Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Strawberry Spinach Salad because I get sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy flavors in the same bowl. Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness, while feta and red onion provide a tangy, savory contrast.
I also appreciate how quickly the salad comes together. Most of my preparation involves slicing the strawberries and onion and whisking together the dressing, so I can have the entire dish ready in about 15 minutes.
Another reason I enjoy this recipe is its flexibility. I can change the cheese, use different nuts, add chicken for a heartier meal, or include other seasonal fruits depending on what I have available.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the salad:
- Fresh baby spinach
- Fresh strawberries
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Pecans
- Red onion
- Avocado, optional
For the balsamic dressing:
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey or maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- I wash the spinach and strawberries thoroughly, then dry them well so excess water does not dilute my dressing.
- I remove the strawberry stems and slice the berries into halves or thin slices.
- I thinly slice the red onion. If I want a milder onion flavor, I soak the slices briefly in cold water, then drain and dry them before adding them to the salad.
- I place the baby spinach in a large salad bowl and add the sliced strawberries and red onion.
- I sprinkle the crumbled feta and pecans over the salad. If I am using avocado, I slice it and add it just before serving.
- To make the dressing, I whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- I drizzle some of the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together. I start with a small amount because I can always add more dressing if needed.
- I serve the Strawberry Spinach Salad immediately while the spinach and toppings are fresh and crisp.
Servings and Timing
I usually get about 4 servings from this Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
Strawberry Spinach Salad With Chicken
When I want to turn the salad into a more substantial meal, I add sliced cooked chicken. I especially like using simply seasoned grilled or roasted chicken so the strawberry and balsamic flavors can still stand out.
Strawberry Spinach Salad With Goat Cheese
I replace the feta with crumbled goat cheese when I want an especially creamy texture and tangy flavor. Goat cheese pairs particularly well with strawberries and balsamic dressing.
Strawberry Spinach Salad With Almonds
I use sliced or slivered almonds instead of pecans when I want a different crunch. I can lightly toast the almonds first for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Strawberry Blueberry Spinach Salad
I add fresh blueberries along with the strawberries for extra color and fruit flavor. I can also include raspberries or blackberries when they are available.
Strawberry Spinach Salad Without Nuts
When I want a nut-free version, I simply leave out the pecans. I can add sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead when those fit my needs and I still want some crunch.
Storage/Reheating
I get the best texture when I serve Strawberry Spinach Salad immediately after adding the dressing. Once dressed, the spinach gradually softens as it sits.
When I prepare the salad ahead, I store the spinach, strawberries, toppings, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. I combine everything shortly before serving.
I store leftover dressing separately in a covered container in the refrigerator and whisk or shake it again before using it. This salad does not need reheating because I serve it chilled or at a cool room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry Spinach Salad ahead of time?
Yes. I prepare the ingredients ahead but keep the dressing separate. I wait to slice delicate ingredients such as avocado and toss the salad with dressing until shortly before serving so everything stays as fresh as possible.
What dressing goes best with Strawberry Spinach Salad?
I especially like balsamic vinaigrette because its tangy flavor complements the sweetness of fresh strawberries. A light poppy seed dressing can also work when I want a sweeter variation.
What cheese goes well with strawberries and spinach?
I usually choose feta because its salty, tangy flavor balances the sweet strawberries. Goat cheese is another favorite when I want something softer and creamier.
Can I turn Strawberry Spinach Salad into a complete meal?
Yes. I add cooked chicken when I want a more filling main dish. I can also add extra avocado, cheese, nuts, or another suitable protein to make the salad more substantial.
How do I keep Strawberry Spinach Salad from becoming soggy?
I dry my spinach and strawberries thoroughly after washing them and wait until just before serving to add the dressing. I also store prepared ingredients separately when I am making the salad ahead.
Conclusion
Strawberry Spinach Salad gives me an easy way to turn fresh ingredients into a colorful dish in about 15 minutes. Sweet strawberries, tender spinach, creamy feta, crunchy pecans, and tangy balsamic dressing create a combination that feels fresh while still having plenty of flavor.
PrintStrawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Strawberry Spinach Salad combines tender baby spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy feta, crunchy pecans, and red onion with a simple homemade balsamic dressing. It is a fresh, colorful salad that comes together in about 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Fresh baby spinach
- Fresh strawberries
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Pecans
- Red onion
- Avocado, optional
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey or maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Wash the spinach and strawberries thoroughly, then dry them well so excess moisture does not dilute the dressing.
- Remove the strawberry stems and cut the berries into halves or thin slices.
- Thinly slice the red onion. For a milder onion flavor, briefly soak the slices in cold water, then drain and dry thoroughly.
- Place the baby spinach in a large salad bowl and add the sliced strawberries and red onion.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta and pecans over the salad. If using avocado, slice it and add it just before serving.
- Make the dressing by whisking together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Drizzle a small amount of dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Add additional dressing as needed.
- Serve immediately while the spinach, strawberries, and toppings are fresh and crisp.
Notes
- Dry the spinach and strawberries thoroughly after washing to help prevent a watery or soggy salad.
- For a heartier meal, add sliced cooked grilled or roasted chicken.
- Crumbled goat cheese can replace the feta for a softer, creamier texture.
- Sliced or slivered almonds can replace the pecans and may be lightly toasted for additional flavor.
- Fresh blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries can be added along with the strawberries.
- For a nut-free variation, omit the pecans and use sunflower or pumpkin seeds if desired.
- Add avocado immediately before serving to keep it fresh.
- For make-ahead preparation, refrigerate the spinach, strawberries, toppings, and dressing separately and combine shortly before serving.
- Store leftover dressing in a covered container in the refrigerator and whisk or shake it again before serving.
- For the best texture, add the dressing immediately before serving because dressed spinach will gradually soften.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
