classic spinach strawberry salad Recipes
Craving a fresh, vibrant salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? My classic spinach strawberry salad is a perfect choice for any meal. Bursting with sweet, juicy strawberries, tender baby spinach, and a hint of tang from feta cheese, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. Topped with crunchy toasted pecans and a luscious poppy seed dressing, it’s the kind of dish that turns any lunch or dinner into something special.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a stunning side for dinner, or a dish to impress at a gathering, this spinach strawberry salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make, using fresh ingredients you probably already love.
Ingredients List
Here’s what I use to make this vibrant, flavorful salad:
5 ounces fresh spinach
1 cup thinly sliced strawberries
⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
1 recipe Poppy Seed Dressing
½ cup toasted pecans
2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Having these fresh ingredients on hand makes the salad not just tasty, but visually stunning—perfect for Instagram-worthy meals or a simple weeknight treat.
Required Kitchen Tools
When I make my classic spinach strawberry salad, having the right tools makes the process effortless and enjoyable. Here’s what I always keep on hand:
Large Salad Bowl – A spacious bowl makes tossing the spinach, strawberries, and dressing easy without spilling.
Sharp Knife – For slicing strawberries and red onions thinly, a sharp knife is essential for clean, even cuts.
Cutting Board – A sturdy cutting board helps keep your prep organized and safe.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – To ensure the right balance of dressing, nuts, and cheese.
Small Skillet or Oven Pan – Perfect for lightly toasting the pecans, which brings out their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
Salad Tongs or Serving Spoons – For tossing the salad evenly so every bite is coated in dressing and full of flavor.
Having these tools ready makes the salad come together quickly and smoothly, so I can focus on enjoying the process as much as the final dish.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before tossing everything together, I like to prep my ingredients carefully to enhance both flavor and presentation:
Spinach: I wash the fresh spinach thoroughly and pat it dry. Excess water can dilute the dressing, so I make sure the leaves are crisp.
Strawberries: I slice them thinly so they mix evenly with the spinach, giving a pop of color in every bite.
Red Onion: Thinly slicing the onion ensures it adds a mild bite without overpowering the other flavors.
Pecans: I toast them lightly in a skillet or oven until golden brown. The toasting enhances their nuttiness and adds a perfect crunch to the salad.
Feta Cheese: I crumble the feta cheese evenly to distribute its creamy, tangy flavor throughout the salad.
With these ingredients prepped, I’m ready to move on to the fun part—assembling the salad so it looks as good as it tastes.
Assembling the Spinach Strawberry Salad
Now comes my favorite part—bringing all the fresh ingredients together into a colorful, delicious salad. Here’s how I do it to make sure every bite is perfectly balanced:
Layer the Spinach: I start by placing the washed and dried spinach into my large salad bowl. This creates a fresh, leafy base for the salad.
Add Strawberries and Onions: Next, I sprinkle the thinly sliced strawberries and red onions evenly over the spinach. The strawberries add natural sweetness, while the onions give a gentle, savory bite.
Sprinkle Pecans and Feta: I scatter the toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese on top. The pecans provide crunch, and the feta adds a creamy, tangy contrast that makes the salad irresistible.
Dressing and Tossing
The secret to a salad that’s bursting with flavor is all in the dressing. I use a homemade or store-bought poppy seed dressing because its sweet and tangy notes complement the strawberries and spinach beautifully. Here’s my method:
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad, starting with a small amount so it doesn’t overpower the ingredients.
Gently toss the salad using salad tongs or two large spoons, making sure the dressing coats every leaf and slice without bruising the delicate spinach.
Taste a small portion and adjust with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
The result is a visually stunning, flavor-packed salad where every forkful combines sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy textures. It’s a dish that looks like it belongs in a gourmet restaurant, but it comes together in minutes at home.
Serving and Enjoying
I love serving this spinach strawberry salad immediately after tossing so that the spinach stays crisp, the strawberries stay juicy, and the dressing doesn’t weigh anything down. Here are a few serving tips:
As a Side Salad: Pair it with grilled chicken, salmon, or a light pasta dish for a complete meal.
As a Main Dish: Add extra protein like grilled shrimp, quinoa, or roasted chickpeas to turn it into a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Presentation Tip: For a beautiful touch, sprinkle a few whole strawberries or extra pecans on top just before serving to make the salad look as good as it tastes.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (though it rarely happens in my house!), here’s how to keep them fresh:
Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To prevent the spinach from wilting, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
Pecans and Feta: Toasted pecans are best stored separately as well, so they maintain their crunch. Feta can also be stored in a small container until you’re ready to enjoy the salad again.
Final Tips for the Perfect Salad
Use the freshest strawberries and spinach possible—this makes all the difference in flavor.
Toasting the pecans is a small step that adds big flavor and texture.
Don’t overdress the salad; a little poppy seed dressing goes a long way in enhancing the natural sweetness of the strawberries and the creaminess of the feta.
This classic spinach strawberry salad is my go-to recipe when I want something quick, healthy, and impressive. It’s perfect for summer meals, brunches, or even a festive gathering. Every bite offers a balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more.
