If you’re searching for a refreshing, vibrant dish that excites the palate and dazzles the eyes, the Strawberry Spinach Salad is a total game-changer. This salad pairs the naturally sweet juiciness of ripe strawberries with tender baby spinach, crunchy pecans, and the salty creaminess of feta cheese, all brought together by a luscious balsamic vinaigrette. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients that come alive in every bite, making it perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive side at your next gathering.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the best out of the Strawberry Spinach Salad means starting with simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating its balanced flavor and wonderful texture. Every item enhances the salad in some beautiful way—whether it’s the sweet, juicy strawberries or the creamy tang of feta.

Fresh baby spinach (6 cups): Provides a tender, vibrant green base full of nutrients and a mild, slightly earthy flavor.
Fresh strawberries, sliced (2 cups): Add a burst of natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color that makes the salad feel so fresh and inviting.
Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): Bring a delightful crunch and a toasty, buttery note that contrasts perfectly with the softness of the greens and fruit.
Feta cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup): Offers a creamy, tangy richness that balances the sweetness while adding depth to each mouthful.
Balsamic vinaigrette dressing (1/4 cup): Ties all the flavors together with its sweet and tangy essence, enhancing the overall taste profile without overpowering.
Salt & pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate all the ingredients and create a harmonious flavor blend.

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Start by rinsing the baby spinach thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Then, dry it completely using a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel. Properly dried spinach ensures your salad isn’t soggy and helps the dressing adhere better to the leaves.

Step 2: Slice the Strawberries

Next, take your fresh strawberries and slice them evenly. This not only makes them look pretty but also ensures each bite has just the right amount of juicy sweetness mingling with the spinach.

Step 3: Add the Pecans

Coarsely chop the pecans and sprinkle them over the greens and strawberries. The crunch they bring creates such a wonderful contrast to the tender textures of the other ingredients.

Step 4: Crumble the Feta Cheese

Scatter the crumbled feta cheese across the salad. Its creamy, tangy flavor is essential to balance the sweetness and adds a rich, decadent note without being heavy.

Step 5: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, pour the balsamic vinaigrette dressing and season it with a touch of salt and pepper according to your preference. This dressing is the magic that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.

Step 6: Dress and Toss Gently

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine everything without bruising the spinach leaves. You want the flavors evenly distributed but the ingredients still looking fresh and vibrant.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the salad immediately while the ingredients are fresh and crisp. The Strawberry Spinach Salad is best enjoyed right away to appreciate the wonderful textures and flavors at their peak.

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad

Garnishes

To elevate your Strawberry Spinach Salad even further, consider adding a few sprigs of fresh mint or basil on top for an herbal brightness. A sprinkle of chia seeds or toasted sunflower seeds can also add an exciting texture boost and nutritional benefits.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Think grilled chicken or salmon for a light, protein-packed meal or serve it alongside a savory quiche or crusty artisan bread for a relaxing brunch or lunch. Its fresh flavors complement so many mains effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, try layering the Strawberry Spinach Salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase the beautiful colors, or assemble it in individual mason jars for a charming portable meal. Adding edible flowers on top can also bring a delightful visual flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the spinach from wilting, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving. Leftover salad can stay fresh for up to two days this way.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the fresh strawberries and spinach lose their texture and become mushy when thawed. For the best experience, enjoy the Strawberry Spinach Salad fresh.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold and fresh, so reheating is not advised. If you want warmth with your salad, consider heating a protein side separately and pairing it with your chilled Strawberry Spinach Salad for contrast.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of greens instead of spinach?

Absolutely! While baby spinach is tender and mild, you can substitute with arugula for a peppery kick or mixed spring greens if you prefer a variety of textures and flavors. Each alternative will slightly change the salad’s character but keep it delicious.

Is it possible to make the dressing from scratch?

You can easily whip up a homemade balsamic vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. It adds a personal touch and you can adjust sweetness and acidity to suit your taste.

What if I’m allergic to nuts? Can I skip the pecans?

Definitely skip the pecans if you have a nut allergy. You can replace them with roasted chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, or even crispy croutons to maintain that satisfying crunch.

Can this salad be made vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or swap it for a vegan cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based, making the Strawberry Spinach Salad naturally vegan-friendly.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

For the freshest taste and crunch, prepare the salad components up to a day ahead but hold off on combining the dressing until just before serving. This prevents sogginess and keeps the spinach and strawberries vibrant.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about a Strawberry Spinach Salad that comes alive with every bite—the perfect balance of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy. I can’t encourage you enough to try it for yourself, whether for a family meal or an elegant gathering. Once you do, this fresh, easy-to-make salad might just become one of your go-to favorites, just like it is for me.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 6 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a savory balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

6 cups fresh baby spinach (Approximately 180 g)
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (Approximately 300 g)
1/2 cup pecans, chopped (Approximately 60 g)
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (Approximately 75 g)

Dressing

1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing (Approximately 60 ml)
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare Spinach: Rinse the baby spinach thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Dry the spinach completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel to prevent sogginess. Transfer the spinach to a large salad bowl.
Slice Strawberries: Wash the fresh strawberries and remove their stems. Slice them evenly and add to the bowl containing the spinach.
Add Pecans: Coarsely chop the pecans to add a satisfying crunch, then sprinkle them evenly over the spinach and strawberries in the bowl.
Top with Feta: Crumble the feta cheese over the salad, distributing it evenly to provide a creamy, tangy flavor contrast.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Toss Salad: Drizzle the seasoned dressing over the salad. Gently toss all ingredients together just enough to coat the spinach and other ingredients without bruising the leaves.
Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures at their best.

Notes

For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
Use low-fat or reduced-sodium feta to reduce calories and salt.
Make sure spinach is thoroughly dried to avoid a watery salad.
For a vegan version, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150 g)
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 220 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: Strawberry Spinach Salad, Healthy Salad, Summer Salad, Vegetarian Salad, Fresh Salad