Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

There’s just something magical about a fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad—every bite bursts with sweet strawberries, tender greens, creamy feta, toasty nuts, and a tangy homemade dressing that makes your taste buds dance. This salad is proof that simple, wholesome ingredients can create restaurant-worthy flavor, whether you’re celebrating summer’s bounty or just craving a fresh twist on your salad game.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad is how each ingredient truly shines. A handful of essentials come together in a stunning symphony of flavors and colors, making every forkful a delight. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Fresh baby spinach: Delicate, mild, and packed with nutrients—spinach forms the lush, green base of the salad.
• Sliced fresh strawberries: Juicy and sweet, strawberries add irresistible pops of color and natural sweetness.
• Crumbled feta cheese: Tangy and creamy, feta brings a salty contrast that balances the fruitiness.
• Sliced red onion: A touch of mild sharpness and crunch—thinly sliced so it doesn’t overpower the salad.
• Toasted pecans or walnuts: Nutty, rich, and lightly crunchy, these nuts add warmth and depth—toast them for even better flavor.
• Balsamic vinegar: The fruity tang of balsamic makes the dressing sing and ties everything together.
• Olive oil: Smooth and rich, olive oil emulsifies the dressing and coats every leaf beautifully.
• Honey or maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness helps mellow the vinegar’s acidity—choose whichever you love most.
• Salt and black pepper: Just a pinch of both brings the flavors into perfect harmony—season to taste!

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Assemble the Salad Base

Grab a large salad bowl and pile in the baby spinach. Top with the sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, red onion slices, and toasted nuts. The bowl should look lively and inviting—layers of green, red, and white with the nuts scattered like jewels.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl or a mason jar, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake until you have a glossy, well-blended vinaigrette. The balance of sweet and tangy will complement the fresh ingredients perfectly.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad. Use tongs or two large spoons to toss gently. You want every leaf to be coated but keep the strawberries and feta intact—gentle tossing is the key to keeping your salad gorgeous and fresh-tasting.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the tossed salad to individual plates or a serving platter. If you want to take things up a notch, sprinkle over a few extra nuts or strawberries for a restaurant-worthy look. Serve right away and watch everyone light up as they dig in to this beautiful Strawberry Spinach Salad!

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad

Garnishes

For maximum wow-factor, shower the top with extra feta crumbles, a handful of sliced strawberries, and another scattering of toasted nuts just before bringing it to the table. The colorful contrast makes the salad look irresistible.

Side Dishes

This salad shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or salmon for a protein boost. A wedge of crusty bread or a light summer soup alongside will round out your meal without overshadowing the star: Strawberry Spinach Salad.

Creative Ways to Present

To really impress guests, layer the salad in individual glass jars—or create mini salad “cups” in endive leaves for an appetizer. You can also turn it into a picnic-perfect wrap by tucking the ingredients inside a large tortilla or flatbread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any salad left (which is rare!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to one day—just know that the spinach may wilt a bit after being tossed with dressing, so it’s best enjoyed right away.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the strawberries and spinach will lose their texture and freshness once thawed. For peak flavor and crunch, always assemble this salad from fresh ingredients.

Reheating

This Strawberry Spinach Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If your salad has chilled too long in the fridge, simply let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese if I don’t like feta?

Absolutely! Goat cheese works beautifully here, lending a creamy tang, or try blue cheese for a bolder flavor twist. The salad is very flexible—just pick a cheese you love.

What nuts work best in this salad?

Pecans and walnuts are top choices for their buttery flavor and satisfying crunch, especially when toasted. Slivered almonds are great too and add a subtle crunch if that’s what you prefer.

Is there a way to make the dressing vegan?

It’s easy—just use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully plant-based, vegan-friendly Strawberry Spinach Salad dressing. The rest of the ingredients are vegan as well if you skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.

How far ahead can I prep this salad?

You can prep all the ingredients up to a day in advance—slice the strawberries, toast the nuts, and crumble the cheese. Store each separately in the fridge, and assemble and dress right before serving for the freshest results.

Will the salad get soggy if stored with dressing?

Tossing the salad with dressing just before serving is best. If you expect leftovers or are prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate and drizzle over portions as needed. This way, the spinach keeps its lively crunch!

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Spinach Salad is the perfect reminder that simple, seasonal ingredients truly shine when brought together with care. It’s fresh, flavorful, and as beautiful as it is delicious—give it a try, and it might just become a new favorite at your table!

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