Freshness, color, and just the right amount of tang—that’s exactly what you get in a vibrant Strawberry and Spinach Salad. This delightful mix is my go-to whenever spring or summer rolls around, but honestly, I could eat it any time. Sweet strawberries pair effortlessly with tender baby spinach, creamy feta, and toasty almonds, all draped in a snappy balsamic-honey vinaigrette. If you’re after a healthy, show-stopping salad that everyone raves about, you’ll adore this irresistible Strawberry and Spinach Salad.

Strawberry and Spinach Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a few simple but top-notch ingredients, Strawberry and Spinach Salad delivers on both flavor and presentation. Each one plays a role, from the luscious red berries to the crisp greens and decadent cheese—no skimping on quality here!

Fresh baby spinach leaves: Choose young, tender leaves for a mild flavor and perfectly crisp texture that makes the greens truly shine.
Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Ripe strawberries add natural sweetness and a pop of cheerful color; slice just before serving for ultimate freshness.
Crumbled feta cheese: Feta brings luscious creaminess and just the right salty note to balance the fruit and greens.
Sliced almonds, toasted: A quick toast in a dry pan transforms the almonds, giving them a deep, nutty crunch that’s irresistible.
Red onion, thinly sliced: Just a little bit goes a long way, adding gentle sharpness and a lovely purple hue.
Balsamic vinegar: Choose a good-quality balsamic for a sweet-and-sour tang that makes the vinaigrette sing.
Olive oil: The backbone of your dressing—opt for extra-virgin for great flavor and silky texture.
Honey: Just a touch balances the vinegar and brings out the strawberries’ sweetness.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season to taste—these elevate all the flavors to perfection!

How to Make Strawberry and Spinach Salad

Step 1: Build the Salad Base

Grab your biggest and prettiest salad bowl, because this first step is all about layering up those luscious ingredients. Gently toss together the baby spinach, strawberries, feta, toasted almonds, and thin ribbons of red onion. The colors alone will make you want to dive right in!

Step 2: Whisk the Perfect Dressing

In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until the vinaigrette looks shiny, smooth, and emulsified. Trust me, homemade dressing is infinitely tastier—and takes seconds!

Step 3: Dress and Toss Gently

Drizzle your glorious homemade vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss everything delicately to coat—use tongs or clean hands and be gentle so the spinach stays perky and the strawberries keep their shape.

Step 4: Serve Right Away

Transfer your completed Strawberry and Spinach Salad to a serving platter or scoop into individual bowls. If you want, add a few extra strawberries or sprinkle some more feta on top—it’s all about presentation and flavor!

How to Serve Strawberry and Spinach Salad

Garnishes

Add a flourish right before serving! A final handful of toasted almonds, crumbled feta, or fresh cracked pepper makes the Strawberry and Spinach Salad even more enticing. Fresh mint leaves and a few whole strawberries also make a beautiful garnish.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs like a dream with almost anything—from lemony grilled chicken to a crusty baguette or a chilled soup. It’s light enough to serve with quiche at brunch, and hearty enough to go with grilled salmon at dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Strawberry and Spinach Salad in a big, wide platter for maximum wow-factor, or portion into pretty glasses as an appetizer. For a special touch, assemble in individual jars for picnics or parties—layering for those stunning stripes of color!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer the salad (without extra dressing) to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate if possible, as spinach wilts quickly once dressed.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the high water content in both spinach and strawberries. The textures would suffer, so it’s best enjoyed freshly made or stored briefly in the fridge.

Reheating

No reheating required—the beauty of Strawberry and Spinach Salad is all in its cool, crispy freshness. If it’s been refrigerated, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! Goat cheese is a lovely tangy alternative, or you can try blue cheese for more bite. Cottage cheese or shaved parmesan can also work well if that’s what you have on hand.

How do I keep the spinach from wilting?

The trick is to add the dressing right before serving. Otherwise, store the greens and other elements separately from the dressing and toss them together only when you’re ready to eat.

Is there a way to make this salad nut-free?

Yes! Simply omit the almonds, or swap them for sunflower or pumpkin seeds to keep that wonderful crunch without the nuts.

Can this salad be made vegan?

Definitely—it’s easy! Use plant-based feta or skip the cheese altogether, and replace honey with maple syrup or agave in the dressing.

What protein can I add to make it a main course?

Grilled chicken, salmon, or even shrimp make delicious additions. For a vegetarian boost, cooked quinoa or chickpeas blend right in and help make Strawberry and Spinach Salad a filling main dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a salad that’s both dazzling and seriously delicious, you can’t go wrong with Strawberry and Spinach Salad. Its fresh, bright flavors and beautiful presentation are sure to win over family and friends—give it a try, and you may just find it becomes a staple at your table too!

Strawberry and Spinach Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Strawberry and Spinach Salad is a delightful combination of fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that makes for a refreshing and nutritious salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing:

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, feta, almonds, and red onion.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crunch, consider using candied pecans or walnuts instead of almonds.
To turn this salad into a main dish, top it with grilled chicken or salmon.
If preparing ahead, store the dressing separately until ready to serve to maintain the salad’s crispness.

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