This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy nuts, and tangy cheese come together with a light, homemade dressing to create a delightful salad that works as a side dish or a light meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and vibrant flavors – The combination of strawberries and spinach is both refreshing and satisfying.
Quick and easy – Ready in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Healthy and nutritious – Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
Customizable – You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Perfect for any occasion – Works as a light lunch, side dish, or even a potluck favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh baby spinach
Strawberries, sliced
Red onion, thinly sliced
Feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled
Sliced almonds, pecans, or walnuts
Balsamic vinaigrette (or homemade dressing of choice)
Poppy seeds (optional, for extra texture and flavor)

Directions

Prepare the ingredients – Wash and dry the spinach and strawberries. Slice the strawberries and onion.
Assemble the salad – In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, red onion, cheese, and nuts.
Dress the salad – Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette or your preferred dressing.
Toss gently – Mix everything lightly to evenly coat the ingredients with the dressing.
Serve immediately – Enjoy as a side dish or add protein to make it a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Add protein – Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling meal.
Different cheese options – Try blue cheese, Parmesan, or a dairy-free alternative.
Extra crunch – Use sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or crispy bacon bits.
Fruit swaps – Substitute strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or apples.
Homemade dressing – Try a honey Dijon vinaigrette or lemon poppy seed dressing.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.
Reheating: This salad is best served fresh and does not require reheating.

FAQs

How can I prevent the spinach from getting soggy?

Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the salad’s crispness.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the ingredients and store them separately, then assemble just before serving.

What’s the best dressing for this salad?

Balsamic vinaigrette, poppy seed dressing, or a citrus-based vinaigrette pairs beautifully.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are best, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries if needed.

What can I substitute for spinach?

Arugula, kale, or mixed greens work well as alternatives.

How do I make this salad dairy-free?

Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure that your dressing and toppings are gluten-free.

Can I add grains to this salad?

Yes, adding quinoa or farro can make it more filling.

What nuts work best for this salad?

Pecans, almonds, walnuts, or cashews all add great texture and flavor.

Can I use a store-bought dressing?

Absolutely! A good-quality store-bought balsamic vinaigrette or raspberry vinaigrette works well.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a light meal, its combination of sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, and savory cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser. Try out different variations and enjoy a healthy, delicious salad any time of the year!