Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe

This Spinach Strawberry Salad is an absolute joy for your taste buds—fresh, vibrant, and as beautiful on the plate as it is delicious in every bite. Bursting with sweet strawberries, peppery greens, toasted pecans, and creamy feta, this salad is tied together with a bright homemade poppy seed dressing that makes every bite sing!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Spinach Strawberry Salad is a star—together they create a rainbow of color and a symphony of taste and crunch. Simple, fresh ingredients are truly all it takes to let the salad shine and give you maximum flavor in every bite.

• Raw Pecans: Toasted until golden for buttery, crunchy goodness and rich flavor—don’t skip toasting, it makes all the difference!
• Red Onion: Very thinly sliced and soaked in cold water to keep their flavor but take away harshness; their bite is perfectly mellowed.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: Tender, mild greens provide the perfect canvas for bright flavors; or try a 50/50 mix with arugula for a peppery kick.
• Strawberries: Sweet and juicy—look for ripe, vibrant berries for the best salad.
• Feta Cheese: Use block feta and crumble it yourself for ultra-creamy, fresh flavor; pre-crumbled just doesn’t compare.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Brings tangy depth to the poppy seed dressing and highlights the strawberries.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds luscious body and brings all the flavors together in the dressing.
• Poppy Seeds: Tiny bursts of nutty crunch that make the dressing extra-special.
• Honey: Just enough to lightly sweeten the dressing and make all the flavors pop.
• Dijon Mustard: The secret to a silky-smooth, perfectly emulsified dressing with a gentle zippy note.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to make every ingredient shine.

Variations

One of the magical things about this Spinach Strawberry Salad is how endlessly customizable it is! Feel free to mix, match, and swap ingredients depending on what you have on hand, your dietary goals, or simply your favorite flavors.

• Make It Dairy-Free: Skip the feta or use a plant-based feta alternative—everything else is already naturally dairy-free.
• Nut-Free Option: Swap pecans for roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for the same crunch without the nuts.
• Change Up the Cheese: Goat cheese or fresh mozzarella make delicious substitutes if you’re craving a different creamy element.
• Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn your salad into a satisfying meal all on its own.
• Try Different Fruits: Raspberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches are all lovely with this base—don’t be afraid to get creative!

How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet, and toast them for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir once or twice, and don’t wander away—pecans go from perfectly golden to burnt faster than you’d believe! Once they smell nutty and the centers are tan, transfer them to a cutting board and roughly chop.

Step 2: Soften the Onion

While your pecans are toasting, slice your red onion super thin (a sharp knife or mandoline works wonders here). Place the slices in a small bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them sit while you prep the rest; this trick keeps the onion flavor bright but removes the spicy, raw bite.

Step 3: Mix the Poppy Seed Dressing

In a small mixing bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth, or—my favorite—shake it all up in a mason jar until fully blended. The dressing should look glossy and creamy, with flecks of poppy seeds throughout.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Place your baby spinach (or spinach-arugula blend) in a spacious salad bowl. Add the quartered strawberries and drained onions. Drizzle about half the dressing over the salad and gently toss—add more dressing a little at a time if needed. You want the leaves to be lightly coated, not soggy.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Top the salad with crumbled feta and your beautifully toasted pecans. Toss just enough to mix—over-tossing can break down the greens. Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side for those who want even more flavor!

How to Serve Spinach Strawberry Salad

Garnishes

This salad is so festive that a dusting of extra poppy seeds or another sprinkle of feta and pecans over the top makes it utterly irresistible. For a little extra color, add a few small whole strawberries or a scattering of finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or mint. Each garnish adds both beauty and a just-picked freshness!

Side Dishes

Spinach Strawberry Salad is a happy partner to simple grilled chicken, fish, or salmon, and it’s wonderful with a crusty baguette or a bowl of your favorite summer soup. Make it part of your spring brunch spread, or serve alongside quiche or pasta for a lunch everyone remembers.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-worthy presentation, serve Spinach Strawberry Salad layered in a clear trifle bowl or wide platter, showing off those bright red berries and emerald greens. For smaller gatherings, portion into elegant glass cups or shallow bowls for a restaurant-style look—drizzle a little extra dressing and a sprinkling of pecans for eye-catching appeal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you anticipate leftovers, store the undressed salad and the dressing separately in airtight containers. Once dressed, the greens will wilt faster, so it’s best to only toss what you’ll eat right away. Kept separate, the salad and dressing stay fresh and tasty for up to 4–5 days.

Freezing

Spinach Strawberry Salad is not freezer-friendly, as the fresh berries and greens don’t hold up to freezing and thawing—they’ll lose their crisp texture and vibrant appearance. Enjoy this salad as a treat made fresh!

Reheating

No reheating required! This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you happen to store the salad in the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If ever there was a salad to brighten someone’s day, it’s this Spinach Strawberry Salad. I hope you’ll give this fresh, colorful favorite a spot at your table soon—there’s just nothing like sharing these vibrant, juicy flavors with family and friends. Enjoy every crisp, summery forkful!

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