Green Salads

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 4 cups baby spinach leaves; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves

By Tessa Calloway · June 19, 2026 · Green Salads

Prep15 min

Cook0 min

Total30 min

Serves4

As the seasons change, I find myself craving lighter, fresher flavors that celebrate the best of what's in season. One of my favorite spring and summer salads is this Strawberry Spinach Salad, which combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the earthy taste of baby spinach.

The first time I made this salad, I was amazed at how well the flavors and textures came together. The sweetness of the strawberries pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the dressing, while the baby spinach adds a delicate freshness to each bite.

This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner, and it's also a great side dish for potlucks and barbecues. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day, making it a great option for meal prep.

One of the things I love about this salad is how versatile it is. You can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, or cheese. I also like to use different types of vinegar in the dressing to change up the flavor.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad that's perfect for any occasion. With its fresh flavors and easy preparation, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is easy to make and requires minimal preparation time
It's a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables
The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is delicious and refreshing
You can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, or cheese
It's perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner, and it's also a great side dish for potlucks and barbecues
You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great Strawberry Spinach Salad is to use the freshest ingredients possible. Fresh strawberries are essential, as they provide the sweetness and flavor that makes this salad so delicious. Baby spinach is also a must, as it adds a delicate freshness to each bite.

The dressing is also important, as it brings all the flavors together. I like to use a combination of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard to create a tangy and creamy dressing. The acidity in the vinegar helps to balance out the sweetness of the strawberries, while the mustard adds a rich and creamy texture.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the texture. I like to add some crunchy elements, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, to provide a nice contrast to the softness of the spinach and strawberries. You can also add some crumbled feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Overall, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that's perfect for any occasion. With its fresh flavors and versatile ingredients, you can customize it to your taste and make it a staple in your household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Strawberry Spinach Salad, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important ingredients are fresh strawberries and baby spinach, which provide the sweetness and freshness that makes this salad so delicious. You'll also need some olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard to make the dressing.

In addition to these ingredients, you can also add some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch, as well as some crumbled feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor. The key is to use the freshest ingredients possible and to customize the salad to your taste.

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and slicedFresh strawberries are essential for this recipe, as they provide the sweetness and flavor that makes this salad so delicious. Look for strawberries that are firm and have no signs of mold or bruising.
4 cups baby spinach leavesBaby spinach is a must for this recipe, as it adds a delicate freshness to each bite. Look for spinach that is fresh and has no signs of wilting or browning.
1/2 cup chopped pecansChopped pecans add a nice crunch to this salad, but you can also use walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Look for nuts that are fresh and have no signs of rancidity or mold.
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheeseFeta cheese adds a tangy and salty flavor to this salad, but you can also use goat cheese or parmesan if you prefer. Look for cheese that is fresh and has no signs of mold or spoilage.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is a healthy and flavorful oil that is perfect for making salad dressings. Look for oil that is extra-virgin and has a mild flavor.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar adds a tangy and refreshing flavor to this salad, but you can also use white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar if you prefer. Look for vinegar that is pure and has no added sugars or preservatives.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustardDijon mustard adds a rich and creamy texture to this salad, as well as a tangy flavor. Look for mustard that is made with high-quality ingredients and has no added sugars or preservatives.
1 teaspoon honeyHoney adds a touch of sweetness to this salad, but you can also use maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer. Look for honey that is pure and has no added sugars or preservatives.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors in this salad. Look for salt that is pure and has no added ingredients, and use freshly ground pepper for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leavesFresh mint leaves add a bright and refreshing flavor to this salad, but you can also use basil or cilantro if you prefer. Look for herbs that are fresh and have no signs of wilting or browning.

Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlCutting boardKnifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskInstant-read thermometerServing spoon

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad

1
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until well combined.
2
Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl and toss to coat with the dressing.
3
Add the baby spinach leaves to the bowl and toss to combine with the strawberries and dressing.
4
Sprinkle the chopped pecans and crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad and toss to combine.
5
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh mint leaves over the top of the salad and toss to combine.
8
Serve the salad chilled, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.
9
To make ahead, prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Give the salad a good stir before serving.
10
To customize the salad, try adding other ingredients such as chopped nuts or seeds, diced apples or pears, or crumbled blue cheese.
11
To make the salad more substantial, try adding some grilled chicken or salmon, or some cooked quinoa or brown rice.
12
To make the salad more refreshing, try adding some diced cucumber or bell peppers, or some chopped fresh herbs such as basil or cilantro.

Expert Tips

Use the freshest ingredients possible to make this salad, as they will provide the best flavor and texture.
Don't overdress the salad, as this can make it soggy and unappetizing.
Try adding other ingredients to the salad to customize it to your taste.
Make the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
Use a variety of textures and flavors in the salad to make it more interesting and engaging.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make the salad your own.
Use high-quality ingredients, such as extra-virgin olive oil and pure honey, to make the salad more delicious and nutritious.
Try serving the salad as a side dish or light lunch, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using wilted or brown spinach, which can make the salad unappetizing.
Overdressing the salad, which can make it soggy and unappetizing.
Not using the freshest ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the salad.
Not customizing the salad to your taste, which can make it boring and uninteresting.
Not making the salad ahead of time, which can affect the flavor and texture of the salad.
Not using a variety of textures and flavors in the salad, which can make it uninteresting and unengaging.

Variations and Substitutions

Try adding other ingredients to the salad, such as diced apples or pears, or chopped nuts or seeds.
Use different types of vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, to change up the flavor of the dressing.
Add some grilled chicken or salmon to the salad to make it more substantial.
Use different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or parmesan, to change up the flavor of the salad.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or cilantro, to the salad to change up the flavor.
Try using different types of nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or almonds, to change up the texture of the salad.
Use different types of honey, such as maple syrup or agave nectar, to change up the flavor of the dressing.

What to Serve With Strawberry Spinach Salad

This Strawberry Spinach Salad is perfect as a side dish or light lunch, and it's also a great topping for grilled chicken or fish. You can serve it chilled, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.

Try serving the salad with some crusty bread or crackers, or as a topping for a bed of quinoa or brown rice. You can also add some grilled chicken or salmon to the salad to make it more substantial.

Serve the salad as a side dish or light lunchUse the salad as a topping for grilled chicken or fishAdd some crusty bread or crackers to the salad for a satisfying snackServe the salad as a topping for a bed of quinoa or brown riceAdd some grilled chicken or salmon to the salad to make it more substantialUse the salad as a topping for a bed of mixed greens

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the salad, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a day. Give the salad a good stir before serving.

To make ahead, prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the salad for up to a month, but be aware that the texture and flavor may be affected.

To reheat the salad, simply give it a good stir and serve chilled. You can also add some fresh ingredients, such as chopped herbs or nuts, to the salad to brighten up the flavor and texture.

When storing the salad, be sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods, as the salad can absorb odors easily. You should also keep the salad refrigerated at a temperature of 40°F or below to prevent spoilage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of strawberries should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of strawberry for this recipe, but fresh and ripe strawberries will provide the best flavor and texture. Look for strawberries that are firm and have no signs of mold or bruising.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for this recipe, but be aware that the texture and flavor may be affected. Frozen strawberries can be more watery and less sweet than fresh strawberries, so you may need to adjust the amount of honey in the dressing.

What type of spinach should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of spinach for this recipe, but baby spinach leaves will provide the best flavor and texture. Look for spinach that is fresh and has no signs of wilting or browning.

Can I use other types of greens for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of greens for this recipe, such as kale or arugula. However, be aware that the flavor and texture may be affected, so you may need to adjust the amount of dressing and toppings.

How long can I store the salad in the refrigerator?

You can store the salad in the refrigerator for up to a day. Give the salad a good stir before serving, and be aware that the texture and flavor may be affected by storage.

Can I freeze the salad?

Yes, you can freeze the salad for up to a month, but be aware that the texture and flavor may be affected. Frozen salads can be more watery and less flavorful than fresh salads, so you may need to adjust the amount of dressing and toppings.

How do I reheat the salad?

To reheat the salad, simply give it a good stir and serve chilled. You can also add some fresh ingredients, such as chopped herbs or nuts, to the salad to brighten up the flavor and texture.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Give the salad a good stir before serving, and be aware that the texture and flavor may be affected by storage.

The Full Recipe

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