Strawberry Spinach Salad brings together the sweetness of ripe berries with nutrient-packed greens in a combination that never fails to impress. I’ve been making this colorful salad for over twenty years, and it’s become my go-to dish whenever I need something fresh, healthy, and absolutely delicious.
There’s something magical about the first bite of this salad—the burst of sweet strawberries against the earthy spinach, all tied together with tangy feta and crunchy nuts. I remember the first time I served this at a family gathering, my skeptical teenagers actually asked for seconds! The vibrant colors make it look like a work of art on the plate, but the real magic happens when all these flavors come together. In my kitchen, this strawberry spinach salad has become more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients that prove healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. You’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad
This beloved salad has earned its place as a family favorite in countless kitchens across America, including mine. After years of perfecting this recipe and watching guests light up with that first bite, I can confidently say this combination delivers every single time.
Quick and effortless preparation that takes just 15 minutes from start to finish
Nutrient-packed ingredients providing vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats in every serving
Stunning visual presentation with vibrant reds and greens that impress at any gathering
Versatile base that adapts beautifully to seasonal ingredients and personal preferences
Perfect balance of sweet strawberries, tangy feta, and crunchy nuts creating flavor harmony
Budget-friendly recipe using accessible ingredients found at any grocery store
Ingredient Note List
Fresh Spinach Leaves: I always recommend using baby spinach because the tender leaves provide the perfect base without any bitter aftertaste that older spinach can have.
Sliced Strawberries: Choose strawberries that give slightly when pressed and smell sweet at the stem end—they’ll add the perfect natural sweetness to balance the earthy spinach.
Sliced Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers contribute a satisfying crunch and mild flavor that helps bridge the gap between the sweet berries and savory cheese.
Crumbled Feta Cheese: The salty, tangy nature of feta provides the perfect contrast to the sweet strawberries while adding creamy richness to each bite.
Candied Pecans or Walnuts: These add essential texture and a hint of sweetness that complements the fruit while providing healthy fats and protein.
Thinly Sliced Red Onion: A small amount of red onion brings a gentle sharpness that enhances all the other flavors without overpowering the delicate ingredients.
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing: This classic dressing ties everything together with its sweet-tart profile that enhances both the fruit and vegetables perfectly.
How to Cook Strawberry Spinach Salad
Step 1. I usually start by washing the spinach leaves in a large bowl of cold water, then spinning them dry in a salad spinner to ensure the dressing adheres properly.
Step 2. While the spinach drains, I slice the strawberries into thin, even pieces—this helps distribute the sweet flavor throughout every bite of the salad.
Step 3. For the cucumbers, I prefer cutting them into half-moons rather than full rounds because they’re easier to eat and look more elegant in the final presentation.
Step 4. My grandmother always taught me to slice red onions as thinly as possible, and I’ve found that soaking them in ice water for 10 minutes removes any harsh bite.
Step 5. In my large salad bowl, I gently combine the dried spinach with the strawberries and cucumbers, creating an even distribution of colors and textures.
Step 6. I’ve learned that sprinkling the feta cheese and nuts over the salad just before dressing prevents them from getting soggy and maintains their distinct textures.
Step 7. When adding the balsamic vinaigrette, I drizzle it slowly while tossing with salad tongs—this ensures every leaf gets coated without overdressing the salad.
Step 8. A final gentle toss with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper brings all the flavors together beautifully before serving.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover strawberry spinach salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but I recommend keeping the dressing separate if you plan to save it for later. The dressed salad stays fresh for up to 24 hours, though the spinach will begin to wilt slightly after that time.
Freezing isn’t recommended for this fresh salad since the delicate ingredients don’t hold up well to freezing temperatures. The strawberries and cucumbers become mushy, and the spinach loses its crisp texture entirely.
For the best results, I always prepare this salad fresh and serve it immediately after dressing. If you need to prep ahead, wash and dry all the ingredients separately, then combine and dress just before serving to maintain that perfect crisp texture everyone loves.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad combining sweet strawberries, fresh spinach, cucumbers, feta, and candied nuts, topped with tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for any occasion.
Rinse spinach thoroughly and dry using a salad spinner or paper towels.
Slice strawberries, cucumbers, and red onion.
In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, cucumbers, and red onion.
Top with crumbled feta cheese and candied nuts.
Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss gently to combine.
Optional: Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for added freshness.
Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for best flavor. Customize with fresh herbs like basil or mint. Make your own vinaigrette with balsamic, olive oil, and honey.
What to Serve with Strawberry Spinach Salad
Grilled Chicken Breast: The lean protein pairs beautifully with the light, fresh flavors of the salad while adding substance to make it a complete meal.
Herb-Crusted Salmon: The rich, flaky fish complements the sweet and tangy elements in the salad, creating an elegant dinner combination that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Crusty Artisan Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread helps soak up the delicious balsamic dressing and adds a comforting carbohydrate element to the meal.
Quinoa Pilaf: This protein-rich grain provides a nutty flavor and hearty texture that makes the salad more filling while keeping the meal light and nutritious.
Honey Glazed Pork Tenderloin: The subtle sweetness of the glaze echoes the strawberries in the salad, while the tender meat adds a satisfying protein component.
Garlic Herb Focaccia: The aromatic bread serves as a perfect vehicle for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful dressing while adding Mediterranean flair to the meal.
FAQs
How many calories are in strawberry spinach salad?
A typical serving of this strawberry spinach salad contains approximately 250 calories, with most of the calories coming from the healthy fats in the nuts and cheese rather than empty carbohydrates.
Is strawberry spinach salad healthy for you?
Absolutely! This salad provides essential vitamins A and C from the spinach and strawberries, healthy fats from the nuts, calcium from the feta cheese, and powerful antioxidants that support overall health.
Can I make strawberry spinach salad ahead of time?
I recommend preparing all the ingredients separately and combining them just before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent the spinach from wilting in the dressing.
What can I substitute for feta cheese in this salad?
Goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, or even crumbled blue cheese work wonderfully as substitutes, each bringing their own unique flavor profile while maintaining the creamy texture that makes this salad special.
