Strawberry Spinach Salad

I’ve created a refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad that combines crisp baby spinach, sweet strawberries, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette—a colorful and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Strawberry Spinach Salad because it’s fast to assemble, bursting with fresh flavors, and beautifully vibrant. It balances juicy fruit, tender greens, and contrasting textures—plus, the simple dressing brings it all together without overpowering the natural ingredients.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Baby spinach leaves

• Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• Red onion, thinly sliced

• Crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)

• Toasted nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts)

• Optional extras: sliced avocado, dried cranberries

Directions

1. I wash and thoroughly dry the spinach leaves, then place them in a large salad bowl.

2. I hull and slice the strawberries, and add them to the bowl.

3. I slice the red onion thinly and toss it in.

4. I sprinkle the crumbled cheese over the top.

5. I toast my choice of nuts in a dry skillet until fragrant, then let them cool and add them to the salad.

6. I whisk together the vinaigrette (see below), taste it, and drizzle it over the salad just before serving. Then I gently toss everything until evenly coated.

For the vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

• Salt and pepper to taste
  I whisk all dressing ingredients together until emulsified.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 as a side salad or 2–3 as a light main dish.
Prep time is about 10 minutes, and assembly only takes 5 minutes—no cooking required (except optional toasting of nuts).

Variations

• I can swap spinach for mixed baby greens or arugula to change the flavor profile.

• I like to add fruit variations like blueberries, raspberries, or orange segments.

• I sometimes use balsamic glazed pecans or candied walnuts instead of plain toasted nuts.

• I can switch cheese to shaved Parmesan, blue cheese crumbles, or omit it entirely for a dairy‑free version.

• I also experiment with dressings like poppy seed or lemon‑poppy seed dressing.

Storage/reheating

I store leftover salad components—spinach, sliced strawberries, onions, cheese, nuts—separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. I always keep the dressing separate and only dress the salad right before serving to maintain optimal texture. If leftovers get soggy, I refresh them with additional fresh greens and strawberries and toss again with a bit of dressing.

FAQs

What type of strawberries work best?

I find that fresh, ripe strawberries like Albion or Seascape varieties offer the sweetest flavor. Pre-cut strawberries are convenient, but I prefer slicing whole fruit just before serving for the best taste.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

I prep the components ahead—spinach, strawberries, onions, cheese, nuts—and store them separately. I assemble and dress the salad right before serving to avoid sogginess.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes! I swap the cheese for vegan feta or omit it entirely, choose maple‑candied nuts, and use a maple‑sweetened vinaigrette to keep it completely plant‑based.

What nuts pair well with this salad?

I love using sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or candied walnuts. Toasting enhances their crunch and flavor—plus I sometimes add a tiny pinch of salt during toasting.

Can I add a protein to make it a full meal?

Absolutely. I often top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or lightly seared tofu. Chickpeas or roasted walnuts also make good vegetarian protein boosters.

Conclusion

I love how this Strawberry Spinach Salad is vibrant, easy, and adaptable. It’s ideal for spring or summer meals, potlucks, or even as a light lunch. With minimal prep, it delivers maximum flavor and freshness—perfect for anyone seeking a delicious and healthy dish.

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