Say hello to your new go-to summer dish: Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese. This incredibly fresh salad balances sweet strawberries, creamy feta, crunchy almonds, and earthy baby spinach in each bite, all pulled together with a tangy homemade balsamic dressing. It’s light, beautiful, and bright—one of those dishes that feels just as good to eat as it looks on your table. Whether you’re sharing it at a picnic or enjoying a quick lunch at home, this salad delivers exciting flavors and effortless elegance.

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients come together to create such a show-stopping salad. Every item here plays an important role, from the sweet-tart berries to the creamy feta, each contributing its own texture, color, or flavor burst.

Fresh baby spinach: The tender leaves provide a delicate, slightly earthy base that complements both sweet and savory toppings.
Sliced fresh strawberries: Choose ripe berries for a juicy pop of sweetness and gorgeous color.
Crumbled feta cheese: Feta adds a salty, creamy tang that pulls all the flavors together.
Toasted sliced almonds: Toast your almonds lightly for a warm, nutty crunch that contrasts the soft ingredients.
Thinly sliced red onion: Just a scattering adds sharpness and a lovely bite—soak slices in cold water to mellow if desired.
Balsamic vinegar: The foundation of the dressing, balsamic’s sweet acidity ties everything together.
Extra virgin olive oil: Gives the dressing richness and a silky texture.
Honey: A touch of honey balances the vinegar and accentuates the strawberries’ sweetness.
Dijon mustard: This sneaky pantry staple binds the dressing and adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
Salt and black pepper: Season generously to bring all the bold flavors into harmony.

How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese

Step 1: Prep Your Salad Ingredients

Start by washing and thoroughly drying your baby spinach, as any lingering water can make your salad soggy. Slice up those juicy strawberries and red onion, crumble your feta cheese, and quickly toast your almonds in a dry skillet for a couple of minutes—this really brings out their flavor and ensures they stay crisp.

Step 2: Build the Salad Base

Grab your largest salad bowl and gently layer in the fresh baby spinach. Blanket the leaves with your sliced strawberries, scatter over the crumbled feta cheese, sprinkle with the toasted almonds, and add a thin scattering of the red onion slices. Try to distribute everything evenly so you get a little of each in every forkful.

Step 3: Whisk the Balsamic Dressing

In a small bowl or shakeable jar, combine the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk or shake until the mixture turns glossy and emulsified. The aroma alone will have you ready to dive in!

Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad

When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the dressing right over the spinach strawberry salad with feta cheese. Toss gently, just until everything is coated, but not so much that the berries bruise or the feta gets lost. Serve immediately so the spinach stays perky and every bite is as fresh as possible.

How to Serve Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese

Garnishes

Pile a little extra feta and a few extra strawberry slices right on top for a stunning finish. If you have fresh basil or mint on hand, a sprinkle of either will add a burst of color and a breezy note to the salad.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or even a light quiche for brunch. For a truly simple meal, serve it alongside a warm, crusty baguette to mop up every drop of the tangy-sweet dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the spinach strawberry salad with feta cheese in individual mason jars—perfect for picnics or meal prepping. Or, layer it as a vibrant topping on crostini for an easy appetizer that never fails to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep in mind that dressed spinach will wilt over time. Try to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat, especially if making ahead.

Freezing

This salad isn’t freezer-friendly, as freezing will ruin the texture of the spinach and strawberries (and the feta, too!). For best results, enjoy this recipe fresh.

Reheating

Since this is a no-cook, fresh salad, reheating isn’t necessary. If your leftovers are chilled, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to remove the chill before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! Goat cheese or even shaved parmesan works beautifully if you want a slightly different flavor, though feta keeps the authentic spirit of spinach strawberry salad with feta cheese.

What can I use instead of almonds for a nut-free version?

Try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds—they offer crunch and a nutty note without the allergens, making your salad safe for more friends and family.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Definitely! You can whisk up the balsamic dressing up to five days in advance; just give it a good shake or stir before using on your spinach strawberry salad with feta cheese.

How do I add protein to make it a meal?

Grilled chicken, salmon, or a scoop of chickpeas are all delicious and satisfying ways to make the salad heartier while letting the fresh flavors shine.

Are there other fruits that work well in this salad?

Try raspberries, blackberries, or even sliced peaches for a new twist—each brings a unique sweetness, but the classic spinach strawberry salad with feta cheese is tough to beat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to wow your taste buds and brighten up any meal, you really can’t go wrong with a big bowl of Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese. It’s versatile, full of color, and layered with flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for seconds. Give it a try soon and see how quickly it becomes one of your favorite staples too!

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta Cheese is a refreshing and flavorful summer salad that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tanginess of feta cheese, all tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

6 cups fresh baby spinach
1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced)

Dressing:

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, feta cheese, almonds, and red onion.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Notes

To add protein, top with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
For a nut-free option, use sunflower seeds instead of almonds.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but the dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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