Nothing says fresh and vibrant quite like a bowl of greens bursting with juicy flavors and crunchy textures. This Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe is a delightful celebration of sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together by a perfectly balanced homemade dressing. It’s not just a salad; it’s a colorful, tasty experience that’s as healthy as it is beautiful, making it a standout choice for any meal or occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this salad shine. Each item is simple but essential, adding its own unique flavor, texture, or pop of color that makes this Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe so memorable.
- 8 cups Fresh Spinach: Use loosely packed, vibrant green leaves for a fresh and tender base.
- 2 cups Strawberries: Hulled and sliced, perfectly ripe and bright red for natural sweetness and color.
- 1 cup Feta Cheese: Crumbled to add a salty, creamy component that contrasts beautifully with the fruit.
- 1 small Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a touch of sharpness and crunch; soaking in cold water can mellow its bite.
- 1/2 cup Walnuts: Chopped to bring a toasty crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil: Extra virgin preferred for richness and smoothness in the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the strawberries.
- 1 tablespoon Honey: A little natural sweetness to round out the dressing’s flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the ingredients without overpowering them.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Start by washing the spinach leaves thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Once clean, spin or pat them dry carefully to avoid sogginess and retain the tender crispness that will make every bite so enjoyable.
Step 2: Slice the Strawberries
Hull your strawberries to remove the green tops, then slice them evenly. This ensures each forkful has a juicy burst of sweetness that blends beautifully with the savory elements of the salad.
Step 3: Thinly Slice the Red Onion
Take your small red onion and slice it as thinly as possible. If the flavor seems strong, soaking the slices in cold water for a few minutes mellows the bite, making the onion a subtle but exciting addition.
Step 4: Chop the Walnuts
Chop walnuts into smaller pieces to sprinkle throughout the salad. Their crunch and warm nuttiness add a delightful texture contrast that elevates the entire dish.
Step 5: Make the Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. The balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes in this dressing is what really ties the salad together with flavorful elegance.
Step 6: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the spinach, strawberries, red onion, crumbled feta, and walnuts. Gently is the key word here to keep the fragile spinach leaves intact and the strawberries from getting mushy.
Step 7: Dress and Toss
Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad, then toss it again gently to ensure every bite will be perfectly coated with that lovely vinaigrette without overwhelming the freshness of the ingredients.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust
Give your salad a final taste. If it needs a little more seasoning, add a pinch of salt or pepper. Once it’s perfectly balanced, serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint or basil can add a fragrant twist that complements the salad’s sweetness. You can also scatter some extra chopped walnuts or a few whole strawberries on top for a pretty presentation.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or a light pasta for a complete meal. It’s a fantastic side dish to brighten up any barbecue, picnic, or dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in individual glass bowls layered with colorful ingredients showing through for a stunning effect. Or pile it high on a rustic wooden board, letting the fresh colors and textures invite everyone to dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers to keep the spinach crisp and strawberries fresh. Toss just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so I don’t recommend freezing it—freezing would damage the delicate spinach and strawberries and change the texture of the cheese.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, cold salad, it’s meant to be eaten as is. Reheating will wilt the spinach and alter the crispness and flavor balance, so it’s best served cold immediately after dressing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While feta adds a salty creaminess, goat cheese or blue cheese can work wonderfully as alternatives depending on your flavor preference.
What if I don’t have walnuts?
Try pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for crunch—they each bring a unique texture and taste that keeps the salad interesting.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based vegan cheese or omit it altogether. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
How long will this salad stay fresh?
If stored properly with dressing separate, this salad stays fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge. However, it tastes best the day it’s made for peak freshness and texture.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can transform this salad into a hearty meal without losing its bright and fresh qualities.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe has a way of turning simple, fresh ingredients into a dish you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a light dinner, or looking for a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, this salad delivers an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
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Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring fresh spinach, ripe strawberries, tangy feta cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a sweet balsamic honey dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 cups Fresh Spinach (Loosely packed, vibrant green leaves)
- 2 cups Strawberries (Hulled and sliced, ripe and bright red)
- 1 cup Feta Cheese (Crumble for a salty, creamy component)
- 1 small Red Onion (Thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup Walnuts (Chopped for crunch)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil (Extra virgin for richness)
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar (Adds tangy sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (Enhances the dressing’s sweetness)
- Salt and Pepper (To taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Spinach: Wash the spinach thoroughly under cold water and spin dry to remove excess moisture, ensuring the leaves are clean and crisp.
- Prepare Strawberries: Hull and slice the strawberries into thin pieces and set them aside for the salad.
- Prepare Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. Optionally, soak the slices in cold water to mellow the flavor if desired.
- Chop Walnuts: Chop the walnuts into smaller pieces to add a crunchy texture to the salad.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, crumbled feta, and chopped walnuts. Toss gently to mix evenly.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently again to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.
Notes
- Soaking onion slices in cold water reduces their sharpness and makes the salad milder.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Walnuts can be toasted lightly for added flavor and crunch.
- This salad is best served immediately after dressing to prevent the spinach from wilting.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds depending on preference or availability.
