This fresh strawberry spinach salad is one of those simple dishes that feels extra special the moment it hits the table. Sweet berries, tender greens, and a creamy poppy seed dressing make every bite bright, crisp, and satisfying.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Equipment
- 1 Small bowl or jar for dressing
- 1 Large bowl for assembling salad
- 1 Dry skillet optional, for toasting almonds
Ingredients
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 0.25 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 0.33 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 0.25 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 0.25 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 0.5 tsp alcohol-free vanilla
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.125 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and dry the spinach well, then slice the strawberries and red onion. Dry greens matter here, since they help the dressing cling nicely without turning watery.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, alcohol-free vanilla, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- If your almonds are not already toasted, warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before adding them to the salad.
- Add the spinach to a large bowl, then top with strawberries, red onion, toasted almonds, and feta.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, then toss gently or serve the dressing on the side. Enjoy it right away for the freshest texture.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad
This salad brings together sweet, tangy, and crunchy in the best way. It is quick to assemble, beautiful for guests, and easy enough for a weekday lunch or dinner side.
You can also make it ahead with a few small steps, which makes it especially handy for potlucks, brunches, and warm-weather meals.
Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredients & Substitutions
- Fresh baby spinach, the base of the salad
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced for a sharp bite
- Toasted sliced almonds, or use pecans or sunflower seeds
- Crumbled feta cheese, or swap in goat cheese if you like a softer tang
- Plain Greek yogurt, for a creamy dressing
- Mayonnaise, for richness in the dressing
- Apple cider vinegar, for brightness
- Honey, to balance the tartness
- Alcohol-free vanilla, for a warm sweet note
- Poppy seeds, for classic texture and flavor
- Salt and black pepper, to finish the dressing
If you prefer a lighter salad, you can use extra spinach and a little less cheese. For added crunch, toss in sliced cucumbers or thinly sliced apples.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad
Step 1: Prep the produce
Wash and dry the spinach well, then slice the strawberries and red onion. Dry greens matter here, since they help the dressing cling nicely without turning watery.
Step 2: Make the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, alcohol-free vanilla, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Toast the nuts
If your almonds are not already toasted, warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before adding them to the salad.
Step 4: Assemble the salad
Add the spinach to a large bowl, then top with strawberries, red onion, toasted almonds, and feta.
Step 5: Dress and serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, then toss gently or serve the dressing on the side. Enjoy it right away for the freshest texture.
Tips for Success
Dry the spinach thoroughly after washing, because excess moisture can dilute the dressing. Slice the strawberries close to serving time so they stay juicy and bright.
Start with a little dressing, toss, then add more as needed. It is much easier to add more than to fix an overdressed salad.
If you are serving this for a crowd, keep the dressing separate until the last minute so the greens stay crisp.
Variations of Strawberry Spinach Salad
Add grilled chicken for a more filling main dish. Sliced avocado also works well if you want a creamier, richer bite.
You can swap the feta for crumbled blue cheese if you enjoy a stronger flavor, or leave the cheese out entirely for a simpler fruit and greens salad.
For a little extra sweetness, add mandarin oranges, blueberries, or thin slices of pear. A sprinkle of pumpkin seeds is a nice alternative to almonds too.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Strawberry Spinach Salad
This salad pairs nicely with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a simple pasta dish. It also works beautifully alongside soups, sandwiches, and brunch favorites like quiche or egg bakes.
For a spring or summer meal, serve it with crusty bread and a chilled fruit drink for an easy, colorful spread.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store the salad components separately when possible. Keep the washed spinach, sliced strawberries, and dressing in different containers in the refrigerator.
The dressing will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed right away, since the greens will soften over time. This salad does not need reheating.
Memories Made Around the Table
There is something about strawberries in a salad that always feels like the start of a good meal. I love bringing this one out on sunny afternoons, when the table is full and everyone reaches for seconds without much talk at all.
FAQs
Can I make strawberry spinach salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and dressing ahead of time. Store everything separately and assemble just before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of feta?
Goat cheese, blue cheese, or no cheese at all all work well. Choose the one that matches your flavor preference.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Make sure the spinach is dry, use ripe but firm strawberries, and add the dressing right before serving. Keeping the dressing separate helps a lot.
Can I make the dressing without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can replace the mayonnaise with more Greek yogurt. The dressing will be a little tangier and still taste great.
Final Thoughts
This fresh strawberry spinach salad is a simple way to bring color and freshness to the table. With sweet berries, crisp greens, and creamy poppy seed dressing, it is the kind of recipe that feels easy to make and lovely to share.