Strawberry Spinach Salad

For a salad that truly supports your wellness goals, this strawberry spinach salad is a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants. The combination delivers a vibrant, flavorful meal that fuels your body without weighing you down. I remember the first time I brought this dish to a potluck. It was a sea of heavy casseroles and creamy pastas, and I worried my simple bowl of greens would be overlooked. But by the end of the night, it was scraped clean, with three people asking for the recipe. That’s the magic of this strawberry spinach salad. It’s not just a side dish; it’s the star of the show, the secret weapon you bring when you want something that feels celebratory, nourishing, and utterly delicious. It’s proof that the best party food is often the simplest, built on fresh ingredients that speak for themselves. This recipe is my go-to for everything from lazy Sunday lunches to festive gatherings, and I’m so excited to share it with you. Simple ingredients, warm memories.

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Ingredients List

This strawberry spinach salad recipe comes together with a handful of fresh, vibrant components. The beauty is in the balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Salad:

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and thoroughly dried
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese for a tangier twist)
• ⅓ cup sliced almonds, toasted
• ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white balsamic)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small shallot, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Smart Swaps:

• Cheese: For a dairy-free version, omit the feta or use a vegan alternative. Crumbled goat cheese is also fantastic.
• Nuts: Swap almonds for pecans, walnuts, or pistachios. For a nut-free option, try roasted sunflower seeds.
• Greens: A spring mix or arugula works beautifully if you want a different peppery note.
• Dressing Sweetener: Maple syrup can stand in for the honey.

Timing

One of the best parts of this strawberry spinach salad is how quickly it assembles. It’s the definition of a fresh strawberry recipe that’s easy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (5 minutes if toasting nuts)
• Total Time: 15-20 minutes
  That’s about 50% faster than prepping a complicated casserole, giving you more time to relax or set the table.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this salad is a joyful, almost therapeutic process. Follow these simple steps for the perfect result every time.

1. Toast the Almonds (Optional but Recommended). Place the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Shake the pan frequently for 3-5 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Immediately transfer to a plate to cool. This step unlocks a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the entire strawberry spinach salad.
2. Prep the Produce. Wash and thoroughly dry the spinach—a salad spinner is your best friend here. Wet greens will dilute the dressing. Hull and slice the strawberries. Thinly slice the red onion. If you find raw onion too sharp, soak the slices in ice water for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
3. Whisk the Dressing. In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is well emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt or honey as needed.
4. Assemble with Care. In a large, wide salad bowl, add the spinach. Scatter the sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, toasted almonds, and red onion over the top. Pro Tip: For the best presentation at a party, layer everything but hold the dressing. A dressed strawberry spinach salad wilts quickly.
5. Dress and Serve. Just before serving, give the dressing another good shake or whisk and drizzle it over the salad. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to gently toss everything together, ensuring the dressing lightly coats each leaf. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

This strawberry spinach salad is a fantastic example of healthy fresh strawberry recipes. A serving (approximately ⅙th of the recipe) provides roughly:

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 16g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and nuts)
• Fiber: 3g
  It’s rich in Vitamin C from the strawberries, Vitamin A and iron from the spinach, and calcium from the cheese. The olive oil and almonds provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. It’s a meal that truly nourishes.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this strawberry spinach salad. A regular kitchen will have everything:

• A large salad bowl for serving
• A sharp knife and cutting board
• A small bowl or jar for making the dressing
• A whisk or fork
• A skillet (if toasting nuts)
• A salad spinner or clean kitchen towels (crucial for dry greens)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another salad. Here’s why it earns a permanent spot in your rotation:

1. Vibrant Flavor in Every Bite: The sweet strawberries, salty feta, and tangy dressing create a perfect harmony that’s far from boring.
2. Effortless Elegance: It looks stunning on a table with minimal effort, making it the ultimate “secret weapon” for impressing guests.
3. Adaptable Foundation: This strawberry spinach salad is a template. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a full meal. Swap fruits with the seasons—peaches in summer, pears in fall.
4. Truly Nourishing: It’s a feel-good meal that’s packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free pleasure.
5. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results. No special skills required.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to tweak this strawberry spinach salad to fit specific dietary needs? Here are some easy swaps:

• Lower Sugar: Reduce the honey in the dressing to 1 tablespoon and lean on the natural sweetness of the berries.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan: Skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based crumble. Use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
• Higher Protein: Add a can of rinsed chickpeas, a handful of edamame, or slices of grilled chicken breast. My Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad uses a similar protein-packed approach.
• Nut-Free: Replace the almonds with roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry spinach salad is incredibly versatile.

• As a Main Course: Top with grilled chicken, salmon, or seared tofu to transform it into a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
• Perfect Pairings: It’s fantastic alongside simply grilled meats, a quiche, or a creamy soup. For another spring favorite, try it with my Lemon Orzo Spring Salad for a delightful duo.
• Seasonal Twists: In summer, add fresh blueberries or peaches. In fall, try sliced apples, dried cranberries, and candied pecans for a festive twist.
• Presentation: Serve it in a large, shallow bowl or on a platter to show off all the beautiful colors.

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 dress the strawberry spinach salad until you’re ready to serve. Always ensure your spinach is bone-dry after washing.
2. Bland Dressing: Don’t be shy with seasoning. Always taste your dressing and adjust. If it’s too sharp, add a pinch more honey. If it’s flat, add a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon.
3. Skipping the Toast: Untoasted nuts are fine, but toasting them adds a crucial layer of deep, warm flavor that makes the salad special.
4. Thick Onion Slices: Thinly slice the red onion! Thick chunks can be overpowering. A mandoline slicer works wonders here.
5. Over-mixing: Gently toss the salad to combine. You want to coat the ingredients, not bruise the delicate spinach or smash the strawberries.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

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

• Leftovers: Store any leftover dressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The spinach will wilt, but it will still taste good.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the dressing up to 3 days ahead and store it in a jar in the fridge. Wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries and onions, and toast the nuts. Keep all components separate in containers in the fridge. Assemble and dress just before serving.
• Freezing: This salad does not freeze well due to the high water content in the fresh produce.

Conclusion

This strawberry spinach salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a reminder that the most memorable dishes are often the simplest. They’re built on quality ingredients, a little balance, and the joy of sharing something beautiful and delicious. It’s comfort food, made easy, in the form of a bright, crunchy, sweet-and-savory bowl. Whether you’re making it for a quiet weeknight or a big celebration, I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Food that feels like home.

If you love the combination of fresh greens and fruit, you might also enjoy my Blueberry Pistachio Spring Salad for another seasonal favorite. And for a different take on a simple, vibrant dressing, check out my Spring Mix Salad Honey Mustard Dressing.

I’d love to hear how your strawberry spinach salad turns out! Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to tag @StackSipSnack on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful creations. Happy cooking.

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