If you’re searching for a dish that’s as vibrant to look at as it is delicious to eat, the Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine the juiciness of ripe strawberries mingling with earthy baby spinach, creamy feta, and the irresistible crunch of candied pecans, all brought together by a sweet-tangy balsamic dressing. This recipe isn’t just a salad—it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and textures, perfect for impressing at a picnic, a light lunch, or even as a dinner party starter.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe is how a few simple, everyday ingredients can create something truly special. Each component has its own role, adding either a pop of color, a burst of flavor, or a satisfying texture that makes every bite exciting.

Fresh baby spinach: Tender, mild, and packed with nutrients, this makes the perfect leafy base for our salad.
Fresh strawberries, sliced: Choose ripe, sweet berries for maximum flavor and a gorgeous pop of red throughout the salad.
Crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, salty counterpoint to the sweetness of the strawberries.
Red onion, thinly sliced: Just a little brings sharpness and a bit of crunch to each forkful.
Candied pecans or walnuts: These provide a sweet, nutty crunch that makes the salad truly unforgettable—plus, they’re pretty!
Balsamic vinegar: The base of our dressing, bringing tangy depth and balancing out the sweetness.
Honey: A touch of honey in the dressing rounds out the acidity with natural sweetness.
Olive oil: Rich and smooth, it ties the dressing together and adds healthy fats.
Dijon mustard: Just enough to give the dressing a little kick and help it emulsify.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and making every flavor pop.

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Salad Ingredients

Start by giving your baby spinach a gentle rinse and pat dry—no one wants a soggy base! Hull and slice the strawberries, crumble your feta cheese (or buy it pre-crumbled for ease), and slice the red onion as thin as you can for that delicate bite. If you’re using whole pecans or walnuts, give them a rough chop so every bite gets a bit of crunch.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, layer the baby spinach leaves first. Scatter the sliced strawberries over the top, followed by the crumbled feta, thinly sliced red onion, and those irresistible candied pecans or walnuts. The colors alone will have you smiling, but just wait until you taste it!

Step 3: Make the Balsamic Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously (or shake if using a jar) until the dressing looks silky and everything is fully blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—a little more honey for sweetness, or a pinch more mustard for zing, if you like.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic dressing evenly over the salad. Use salad tongs or clean hands to gently toss everything together, making sure each leaf gets a little love from the dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest flavors and textures.

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A final flourish of extra feta, a handful of microgreens, or even a light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can make your Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe look and taste restaurant-worthy. For a touch of elegance, a few extra sliced strawberries on top never hurt!

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with so many things. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken, a piece of crusty sourdough bread, or a chilled summer soup. It’s also a fantastic companion to a quiche or roasted veggies for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, consider layering the salad in individual glasses for a party, or arranging it on a large platter with the ingredients artfully separated for a “build-your-own” experience. You can even turn the Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe into a wrap by filling a whole wheat tortilla with the salad and a bit of grilled chicken or tofu.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately whenever possible. The spinach will stay fresher and crisper this way—just toss together right before serving for best results. Airtight containers are your friend here!

Freezing

Unfortunately, this isn’t a dish that freezes well. The fresh greens and strawberries lose their texture after thawing, and the dressing can separate. It’s best to enjoy this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe fresh and make only what you’ll eat within a couple days.

Reheating

There’s really no need to reheat this salad, since it’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Just pull it from the fridge, toss again if needed, and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! The balsamic dressing can be prepared up to three days in advance. Just store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator and shake well before using.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

Goat cheese is a delightful swap for feta if you want a slightly tangier, creamier flavor. You could also try blue cheese for a bolder taste, or stick with feta for its classic salty bite.

Can I add protein to the Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sliced turkey, or even chickpeas make excellent additions for a more filling meal. Avocado is another wonderful way to add creaminess and healthy fats.

Are candied nuts necessary?

While candied pecans or walnuts add a lovely sweet crunch, you can use plain toasted nuts for less sweetness or skip them altogether if you prefer a nut-free salad. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives for added texture.

How long will the salad keep in the fridge?

If undressed, the salad will keep well for up to two days in the refrigerator. Once tossed with dressing, it’s best enjoyed within a few hours, as the spinach can wilt quickly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a bright, flavorful bowl of the Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with those you love. It’s quick to make, endlessly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it all year long!

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring baby spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy candied nuts, all tossed in a tangy balsamic honey dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, this no-cook salad combines healthy greens with sweet and savory flavors for a delightful summer meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

6 cups fresh baby spinach
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup candied pecans or walnuts

Dressing Ingredients

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/3 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and candied pecans or walnuts. Toss lightly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and fully emulsified.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate spinach and strawberries.
Serve Immediately: For the freshest taste and best texture, serve the salad immediately after dressing it.

Notes

To make the salad heartier, add grilled chicken slices or avocado.
Substitute goat cheese for feta for a different cheese flavor.
Use plain toasted nuts instead of candied nuts if you prefer less sweetness.
The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American