Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 ounces fresh spinach; 1 cup thinly sliced strawberries; ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion; ½ cup toasted pecans; 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled; 1 recipe Poppy Seed Dressing; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a vibrant, refreshing mix of fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, tangy red onions, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta, all tossed in a bright and creamy poppy seed dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for spring and summer gatherings, and it’s just as easy to make as it is impressive to serve.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh & Flavorful: The sweet and savory combo makes every bite exciting.
Perfect for Warm Weather: Light, crisp, and ideal for spring or summer meals.
Quick to Prepare: Comes together in just 20 minutes.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the salad ahead and dress it right before serving.
Versatile: Great as a side dish or topped with grilled chicken for a full meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

5 ounces fresh spinach
1 cup thinly sliced strawberries
⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
½ cup toasted pecans
2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1 recipe poppy seed dressing
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion.
Drizzle in some of the poppy seed dressing and toss gently to coat.
Add the toasted pecans and crumbled feta. Gently toss again to combine.
Add more dressing if desired and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately or refrigerate undressed until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 to 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a meal.
Nut-Free Option: Use toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of pecans.
Fruit Swap: Try blueberries, raspberries, or sliced apples in place of strawberries.
Cheese Change: Goat cheese or blue cheese can be used instead of feta.
Add Avocado: Sliced avocado adds creaminess and richness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage (Undressed): Store the salad ingredients separately from the dressing in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Storage (Dressed): If already dressed, consume within a few hours to avoid sogginess.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all the ingredients and store them separately. Add the dressing just before serving for the best texture.

What’s the best dressing for this salad?

A tangy poppy seed dressing complements the strawberries and feta beautifully, but balsamic vinaigrette also works well.

Can I use baby spinach?

Absolutely! Baby spinach is tender and works perfectly in this salad.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?

Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and golden.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are best for this salad. Frozen berries tend to release too much moisture and become mushy.

Is this salad vegetarian?

Yes, as long as the feta cheese used is made with vegetarian rennet.

How do I keep the spinach from wilting?

Dress the salad right before serving and avoid overdressing to keep the spinach crisp.

Can I use another leafy green instead of spinach?

Yes, arugula or mixed spring greens are great alternatives.

What protein can I add to make it a full meal?

Grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even quinoa would turn this salad into a hearty main dish.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Strawberry Spinach Salad is a beautiful, fresh, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for spring and summer. The mix of sweet strawberries, crunchy pecans, salty feta, and a tangy poppy seed dressing creates a crowd-pleasing salad you’ll return to again and again. Whether served at a picnic, holiday meal, or casual dinner, it’s sure to be a standout on the table.