1. Start by preparing your strawberries. Hull and slice them into thin pieces. This is a great step to involve the kids—they love helping with tasks that involve fruit!
2. In a large salad bowl, layer the fresh spinach leaves. Remember, there’s no need for perfection here; embrace the messiness of home cooking.
3. Add the sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, toasted almonds, and thinly sliced red onion on top of the spinach.
4. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Use your hands (or salad tongs) to gently toss everything together, ensuring that the dressing coats each ingredient evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, and watch as your family digs in with enthusiasm.

Just like my dad stirring those big pots of lentils, there’s something meditative about tossing a salad. It’s the quiet moments in the kitchen that often bring the most joy.