Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the earthy taste of baby spinach. Accented with crunchy walnuts and a light vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for warm-weather meals, potlucks, or as a refreshing side to your main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory. The fresh strawberries add a natural sweetness, the spinach provides a tender and nutritious base, and the walnuts contribute a delightful crunch. It is light yet satisfying, incredibly easy to assemble, and highly customizable.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh baby spinach
Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Walnuts or pecans
Crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Balsamic vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing

Directions

Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach and strawberries.
Hull and slice the strawberries.
In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, nuts, and cheese (if using).
Add thinly sliced red onion if desired.
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette or your preferred dressing just before serving.
Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling meal.
Fruit Options: Substitute or add blueberries, raspberries, or sliced apples.
Nut-Free: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as a crunchy alternative.
Cheese Swap: Replace feta with blue cheese or omit for a dairy-free version.
Dressing Twist: Try a homemade honey mustard or raspberry vinaigrette.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you must prepare it ahead, store the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving to avoid sogginess. Leftover dressed salad can be refrigerated for up to 1 day but may lose texture.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

What dressing pairs best with this salad?

Balsamic vinaigrette, poppy seed dressing, or a honey mustard vinaigrette are excellent choices.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are strongly recommended for optimal texture and flavor.

Is this salad vegan?

It can be made vegan by omitting the cheese or using a plant-based alternative.

What type of nuts are best?

Walnuts and pecans are most common, but almonds or pistachios also work well.

How can I add protein?

Add grilled chicken, tofu, boiled eggs, or quinoa for a heartier salad.

Can I use regular spinach?

Yes, but baby spinach is more tender and typically better suited for raw salads.

Is it suitable for meal prep?

Yes, assemble dry ingredients in advance and add the dressing just before eating.

What cheese alternatives work well?

Goat cheese, blue cheese, or vegan crumbles are all great options.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, though the texture may soften.

Conclusion

Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad is a simple yet elegant dish that’s full of flavor, color, and nutrition. Whether served as a side or a main dish with added protein, this salad offers a refreshing change from ordinary greens and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad

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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish that combines sweet strawberries, tender baby spinach, crunchy nuts, and tangy feta with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and satisfying salad.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Sprinkle sliced almonds or candied pecans on top just before serving.