Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried; 1½ cups strawberries, hulled and sliced; ½ small red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; ½ cup pecan halves, toasted; ¼ cup balsamic vinaigretteOptional: fresh mint or basil, avocado, cucumber, chickpeas

There’s just something magical about the combination of strawberry and spinach in a salad. The vibrant colors alone are enough to draw you in, but once you take that first bite, it’s all over. The sweetness of juicy ripe strawberries, the earthy freshness of spinach, the creamy tang of crumbled feta, and the nutty crunch from toasted pecans—it’s the kind of flavor and texture party that keeps you going back for more. And when it’s all tied together with a light, tangy balsamic vinaigrette? That’s when a simple salad becomes a showstopper.

This Refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad is a warm-weather favorite in our household. I still remember the first time I made it—it was for a casual spring dinner with friends, and it ended up being the star of the table. Everyone asked for the recipe, and since then, I’ve made it more times than I can count. Whether it’s for a weekday lunch, a side for grilled chicken, or a potluck contribution, this salad always delivers.

What I love most is how easy it is to make, with fresh, everyday ingredients that are easy to find and even easier to love. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can tailor it to your taste or whatever you have in your fridge. If you’re looking for something that’s refreshing, healthy, and full of flavor, this salad absolutely deserves a spot on your meal plan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this strawberry spinach salad. Here’s what makes it truly special:

Quick and easy to make: You can have this salad on the table in less than 15 minutes. It’s ideal for busy days when you want something healthy and homemade without a lot of fuss.
Bursting with flavor: Sweet strawberries, peppery spinach, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans come together with a bright, tangy vinaigrette. Every bite is exciting and satisfying.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters tend to enjoy this one because of the natural sweetness from the berries. It’s also a great way to sneak some leafy greens onto everyone’s plate.
Visually stunning: This salad isn’t just tasty—it’s gorgeous. The vibrant reds and deep greens look beautiful on any table, making it perfect for parties or special occasions.
Totally customizable: From the nuts to the cheese to the dressing, you can tweak this salad in so many ways to match your preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a colorful side dish, or a crowd-pleasing addition to your picnic spread, this salad checks all the boxes.

Health Benefits

Not only does this Strawberry spinach salad taste amazing, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Each ingredient brings its own powerhouse benefits, making this dish as nourishing as it is delicious.

Spinach is rich in iron, fiber, and essential vitamins like A, C, and K. It’s a great leafy green that supports bone health, eye health, and immune function.
Strawberries offer a boost of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which supports collagen production and helps protect cells from damage. Plus, they’re naturally sweet without any added sugar.
Feta cheese, in moderation, provides calcium and protein, and adds a tangy flavor that helps you use less dressing without sacrificing taste.
Pecans are full of healthy fats and minerals like magnesium and zinc. Toasting them enhances their flavor while preserving their nutrients.
Balsamic vinaigrette adds a punch of flavor with minimal calories and fat when used in moderation. Opt for a homemade version with olive oil for added heart-healthy benefits.

All in all, this salad is a balanced dish that offers fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats—everything you want in a nourishing meal.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: None
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 250
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this bright and delicious salad:

6 cups baby spinach, washed and thoroughly dried – This forms the fresh, crisp base of your salad.
1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced – Choose ripe, juicy berries for the best natural sweetness.
½ small red onion, thinly sliced – Adds a sharp contrast to the sweet berries and creamy cheese.
½ cup crumbled feta cheese – Offers a creamy, tangy bite that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
½ cup pecan halves, toasted – Gives the salad a delightful crunch and toasty, nutty flavor.
¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette – Ties everything together with tangy, slightly sweet notes. You can use store-bought or homemade.

Optional Ingredients

Fresh mint or basil, chopped – Adds a pop of freshness that elevates the salad.
Avocado slices – For extra creaminess and healthy fats.
Cucumber slices – To add an extra hydrating crunch.
Grilled chicken or chickpeas – To turn this salad into a more filling main dish.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Making this salad is as easy as it gets. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a fresh, flavorful dish ready in no time.

Prepare the spinach
Rinse the spinach leaves thoroughly under cold water, then pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or a salad spinner. Drying is essential to avoid soggy salad.
Slice the strawberries
Hull the strawberries and slice them vertically. If your berries are particularly large, you can quarter them instead.
Slice the onion
Use a sharp knife to slice the red onion very thinly. If the flavor of raw onion is too strong for your taste, soak the slices in cold water for 5–10 minutes to mellow the sharpness, then drain and pat dry.
Toast the pecans
Place the pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast them for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant. Let them cool before adding them to the salad.
Assemble the salad
In a large salad bowl, add the spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion. Toss gently with clean hands or salad tongs.
Add cheese and nuts
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans over the top of the salad.
Dress the salad
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Start with half the amount, toss gently, then add more if needed. This helps prevent overdressing.
Taste and adjust
Give your salad a quick taste. Add a pinch of salt or an extra drizzle of dressing if necessary.
Serve immediately
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right away to preserve the crispness and vibrant colors.

How to Serve

This strawberry spinach salad is super versatile and fits in beautifully with a wide range of meals. Here are a few serving ideas:

As a light lunch with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs
Alongside grilled fish or baked chicken for a bright and refreshing dinner side
As part of a brunch spread with quiche, fresh bread, and juice
At potlucks or family gatherings where it adds a burst of color and flavor
As a festive holiday salad with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries

Pairing Suggestions

To round out your meal, here are some great ideas for what to serve with this salad:

Main Dishes: Grilled chicken breast, turkey burgers, or lemon herb salmon
Side Dishes: Couscous, quinoa salad, or roasted sweet potatoes
Drinks: Sparkling water with lemon, hibiscus iced tea, or a fresh fruit smoothie
Bread: Whole grain rolls or crusty baguette slices with a touch of olive oil and sea salt

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. However, for best results, keep the dressing separate and add it only when you’re ready to eat. The salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days without the dressing.

Freezing: This salad doesn’t freeze well because of the fresh produce. The strawberries and spinach lose their texture once thawed, making the salad soggy.

Reheating: No reheating needed. Simply give it a gentle toss and enjoy cold.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple salad, a few easy-to-make mistakes can impact the final result:

Not drying the spinach: Wet leaves make the salad soggy and dilute the dressing.
Overdressing: Too much vinaigrette can overpower the fresh ingredients. Always start small.
Adding the dressing too early: The salad can wilt quickly if dressed too far in advance.
Skipping the toasting step: Toasting the pecans makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
Using underripe strawberries: These lack sweetness and can make the salad taste bland.

Pro Tips

To make the most of your salad every time, here are a few tips that never fail:

Choose fresh, ripe berries for the sweetest flavor and juiciest texture.
Use a salad spinner to get the spinach completely dry—this keeps everything crisp.
Soften the onion flavor by soaking in cold water for a few minutes before adding.
Toast nuts in advance and store in an airtight container for quick salad prep.
Make the vinaigrette from scratch for a more vibrant, fresh flavor. A mix of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard works beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all the components in advance—wash the spinach, slice the strawberries and onions, toast the pecans—but keep everything separate and combine just before serving to maintain freshness.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Goat cheese, blue cheese, or even shredded mozzarella are great alternatives.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or roasted chickpeas are excellent protein boosts.

Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?
Yes. Omit the cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are strongly recommended for texture and flavor. Frozen ones tend to be mushy when thawed.

What type of balsamic vinaigrette should I use?
A classic balsamic vinaigrette or a homemade version with olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard is best. Avoid creamy dressings—they can weigh down the salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the dressing if using store-bought.

How do I make it more filling without meat?
Add avocado, cooked quinoa, or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.

Can I use baby kale or arugula instead of spinach?
Yes, both work well, though arugula adds a peppery bite that might change the flavor profile slightly.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Use a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often until fragrant, about 3–5 minutes.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of flavor, color, and texture that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quiet lunch or serving it at a festive gathering, it’s sure to impress without taking up too much of your time.

Ready to make it your own? Try it with your favorite cheese, a different nut, or even a homemade dressing. And when you do, I’d love to hear about it. Snap a photo, share your twist, and tag me—I can’t wait to see how your salad turns out.

Happy cooking and happy crunching!