This Strawberry Spinach Salad is the ultimate blend of fresh, sweet, and savory. It’s light yet satisfying, colorful, and packed with vibrant textures. Juicy strawberries, tender baby spinach, crunchy nuts, and a punchy vinaigrette come together in a way that’s almost too good to be true. And the best part? You can whip it up in just 10 minutes—yes, seriously. Whether you need a quick lunch, a beautiful side for dinner, or something crowd-pleasing for a potluck, this salad is always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Effortless: This salad takes just a few minutes to throw together, and there’s no cooking required—ideal for hectic days or lazy summer evenings.
Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The combination of sweet strawberries, earthy spinach, and tangy vinaigrette is simply irresistible.
Healthy and Nutritious: Full of vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, it’s a guilt-free dish you’ll feel good about eating.
Perfect for Any Occasion: It works as a light main course, a refreshing side, or a stunning addition to any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long shopping list to make something delicious. Here’s what goes into this irresistible Strawberry Spinach Salad:

Fresh Spinach: The base of the salad—use baby spinach for the best tender texture.
Strawberries: Slice them fresh for juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
Red Onion: Adds a mild sharpness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings a creamy, salty bite. Goat cheese or blue cheese can work too.
Pecans or Almonds: Toasted nuts give it a lovely crunch and nuttiness. Candied nuts are fantastic if you want a sweet twist.
Balsamic Vinaigrette: A simple mix of balsamic vinegar and olive oil ties everything together with a rich, tangy kick.
Honey or Maple Syrup (optional): A touch of sweetness in the dressing enhances the strawberries even more.
Dijon Mustard: Just a little for depth and creaminess in the vinaigrette.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.

Variations

Feeling adventurous or want to customize your salad? Here are a few delicious ways to mix things up:

Add Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: For extra protein, make it a full meal by topping it with grilled meat or seafood.
Use Mixed Greens: If you’re out of spinach, try arugula, kale (massage it first), or a spring mix.
Swap the Fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, or mandarin oranges are all amazing here.
Try a New Cheese: Goat cheese, shaved parmesan, or gorgonzola will each bring a different vibe.
Add Avocado: For creaminess and healthy fats, sliced avocado is a fantastic addition.

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Rinse the spinach and strawberries. Pat them dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner for the spinach. Slice the strawberries and thinly slice the red onion.

Step 2: Toast the Nuts

If using raw nuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup (if using), Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust to your liking.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, red onion, and feta. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and gently toss to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Finish with Crunch

Sprinkle the toasted nuts over the top and give it a final gentle toss or leave them on top for a pretty presentation.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The riper and sweeter your strawberries, the better this salad will taste.
Don’t Overdress: Add a little vinaigrette at a time—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
Serve Immediately After Tossing: This salad is best served fresh to keep the spinach crisp and the strawberries juicy.
Toast the Nuts: Toasting deepens the flavor and adds extra crunch—don’t skip this step if you have time!

How to Serve

This salad pairs beautifully with just about anything and can be served as a light main or a side dish.

On Its Own:

Perfect for lunch or a light dinner—just add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a little more substance.

As a Side:

Serve it with grilled meats, sandwiches, or pasta. It’s especially good alongside roasted chicken or baked salmon.

For Entertaining:

Make it the star of your summer BBQ, picnic, or brunch spread. The colors alone make it a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve already dressed the salad, it’s best eaten within a day—after that, the spinach wilts. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Storing Components Separately

Want to prep ahead? Slice the strawberries, mix the dressing, and toast the nuts ahead of time. Keep everything separate and assemble right before serving for peak freshness.

Freezing

This one’s a no-go for freezing. The fresh ingredients don’t hold up well in the freezer.

Reheating

No reheating needed—just toss and enjoy cold or at room temp.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the ingredients separate and combine just before serving. The spinach stays crisp, and the nuts don’t get soggy this way.

What kind of balsamic vinegar should I use?
A high-quality, aged balsamic vinegar adds depth and sweetness. Avoid super cheap ones that can be too harsh or acidic.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is definitely best for texture and flavor. Frozen strawberries tend to get mushy when thawed and don’t hold up well in salad.

What nuts work best in this salad?
Pecans and almonds are classic, but walnuts, pine nuts, or even pistachios can be amazing. For extra indulgence, use candied nuts.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a salad that’s fresh, flavorful, and comes together in a flash, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is a total gem. It’s one of those go-to recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again—not just because it’s easy, but because it’s seriously delicious. Give it a try and make it your own—you won’t regret it!

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe