Strawberry Spinach Salad with Vegan Feta

This vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad with Vegan Feta brings together a refreshing mix of flavors and textures, perfect for a light lunch or a standout side dish. Sweet, juicy strawberries pair beautifully with tender sautéed edamame and crisp baby spinach, while a simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together. The real star of the dish is the maple-cinnamon roasted almonds, adding a touch of sweetness and crunch that elevates each bite. Balanced, wholesome, and easy to prepare, this salad is a delicious celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes  Cook Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 4 servings  Serving Size: 2 1/4 cups

Ingredients:

Almonds:

  • 1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
  • 2 tsp. olive oil 
  • 2 tsp. coconut sugar
  • 2 tsp. maple syrup 
  • 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Salad:

  • 1.5 cups edamame 
  • 2 tsp. olive oil
  • 5 oz. raw baby spinach
  • 1.5 cups strawberry slices
  • 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and add raw almonds to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Once the oven is preheated, toast almonds for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and add remaining ingredients directly to the almonds. Use a spatula to thoroughly combine.
  3. Place back in the oven and roast for another 4-6 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
  4. Add 1 tsp. olive oil to a low-medium heat pan and sauté the edamame for 4-6 minutes until cooked. Set aside to cool.
  5. Add the spinach, half the strawberries and edamame, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and sea salt to a salad bowl and toss well to combine. 
  6. To serve, garnish with the remaining strawberries, edamame, and the roasted almonds.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Add almonds last to maintain their crunch. Wet ingredients like balsamic can soften them if tossed in too early.
  • If your spinach leaves are large or tough, give them a rough chop or massage them with a bit of olive oil to make them more tender.
  • Make these up to a week ahead and store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts: