There’s something magical about the way sweet strawberries and fresh spinach come together in this spinach strawberry salad—it’s like summer on a plate. I first fell in love with this combo at a friend’s backyard picnic years ago, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. The crisp spinach, juicy berries, and tangy feta make every bite refreshing and satisfying. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, so you can feel good about eating it. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a side dish for dinner, this salad never disappoints. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Strawberry Salad
This salad checks all the boxes—here’s why it’s my go-to:
- Super quick – You can throw it together in 10 minutes flat (perfect for those “I need food NOW” moments)
- Packed with goodness – Spinach gives you iron, strawberries bring vitamin C, and walnuts add healthy fats
- Flavor fireworks – Sweet berries play off tangy feta and crisp greens in every bite
- Endlessly customizable – Swap nuts, cheeses, or add protein to make it your own
- Looks fancy (but isn’t) – The vibrant colors impress guests at potlucks
Ingredients for Spinach Strawberry Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this refreshing salad sing:
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves (washed and dried thoroughly – soggy greens are the enemy!)
- 1 cup sliced strawberries (thin pieces, about ¼-inch thick – I use my sharpest paring knife)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (small pieces for perfect crunch in every bite)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (the good stuff – don’t skimp on quality here)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette (my secret? A splash of honey in the dressing)
How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad
Okay, let’s make this gorgeous salad together – it’s so easy you’ll wonder why you don’t eat it every day! Here’s exactly how I do it:
- Prep those greens first – Wash your spinach like you mean it (I swish mine in cold water 3 times) and dry thoroughly in a salad spinner or with paper towels. Wet leaves = sad salad.
- Slice strawberries with care – Use a sharp knife to cut them into pretty ¼-inch slices. Pro tip: save the strawberry tops for smoothies!
- Chop walnuts just right – I like mine in small-but-not-tiny pieces for maximum crunch. Watch your fingers!
- Assemble with love – Toss spinach, strawberries, walnuts and feta gently in your prettiest bowl. The colors alone will make you happy.
- Dress it perfectly – Drizzle that balsamic vinaigrette over top (start with 1 tbsp – you can always add more) and toss lightly with clean hands or salad tongs.
- Serve immediately – This salad shines brightest when fresh. Dig in while the spinach is crisp and the berries are juicy!
See? No cooking, no fuss – just 10 minutes to salad heaven. The hardest part is waiting to eat it!
Tips for the Perfect Spinach Strawberry Salad
After making this salad countless times (seriously, I lost count), here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Use the freshest spinach you can find – Those tender baby leaves make all the difference
- Dress it lightly at first – You can always add more vinaigrette, but you can’t take it back!
- Add protein for a meal – Leftover grilled chicken or salmon turns this into dinner
- Toast your walnuts – 3 minutes in a dry pan takes the flavor to another level
- Serve in a chilled bowl – Keeps everything crisp on warm days
Variations for Spinach Strawberry Salad
Here’s the fun part—this salad is like a blank canvas! Try these easy swaps to mix things up:
- Nut swap: Pecans or almonds work beautifully instead of walnuts (toast them first for extra crunch)
- Cheese change-up: Creamy goat cheese or shaved parmesan are delicious with the strawberries
- Add avocado: A few slices make it extra rich—just add right before serving
- Dressing twist: Swap balsamic for a lemon poppyseed or honey mustard vinaigrette
- Sweet touch: Toss in some dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for bursts of sweetness
Serving Suggestions for Spinach Strawberry Salad
This salad plays well with others! I love it piled high with grilled chicken for lunch, served alongside crusty bread at picnics, or as a bright side to rich pasta dishes. The possibilities are endless—get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This salad shines brightest when fresh, but if you must store it, keep the undressed greens and toppings separate in airtight containers for up to 24 hours. Trust me, nobody likes soggy spinach!
Spinach Strawberry Salad Nutritional Information
One generous serving of this salad packs about 180 calories with 12g healthy fats (mostly from those walnuts and olive oil in the dressing). You’re getting 6g protein and 4g fiber to keep you full, plus a whopping dose of vitamins from the fresh spinach and strawberries. The 8g natural sugar comes straight from the berries – no added sugars here! (Note: Exact values may change slightly depending on your specific ingredients and dressing amounts.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other greens besides spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale or mixed spring greens work great – just avoid iceberg (it’s too watery). I sometimes use arugula when I want that peppery kick.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients separately up to 24 hours in advance, but wait to combine and dress until right before serving. Nobody wants soggy berries!
What dressing substitutions work best?
Honey mustard or raspberry vinaigrette are my top picks when I’m out of balsamic. Even a simple squeeze of lemon juice and olive oil does the trick!
Will this last as leftovers?
Honestly? It’s best fresh. The spinach wilts quickly – but if you must, store undressed salad in the fridge and eat within a day.
Can I add protein to make it a meal?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas turn this into lunch. I often add sliced hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
Ready to Fall in Love With This Salad?
Now it’s your turn! Whip up this spinach strawberry salad and let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your twists on this fresh favorite!
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Irresistible Spinach Strawberry Salad in 10 Minutes
A refreshing and nutritious salad combining fresh spinach and sweet strawberries for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Wash and dry the spinach leaves thoroughly.
- Slice the strawberries into thin pieces.
- Chop the walnuts into small pieces.
- Combine spinach, strawberries, walnuts, and feta cheese in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture.
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Adjust the amount of vinaigrette to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: spinach strawberry salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe