The Ultimate Strawberry Spinach Salad: A Refreshing Summer Delight

Prepare to fall in love with this incredibly delicious and remarkably healthy Strawberry Spinach Salad! This vibrant dish is a symphony of fresh flavors and delightful textures, featuring tender baby spinach, succulent fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, crisp red onions, salty feta cheese, and irresistible candied walnuts. It’s not just a salad; it’s an experience – quick, easy to assemble, and perfectly balanced with a homemade sweet and tangy balsamic dressing.

Among my collection of favorite salad recipes, this strawberry spinach creation holds a special place. Its unique blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes makes it an absolute standout. The refreshing coolness of the spinach and strawberries, combined with the creamy richness of avocado and the sharp zest of red onion, creates a truly unforgettable taste. The salty feta provides a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the strawberries, resulting in a harmonious flavor profile that’s simply addictive.

Ideal for the warmer months, this light and fruity salad serves beautifully as a vibrant side dish for any summer gathering. Imagine serving it alongside a perfectly cooked protein, such as my acclaimed Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp, for a complete and utterly satisfying meal. Its bright flavors and wholesome ingredients make it an excellent choice for a light lunch, a picnic centerpiece, or a healthy addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Adore This Strawberry Spinach Salad!

This isn’t just another salad; it’s a culinary masterpiece that consistently delights. Here’s why this Strawberry Spinach Salad should earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection:

• Explosion of Flavor: Forget bland salads! This dish bursts with an incredible array of tastes. The juicy sweetness of strawberries, the earthy freshness of spinach, the rich creaminess of avocado, the pungent bite of red onion, the salty tang of feta, and the sweet crunch of candied walnuts all come together in perfect harmony. The homemade balsamic dressing ties everything together with a delightful sweet-tangy finish, creating a multi-dimensional flavor experience.
• Irresistible Texture Variety: One of the hallmarks of a great salad is its texture, and this recipe delivers! You’ll enjoy the tender spinach, the soft strawberries, the velvety avocado, the satisfying crunch of walnuts, and the crumbly texture of feta. Each bite offers a different sensation, keeping your palate engaged and making this salad incredibly interesting to eat.
• Effortlessly Easy & Quick: Life is busy, and sometimes you need a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This salad is the epitome of simplicity. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and about 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a gourmet-quality salad ready to serve. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.
• Nutrient-Packed & Healthy: This salad is a powerhouse of nutrition. Baby spinach is rich in vitamins K, A, and C, as well as iron. Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C. Avocados provide healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber. Together, these ingredients contribute to a meal that is not only delicious but also incredibly beneficial for your well-being.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead & Meal Prep: Planning a cookout, picnic, or potluck? This salad is your secret weapon. Most components can be prepped in advance, and the dressing can be made up to a week ahead. With smart assembly tips (more on this below!), it’s an ideal choice for healthy meal prep throughout the week.
• Versatile & Adaptable: While the classic combination is superb, this salad is highly customizable. Easily swap greens, add your favorite protein, or experiment with different cheeses and nuts to make it uniquely yours. It adapts beautifully to various dietary preferences and tastes.

Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Spinach Salad

Crafting this phenomenal salad begins with selecting the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in the overall taste and texture.

• Baby Spinach: We opt for tender baby spinach due to its delicate texture and milder flavor compared to mature spinach leaves. It provides a fantastic green base, packed with nutrients, without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Choose ripe, sweet, and juicy strawberries for the best flavor. Their natural sweetness perfectly complements the savory elements of the salad.
• Red Onion: A small amount of thinly sliced red onion adds a welcome zing and a hint of pungent flavor, cutting through the sweetness and richness. For a milder taste, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled or cubed, feta cheese introduces a delightful salty, tangy, and slightly creamy element that beautifully contrasts the sweet strawberries and rich avocado.
• Candied Walnuts: These provide an irresistible crunch and a touch of caramel sweetness, adding another layer of texture and flavor complexity. They elevate the salad from good to extraordinary.
• Avocado: Ripe avocado lends a luxurious creaminess and healthy fats to the salad, balancing the crispness and adding a satisfying richness.

The Zesty Balsamic Dressing: A Perfect Companion

No salad is complete without the right dressing, and this homemade balsamic vinaigrette is simply divine. It’s a simple blend that delivers a complex flavor, perfectly enhancing every ingredient in the salad.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base of our vinaigrette, providing a smooth texture and rich, fruity undertones.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and a subtle kick, awakening the flavors.
• Balsamic Vinegar: The key to the dressing’s tangy backbone. Choose a good quality balsamic for superior flavor.
• Balsamic Glaze (Reduction): This is where the magic happens! A balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a thicker, more luxurious consistency, intensifying the balsamic flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar combine beautifully, while also adding a subtle sharpness.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the acidity of the balsamic vinegar, adding a lovely depth to the dressing.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in all the other ingredients.

Crafting Your Delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad: A Simple Guide

Making this salad is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors with minimal effort. Follow these easy steps for a perfect result every time:

1. Prepare the Balsamic Dressing: In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, balsamic glaze, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
2. Wash and Prepare Greens: Place the fresh baby spinach in a large salad bowl. Ensure the spinach is thoroughly washed and dried. Using a salad spinner is highly recommended to remove excess moisture, which helps the dressing adhere better.
3. Lightly Dress the Spinach: Add a small amount of the prepared balsamic dressing to the baby spinach. Gently toss the spinach leaves to lightly coat them. This initial coating ensures every leaf gets a hint of flavor without becoming soggy.

4. Add Remaining Salad Ingredients: To the bowl with the dressed spinach, add the sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and candied walnuts. For best presentation and even distribution, try to spread them evenly.
5. Final Toss and Serve: Drizzle the remaining desired amount of balsamic dressing over all the ingredients. Gently toss everything together one last time until all components are well combined and coated.
6. Present and Enjoy: Transfer the vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad to a beautiful serving platter or individual bowls. You can add an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh black pepper just before serving for an elegant touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Customizing Your Strawberry Spinach Salad: Delicious Alternatives

One of the best aspects of this salad is its incredible adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Alternate Greens: If spinach isn’t your preference, don’t worry! This salad tastes equally fantastic with other leafy greens. Consider a spring mix, peppery arugula for an added kick, or crisp romaine lettuce for a different texture. The key is to use fresh, vibrant greens.
• Boost with Protein: To transform this delightful side into a hearty main course, incorporate your favorite protein. Grilled chicken breast, pan-seared chili-lime shrimp, flakes of grilled salmon, or even vegetarian options like roasted chickpeas or hard-boiled eggs are excellent additions.
• Cheese Swaps: Not a fan of feta? Substitute it with crumbled goat cheese for a creamier, tangier profile, or shaved Parmesan cheese for a nutty, salty depth. Crumbled blue cheese can also add a bold, pungent flavor.
• Nut & Seed Alternatives: If walnuts aren’t available or preferred, try candied pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds for a different crunch. For a healthier option, use toasted nuts without the sugar coating.
• Add More Fruit: Enhance the fruity profile by adding other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or slices of mandarin oranges for a citrusy burst.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing can add a subtle warmth if you enjoy a touch of heat.

Embracing Baby Spinach: A Delightful Base

I understand that traditional spinach can sometimes be a tough sell for some palates. Its robust texture and slightly earthy flavor might not appeal to everyone. However, I’ve found that using baby spinach makes all the difference in a raw salad like this! Baby spinach leaves are far more tender, have a milder taste, and a smoother texture than their larger, more mature counterparts. Based on my personal experience, and the fact that even my kids enjoy it this way, baby spinach integrates seamlessly into a salad.

When combined with the right mix of sweet, tangy, and creamy ingredients, and coated with a flavorful dressing, baby spinach loses any perceived bitterness or overwhelming “green” taste. Instead, it becomes a refreshing and nutritious canvas for the vibrant strawberries, creamy avocado, and savory feta. Don’t dismiss spinach in salads until you’ve tried it in this delightful combination!

Make-Ahead & Storage Guide: Freshness Guaranteed

This salad is wonderfully accommodating for those who like to plan ahead. With a few simple tricks, you can enjoy its freshness even when preparing it in advance:

• Dressing Perfection: The balsamic dressing is a dream for meal prep! You can whisk all the dressing ingredients together up to a week in advance. Store it in a sealed jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or whisk before serving, as the oil and vinegar may separate.
• Salad Components: For optimal freshness and to prevent wilting, it’s best to store the salad ingredients separately and only combine them just before serving. Washed and dried baby spinach can be stored in an airtight container lined with a paper towel for up to 3-4 days. Sliced strawberries and diced avocado are best prepared closer to serving time to prevent browning and sogginess, but can be prepped a few hours ahead and stored covered in the fridge (toss avocado with a little lemon juice to prevent browning). Candied walnuts and crumbled feta also store well in separate airtight containers.
• For Work Lunches or Meal Prep: If you plan to pack this salad for work or prepare it as part of your weekly meal prep, the key is to layer your ingredients. Place the dressing at the bottom of a jar or container, followed by harder vegetables (like onions if using more), then feta, walnuts, and strawberries. Top with baby spinach. When ready to eat, simply shake the container or invert it into a bowl and toss. Alternatively, keep the dressing in a separate mini container and add it right before eating. This method ensures your salad remains crisp and vibrant.

Expert Tips for the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad

Elevate your salad game with these helpful hints and tricks:

• Prioritize Fresh & Ripe Ingredients: The success of this simple salad hinges on the quality of its components. Always opt for the freshest, ripest strawberries, crispest spinach, and perfectly creamy avocados. If possible, choose organic produce for enhanced flavor and nutritional value.
• Uniform Cuts for Better Bites: For a more enjoyable eating experience, try to cut all your ingredients into similar, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that you get a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every forkful.
• Dress Just Before Serving: This is arguably the most crucial tip! Spinach, especially baby spinach, is delicate and can wilt quickly when exposed to dressing. To maintain its vibrant crispness, only dress the salad immediately before you plan to serve it.
• Serving for a Crowd: If you’re preparing this salad for a BBQ, potluck, or a gathering with friends, it’s a fantastic idea to arrange all the beautiful ingredients in a large bowl or platter without the dressing. Serve the balsamic vinaigrette on the side, allowing your guests to add as much or as little as they prefer. This keeps the salad fresh and allows for individual customization.
• Homemade Candied Walnuts: While store-bought candied walnuts are convenient, making them at home is surprisingly easy and yields a superior flavor. A quick pan-toast with a sprinkle of sugar and a dash of water or butter can create perfectly sweet and crunchy walnuts.
• Don’t Overdress: A common salad mistake is using too much dressing. Start with a conservative amount and add more as needed. You want to coat the ingredients lightly, not drown them. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Explore More Easy & Delicious Salad Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and flavor of this Strawberry Spinach Salad, you’ll love these other quick and vibrant salad creations:

• Avocado Mango Salad: A tropical delight with creamy avocado and sweet mango.
• Caprese Pasta Salad: A classic Italian favorite transformed into a satisfying pasta salad.
• Cabbage Fattoush Salad: A hearty and tangy Middle Eastern-inspired salad with a delightful crunch.
• Fall Pear Salad: Perfect for cooler weather, featuring crisp pears and complementary flavors.

I sincerely hope you enjoy this delicious and simple Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta as much as I do. It’s a recipe designed to bring joy and vibrant flavors to your table. Please try it, savor every bite, and feel free to rate it and share your experience with friends and family!

To stay updated with all my new recipes, be sure to sign up for my blog newsletter. You’ll receive mouth-watering dishes straight to your inbox! And don’t forget to tag me on INSTAGRAM so I can admire your delicious recreations. Until our next recipe, XoXo…

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5 from 3 votes

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta

By:
Mariam Ezzeddine

Easy and Delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad, made with baby spinach, onions, feta cheese, candied walnuts and strawberries.

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
15 minutes

Servings:
6

Ingredients

• 5 oz. baby spinach
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
• 1/2 cup candied walnuts
• 1 large avocado, peeled and diced

DRESSING:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps. balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsps. balsamic glaze, reduction
• 1 tsp. ground black pepper, fine
• 1/2 tsp. salt, or more to taste
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp. honey

Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing by adding all the salad ingredients together. Shake in a shaker or whisk together in a cup.
2. Prepare the salad ingredients (wash, slice, dice as needed).
3. Place the spinach in a large bowl and toss together with some of the dressing to lightly coat the leaves.
4. Then add in the remainder of the salad ingredients: strawberries, onion, feta cheese, candied walnuts, and avocado.
5. Add the rest of the dressing and gently toss everything together until well combined.
6. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter and drizzle some more dressing over the salad if desired, then serve immediately.
7. ***You do not have to use all of the salad dressing. Use as much as you want and store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

• Use the freshest and ripest ingredients you can for the most flavorful salad. If you can, use organic produce.
• If you are prepping this salad for a BBQ or friends coming over, toss the ingredients without the dressing and leave the dressing on the side for people to pour in as much as they want.
• Cut the ingredients into similar sized pieces so that they combine well and are easier to eat.
• Don’t dress the salad until you are ready to serve it, or the spinach will wilt.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g
Calories: 369kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12.8g
Fat: 25.6g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Sodium: 534.6mg
Sugar: 8.7g