Strawberry Spinach Salad

The secret to a salad that doesn’t wilt lies in thoroughly drying your spinach after washing. This crucial step ensures your strawberry spinach salad stays crisp and lively from the first bite to the last. I learned this the hard way years ago, bringing a beautiful, just-assembled bowl to a friend’s potluck only to find it a sad, soggy mess by the time we ate. Now, I treat my greens with the same care as the berries, and the difference is everything.

This strawberry spinach salad is my ultimate celebration of spring. It’s where sweet, juicy berries meet earthy greens, all tied together with a bright, tangy dressing and a satisfying crunch. It’s the kind of simple, stunning dish that turns a regular weeknight into something a little special, and it’s always the first to disappear at a gathering. More than just a mix of ingredients, it’s a feeling—fresh, vibrant, and full of life. Let’s make a strawberry spinach salad that’s as beautiful to eat as it is to look at.

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Ingredients List

This strawberry spinach salad recipe comes together with a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients. The magic is in their balance.

For the Salad:

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and dried
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ½ cup candied pecans (or toasted plain pecans/walnuts)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
• ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced

For the Sweet & Tangy Dressing:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Smart Swaps:

• Greens: Swap spinach for a spring mix or arugula for a peppery kick.
• Cheese: For a dairy-free version, omit the feta or use a vegan alternative.
• Nuts: Use almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for the crunch.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, like this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken, or chickpeas to make it a full meal.

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (5 minutes if toasting nuts)
• Total Time: 15 minutes

This is one of the fastest, freshest dishes you can make. From fridge to table in about 15 minutes flat, it’s perfect for those nights when you want something wholesome without the fuss.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this strawberry spinach salad is wonderfully straightforward. Follow these simple steps for the best results.

1. Prepare the Greens. This is the most important step! After washing your spinach, dry it completely. Use a salad spinner or pat it gently with clean kitchen towels. Any leftover water will dilute the dressing and make your salad soggy.
2. Make the Dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until well combined. Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust—you might want a touch more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
3. Assemble the Salad. In a large serving bowl, add the dried spinach. Scatter the sliced strawberries, red onion, and candied pecans over the top. Sprinkle with crumbled feta.
4. Dress and Serve. Right before serving, drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat, adding more dressing as needed. You want everything lightly dressed, not drenched. Serve immediately for the perfect crisp texture.

Pro Tip: For the best texture, dress the salad just before eating. You can prep all the components—wash greens, slice strawberries, make dressing—a few hours ahead. Keep them separate in the fridge and combine at the last minute.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximately 1.5 cups. Makes about 4 servings.)

• Calories: ~280
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 4g

This strawberry spinach salad is a nutrient-packed choice. Spinach is rich in iron and vitamins A, C, and K, while strawberries add a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants. The healthy fats from olive oil and nuts help your body absorb all those fat-soluble vitamins. It’s comfort food that genuinely makes you feel good.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy tools for this spring green salad recipe. Just the basics:

• A large salad bowl for serving
• A good salad spinner or clean kitchen towels (for drying greens)
• A small bowl or jar for whisking/shaking the dressing
• A sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another salad. Here’s why this strawberry spinach salad will become a regular in your rotation:

• Maximum Flavor, Minimal Effort. It’s incredibly simple to make but tastes complex and restaurant-worthy.
• The Perfect Texture. The crisp spinach, juicy berries, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts create a symphony in every bite.
• Endlessly Adaptable. It’s a perfect base recipe. Add protein, swap cheeses, or change the nuts based on what you have.
• A Crowd-Pleaser. Its beautiful color and balanced sweet-tangy flavor appeal to almost everyone, making it perfect for potlucks and family dinners.
• Regular Kitchen, Regular Time, Great Results. No special skills or equipment required—just fresh ingredients and 15 minutes.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

This strawberry spinach salad is already quite wholesome, but you can easily tweak it to fit different dietary needs.

• Sugar-Conscious: Skip the candied pecans and use plain toasted nuts. Reduce or omit the honey in the dressing, relying on the natural sweetness of the berries.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan: Omit the feta cheese or use a vegan feta alternative. Swap the honey in the dressing for maple syrup.
• Higher Protein: Add a can of rinsed chickpeas, some quinoa, or a serving of shredded rotisserie chicken. For another high-protein salad idea, check out this High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad.
• Nut-Free: Replace the pecans with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for that essential crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry spinach salad is incredibly versatile.

• As a Standalone Meal: Bulk it up with grilled chicken, flaked salmon, or chickpeas for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
• The Perfect Side: It pairs beautifully with simply grilled meats, pastas, or soups. It’s the ideal bright counterpoint to richer dishes.
• For a Gathering: Double or triple the recipe and serve it in a big, beautiful bowl. It’s a stunning addition to a brunch or picnic spread.
• Get Creative: Add avocado slices for creaminess, or swap strawberries for other seasonal berries. For another fresh, herby salad option, you might enjoy this Mediterranean Black Bean Salad with Herbs & Feta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small missteps can change your salad. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Soggy Greens. The #1 mistake. Never add dressing to wet spinach. Dry it thoroughly, no shortcuts.
2. Dressing Too Early. If you dress the salad more than 5-10 minutes before serving, the acid in the vinegar will start to break down the delicate spinach leaves, causing wilting.
3. Over-Dressing. Start with half the dressing, toss, and then add more if needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
4. Thick Onion Slices. Red onion is potent. Slice it as thinly as possible so it adds a sharp accent without overwhelming the other flavors.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This strawberry spinach salad is best enjoyed immediately. However, you can prep components ahead.

• Leftovers: Store any undressed leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The spinach will wilt slightly, but it will still taste good. Keep the dressing separate.
• Make-Ahead: Wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries and onion, and make the dressing up to 24 hours in advance. Store each component separately in the fridge. Assemble and dress just before serving.
• The Dressing: The vinaigrette can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature and shake well before using.

Conclusion

This strawberry spinach salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a reminder of how joyful simple, fresh food can be. With its bright colors, contrasting textures, and perfectly balanced sweet-tangy dressing, it turns everyday ingredients into something special. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated techniques to create a dish that feels like a celebration.

I hope this strawberry spinach salad brings a little extra sunshine to your table. It’s comfort food, made easy. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Share your creations or variations in the comments. And if you’re looking for more simple, satisfying salad ideas, explore other favorites like this Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad or this protein-packed Healthy Chicken Salad. Happy cooking.

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