Spinach Strawberry Salad With Fresh Flavor is a bright, refreshing dish that brings together sweet fruit, tender greens, and a tangy homemade dressing in a way that feels both simple and special. This salad is perfect for spring and summer meals, potlucks, family dinners, or anytime you want something light yet satisfying. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a quick balsamic poppy seed dressing, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
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Why You’ll Love This Spinach Strawberry Salad
This Spinach Strawberry Salad stands out because it balances flavors and textures beautifully without being complicated. The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries pairs perfectly with earthy spinach, while crunchy nuts and creamy cheese add contrast in every bite. The dressing is lightly sweet, gently tangy, and smooth, coating the salad without overpowering it. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and works just as well as a side dish as it does as a light main meal.
Another reason this salad is so popular is how versatile it is. You can serve it with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu, or enjoy it on its own for lunch. It’s naturally colorful, making it ideal for gatherings, and it holds up well when prepped correctly. Best of all, it uses everyday ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
Ingredients for Spinach Strawberry Salad With Fresh Flavor
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely packed
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Baby spinach is ideal because it’s tender and mild, but regular spinach can be used if you remove the thick stems. Strawberries should be ripe and sweet for the best flavor. If strawberries are out of season, blueberries or sliced apples are good alternatives.
For the nuts, almonds and pecans are classic choices, but walnuts or sunflower seeds also work well. Toasting the nuts for just a few minutes enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch. Cheese adds creaminess and a slight tang, but it can be omitted or replaced with a dairy-free alternative if needed.
The dressing is naturally family-friendly and contains no alcohol. Honey adds gentle sweetness, while maple syrup keeps the dressing vegan. Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing and adds depth without making it spicy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and fully combined, or shake the jar vigorously for about 20 seconds until the dressing is emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt if needed, then set aside.
Step 2 – Prep the Salad Ingredients
Wash and dry the baby spinach thoroughly and place it in a large salad bowl. Hull and slice the strawberries, then add them to the bowl with the spinach. If using red onion, slice it very thinly and add it to the salad.
Step 3 – Assemble the Salad
Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted nuts and crumbled cheese over the salad. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the top, starting with about half and adding more as needed. Gently toss the salad until everything is lightly coated. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Pro Tips for Success
Use very dry spinach so the dressing clings properly instead of sliding off the leaves. Add the dressing right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp. Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Slice strawberries evenly so every bite has a balanced mix of flavors. If making ahead, store the dressing separately and assemble just before serving.
Flavor Variations
Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats. Include grilled chicken or turkey breast to turn the salad into a complete meal. Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different berry flavor. Add a pinch of lemon zest to the dressing for extra brightness. Sprinkle in cooked quinoa for added texture and protein.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach Strawberry Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or roasted vegetables. It’s a great side for burgers, sandwiches, or picnic spreads. For brunch, serve it alongside egg dishes or quiche. It also works well as a light lunch with a slice of crusty bread.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and should not be frozen. If you need to store leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The spinach and strawberries will stay fresh for up to 24 hours without dressing. Once dressed, the salad should be eaten the same day to avoid wilting.
Spinach Strawberry Salad With Fresh Flavor
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright and refreshing spinach strawberry salad made with fresh fruit, tender greens, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and a lightly sweet balsamic poppy seed dressing.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely packed
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, add the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk or shake until smooth and fully emulsified, then set aside.
- Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Add the sliced strawberries and red onion, if using.
- Sprinkle the toasted nuts and crumbled cheese over the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad, starting with half.
- Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
For best results, keep the dressing separate until just before serving. Toasting the nuts enhances flavor and crunch. This salad is best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
FAQ About Spinach Strawberry Salad With Fresh Flavor
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but keep everything separate. Wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, and mix the dressing up to two days in advance. Assemble and dress the salad right before serving for the best results.
What protein goes best with this salad?
Grilled chicken, turkey breast, shrimp, or baked tofu all pair well with the sweet and tangy flavors. Choose a simply seasoned protein so it doesn’t overpower the salad.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes, this salad is packed with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats. Spinach provides iron and antioxidants, strawberries add vitamin C, and the olive oil-based dressing offers heart-healthy fats.
Can I make the dressing without honey?
Absolutely. Maple syrup works well, or you can use a small amount of agave syrup. Adjust to taste depending on how sweet your strawberries are.
What can I use instead of poppy seeds?
If you don’t have poppy seeds, you can leave them out or substitute chia seeds for a similar texture. The dressing will still taste great.
Final Thoughts
Spinach Strawberry Salad With Fresh Flavor is a simple yet impressive recipe that proves fresh ingredients don’t need much fuss. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a quick weeknight dish, this salad delivers color, taste, and balance in every bite. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your seasonal recipe rotation.