Easy Cherry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh cherries
- 2 tablespoons red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds
- 4 tablespoons cherry balsamic vinaigrette
Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup light olive oil
- 1 cup cherries (pitted)
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 dash salt
Instructions
Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- Add 1/2 cup pitted fresh cherries, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to a high-speed blender. Blend for 30 seconds until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
Cherry Spinach Salad:
- Wash and dry 4 cups baby spinach thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels. Pit and halve 1 cup fresh cherries. Thinly slice 2 tablespoons red onion. Optional: Toast 1/4 cup sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Place the clean spinach in a large salad bowl. Add the halved cherries, sliced red onion, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons of the cherry balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately while the spinach is crisp.
Video
Notes
Dry your spinach completely: Wet greens will dilute the dressing and make your salad soggy.
Pit cherries safely: Use a cherry pitter or gently press a paperclip through the stem end to remove pits without making a mess.
Toast nuts for maximum flavor: Just 2-3 minutes in a dry pan transforms plain almonds into aromatic, crunchy perfection.
Make dressing ahead: The cherry balsamic vinaigrette can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Did you make this recipe?Please let me know in the comments below how it turned out :)