Hey y'all! If you're searching for a salad that's as vibrant and tasty as it is simple, this Spinach & Strawberry Salad is your new go-to. With sweet, juicy strawberries, tender baby spinach, crunchy pecans, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette, it's a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you're prepping for a summer picnic, a light lunch, or a beautiful side for dinner, this salad is sure to impress. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Spinach & Strawberry Salad
- Quick and easy to prepare – ready in just 15 minutes.
- Packed with nutrients and antioxidants from fresh spinach and strawberries.
- Delightful contrast of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite.
- Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or healthy meal prep.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and dressings.
Spinach & Strawberry Salad Ingredients
- 5 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta)
- ⅓ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt & black pepper to taste
How to Make Spinach & Strawberry Salad
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach. Hull and slice the strawberries. Thinly slice the red onion, crumble the goat cheese, and toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing emulsifies and becomes slightly thickened.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, onions, and pecans. Drizzle with half of the vinaigrette and gently toss to coat. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the top and serve the remaining dressing on the side.
Spinach & Strawberry Salad Notes
- For maximum flavor, use the ripest strawberries you can find—see these tips on picking fresh produce.
- You can prepare the vinaigrette up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate in a sealed container.
- For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Spinach & Strawberry Salad Variations
- Chicken & Strawberry Spinach Salad: Add sliced grilled chicken breast for a protein-packed main course.
- Vegan Version: Replace cheese with avocado and swap honey for maple syrup in the dressing.
- Berry Medley: Mix in blueberries or raspberries for extra fruity flavor.
Required Equipment for Spinach & Strawberry Salad
- Large salad bowl
- Small mixing bowl or lidded jar (for dressing)
- Salad tongs or two large spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Skillet (for toasting pecans)
Spinach & Strawberry Salad Storage Instructions
Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the vinaigrette separate and add just before serving to prevent sogginess. Prepared dressing will keep up to 1 week refrigerated.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Spinach & Strawberry Salad
- Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or a crusty baguette.
- Pairs beautifully with sparkling water or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Try as a side for brunch with quiche or frittata.
Pro Tips for the Best Spinach & Strawberry Salad
- Layer the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp—read more about salad assembly at Serious Eats: How to Make Salad.
- Toast nuts right before adding them for maximum crunch and flavor.
- Let the vinaigrette sit for 5 minutes before using so flavors can meld, as suggested in this vinaigrette guide from Cooking Light.
Spinach & Strawberry Salad FAQ
- Can I make Spinach & Strawberry Salad ahead of time?
- Yes! Prep the ingredients and vinaigrette in advance, but toss everything together just before serving for best freshness.
- What can I use instead of pecans?
- Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds are excellent nutty alternatives that also add crunch.
- Is this salad gluten-free?
- Absolutely! All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
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2Place the baby spinach in a large salad bowl.
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3Add the sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, toasted pecans, and red onion to the spinach.
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4Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients.
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5Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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