The Best Cheeses To Compliment Spinach And Strawberry Salad

A strawberry spinach salad is a refreshing dish that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the savoury notes of spinach, topped off with a tangy poppy seed dressing. The salad is a crowd-pleaser and can be served as a side dish or a main course. The versatility of this dish is further enhanced by the variety of cheeses that can be added to it, such as feta, goat cheese, blue cheese, and gorgonzola.

Feta cheese

Feta is a Greek brined curd cheese traditionally made with sheep's milk, or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It has a salty, tangy taste and a rich, creamy texture. For a spinach and strawberry salad, it is recommended to buy a block of feta and crumble it yourself, as pre-crumbled feta is coated in a starchy powder to prevent caking and will not be as creamy.

A simple spinach and strawberry salad with feta can be made by tossing spinach, strawberries, and almonds together in a large bowl, then sprinkling feta over the top. A balsamic poppy seed dressing can be made by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, and drizzled over the salad.

For a more complex salad, red onions, pecans, and chicken can be added, and grains such as quinoa, pasta, or farro can be included to make it a more filling meal.

Goat cheese

To make a strawberry spinach salad with goat cheese, start by tossing together some baby spinach, strawberries, and goat cheese. You can also add crunchy elements like pecans, walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for added texture.

For the dressing, a balsamic poppy seed dressing is a classic choice. You can make this by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds, lemon juice, and seasoning. You can also add lemon zest for extra freshness.

This salad is best served fresh, but if you want to make it ahead of time, store the salad and dressing separately in the fridge to keep it fresh.

Candied pecans

You can also try making candied pecans by adding pecans, brown sugar, and butter to a small non-stick skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar starts to melt and caramelize (about 2-3 minutes). Transfer the pecans to a plate in a single layer to cool.

The candied pecans are a perfect complement to the other ingredients in the salad, such as feta or goat cheese, strawberries, spinach, and a balsamic vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing. The sweetness of the candied pecans pairs well with the salty and tangy feta cheese, the juicy strawberries, and the crisp spinach.

The salad is a perfect side dish for a family dinner or a great lunch option. It is easy to make, delicious, and a crowd-pleaser. You can also add other ingredients to the salad, such as red onions, avocado, or chicken, to make it a more filling meal.

Poppy seed dressing

A basic poppy seed dressing can be made by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. A sweeter variation can be made by adding more honey to the dressing. The dressing can also be made in a mason jar by shaking the ingredients together.

Some recipes suggest adding lemon juice and zest to the dressing to enhance the refreshing flavours of the salad. Other variations include using milk, mayo, or Greek yoghurt to create a creamy dressing.

It is recommended to dress the salad just before serving and only dress the portion that will be eaten immediately. Leftover undressed salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Balsamic vinegar

When making the dressing, it is important to slowly stream in the olive oil while continuously whisking to ensure the ingredients are well combined. The dressing can be made in a small bowl or a mason jar. The salad should be dressed just before serving, and any leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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