Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe – Fresh, Bright, and Easy

Light, colorful, and bursting with flavor — this Spinach Strawberry Salad is the ultimate warm-weather favorite. It’s everything a salad should be: crisp, sweet, tangy, and refreshing in every bite.

Fresh baby spinach meets juicy strawberries, tangy feta, crunchy almonds, and a drizzle of homemade balsamic vinaigrette. The result? A salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Perfect for lunch, summer parties, or as a side for grilled chicken or fish, this easy salad comes together in under 10 minutes and adds a vibrant touch to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

Fresh & vibrant – Sweet strawberries pair perfectly with earthy spinach.
Quick & easy – Ready in minutes with simple ingredients.
Healthy & satisfying – Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats.
Perfect for summer – Great for cookouts, potlucks, or light lunches.

It’s a salad that feels like sunshine on a plate!

Ingredients List

For the Salad:

6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
¼ cup sliced almonds (toasted, if desired)
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
Optional: sliced avocado or cucumbers for extra freshness

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and emulsified.

Taste and adjust seasoning — add a bit more honey if you like it sweeter, or vinegar if you prefer extra tang.

Pro Tip:
Shake the dressing in a mason jar for easy mixing and storage.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Wash and dry your baby spinach thoroughly — excess water can make the salad soggy. Slice the strawberries and red onion thinly.

If using almonds, toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and golden — this step brings out a rich, nutty flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, feta, red onion, and toasted almonds.

Gently toss to mix the ingredients without bruising the strawberries.

Step 4: Add the Dressing

Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss lightly to coat.

For a pretty presentation, save a few strawberries and almonds to sprinkle on top.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Serve immediately while the spinach is crisp and the dressing is fresh.

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp, making it a great side dish or light main course.

Flavor Variations

Try one of these fun twists to keep things exciting:

Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu make it a complete meal.
Swap the Cheese: Goat cheese or blue cheese adds tangy depth.
Nut Options: Pecans, walnuts, or candied nuts for extra crunch.
Fruit Mix: Add blueberries, raspberries, or mandarin oranges.
Dressing Swap: Try a poppyseed dressing for a creamier, sweeter option.

This salad is endlessly adaptable — perfect for using what you have on hand.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prep Ahead: Slice strawberries, onions, and toast nuts a day in advance.
Store Dressing Separately: Keep vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Assemble Fresh: Combine everything just before serving to prevent wilted spinach.

If prepping for a party, layer ingredients (spinach at bottom, cheese/nuts last) and add dressing right before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Salad

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum flavor and sweetness.
Balance sweet and savory — the feta and balsamic perfectly complement the berries.
Don’t overdress — start with half the vinaigrette and add more as needed.
Chill before serving for an extra-refreshing summer bite.

A few simple details make this salad restaurant-quality every time.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

(Based on 4 servings)

Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 10g
Sodium: 190mg

Packed with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and healthy fats — this salad is both nutritious and delicious.

Perfect Pairings

This salad complements so many dishes! Try serving it with:

Grilled Lemon Chicken or Smoked Salmon
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Pasta Primavera
Crusty bread and a chilled glass of rosé or iced tea

It’s light yet flavorful — an easy addition to any meal.

Why This Recipe Works

Balances sweet strawberries with savory cheese and tangy dressing.
Uses fresh, seasonal ingredients for best flavor.
Easy to customize for dietary preferences.
Ready in 10 minutes with minimal cleanup.

It’s proof that the simplest recipes can deliver the biggest flavors.

Storage & Leftovers

If you have leftovers:

Store the undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keep the dressing separately to maintain crispness.
Refresh with a few new spinach leaves before serving again.

Avoid storing dressed salad — the spinach will wilt quickly once coated.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Strawberry Salad is a celebration of freshness — the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures that turn a simple bowl of greens into something truly special.

It’s quick to make, gorgeous to serve, and guaranteed to impress at any meal. Whether it’s for a weekday lunch, weekend brunch, or backyard BBQ, this salad brings color and brightness to every bite.

Simple, wholesome, and absolutely delicious — the kind of salad that makes healthy eating feel like a treat.

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