Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. It’s a refreshing dish that feels light yet satisfying—ideal for spring gatherings, Easter brunch, or a quick and healthy lunch. Juicy strawberries, crisp spinach, crunchy nuts, and creamy feta come together with a delicious homemade dressing that ties it all together. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it all season long!
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Why You’ll Love Strawberry Spinach Salad
This isn’t just any salad—it’s a flavor explosion that hits all the right notes. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Light & Refreshing: Perfect for a warm day, this salad is crisp, juicy, and packed with fresh flavors.
Quick & Easy: Takes just minutes to throw together, making it a great last-minute side or light meal.
Nutritious: Loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, it’s a guilt-free dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a side dish, add grilled chicken for protein, or toss in extra toppings to make it your own.
Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors make this salad a stunning addition to any table.
Ingredients
Here’s what makes this Strawberry Spinach Salad so delicious:
- Baby Spinach: The fresh, leafy base that adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Strawberries: Juicy and sweet, they bring a natural burst of freshness.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, it balances out the sweetness.
- Red Onion: Adds a subtle bite and a bit of crunch.
- Candied Pecans: Sweet, crunchy, and absolutely irresistible. You can also use almonds or walnuts.
- Avocado (optional): Adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Poppy Seed Dressing: A slightly sweet and tangy dressing that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make this Strawberry Spinach Salad in just a few simple steps:
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and candied pecans.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Add Finishing Touches: If using, add sliced avocado for extra creaminess. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad
This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- As a Side Dish: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or steak.
- As a Main Course: Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete meal.
- With Bread: Serve with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for a satisfying combo.
- At Brunch: A great addition to Easter brunch or any springtime gathering.
Additional Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to dress the salad until just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Swap the Nuts: Try almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for different textures.
- Use Goat Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese works beautifully in this salad.
- Make it Vegan: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Keep the dressing separate to prevent wilting.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of lettuce?
A1: Absolutely! Arugula, mixed greens, or butter lettuce work well if you don’t have spinach.
Q2: What’s the best way to keep strawberries fresh?
A2: Store them in the fridge and wash them just before using to prevent them from getting mushy.
Q3: Can I make the dressing in advance?
A3: Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to a week and shake well before using.
Q4: How can I make this salad more filling?
A4: Add protein like grilled chicken, quinoa, or chickpeas to make it a heartier meal.
Q5: Can I use store-bought dressing?
A5: Of course! A good-quality balsamic vinaigrette or raspberry dressing would be delicious.
Q6: How do I keep my salad from getting soggy?
A6: Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve, and add avocado last to prevent browning.
Q7: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A7: Fresh is best, but if using frozen, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.
Q8: What can I use instead of poppy seeds?
A8: You can leave them out or swap them for sesame seeds for a similar effect.
Q9: Is this salad good for meal prep?
A9: Yes, just keep the dressing separate and add the more delicate ingredients (like avocado) right before eating.
Q10: Can I add other fruits?
A10: Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced apples would be great additions.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a simple yet stunning dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a holiday gathering, or a light dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. Fresh, flavorful, and easy to customize this salad is one you’ll be making on repeat!
Print
Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant salad made with baby spinach, sweet strawberries, toasted almonds, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese, all drizzled with a delicious strawberry vinaigrette. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish for your Easter dinner.
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach (6 ounces)
- 12 ounces strawberries (2 cups, thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds (or pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 recipe Strawberry Vinaigrette (or dressing of your choice)
Instructions
- If using unwashed spinach, wash and dry it. Place it in a large serving bowl.
- Top the spinach with the thinly sliced strawberries, toasted slivered almonds, diced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle with your choice of dressing. Strawberry Vinaigrette or 2-Ingredients Balsamic Vinaigrette are great options for this salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 18mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg