.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard to create the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, red onion, and pecans. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
7. Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Each step in this process is a labor of love, reminiscent of the days spent cooking alongside Mama Lou, her hands guiding mine, ensuring each ingredient was treated with care.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International