The Lively Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe for Spring Picnics

Crafting a delightful strawberry spinach salad brings vibrant colors and refreshing flavors to your plate.

Summer’s bounty creates magical combinations on dinner tables everywhere.

Crisp spinach leaves dance with sweet, juicy strawberries in this simple yet elegant dish.

Fresh ingredients speak volumes about mindful eating and seasonal enjoyment.

Light vinaigrette adds zesty notes that complement the natural sweetness of ripe berries.

Delicate and nutritious, this salad promises a delectable experience that celebrates fresh produce.

Why Strawberry Spinach Salad Is a Classic Favorite

• Boost Nutrition Fast: Packed with spinach's iron and vitamins, plus strawberries' antioxidants, this salad delivers powerful health benefits in one delicious dish.
• Create Gourmet Moments: The combination of feta cheese, walnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette transforms a simple salad into a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
• Perfect for Quick Gatherings: Requires minimal preparation and can be assembled in minutes, making it ideal for last-minute lunch dates, potlucks, or unexpected guests.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add protein like grilled chicken to make this versatile salad suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Spinach Leaves: A nutrient-packed green base that provides a crisp and earthy foundation for the salad.
• Strawberries: Sweet and juicy berries that add a vibrant burst of flavor and color to the dish.
• Red Onion: Sharp and tangy ingredient that introduces a subtle bite and aromatic complexity.

• Feta Cheese: Creamy and salty cheese that crumbles easily and adds a rich, tangy note to the salad.
• Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that provide a hearty texture and nutty flavor with added nutritional benefits.

• Balsamic Vinaigrette: A smooth and slightly sweet dressing that ties all the ingredients together with a rich, complex flavor profile.

Instructions for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prep Fresh Greens and Berries

Grab a spacious salad bowl and scatter vibrant baby spinach leaves across the bottom. Slice ripe, juicy strawberries into delicate pieces and nestle them gently among the green leaves.

Step 2: Sprinkle Crunchy and Creamy Toppings

Crumble tangy feta cheese over the greens, creating delightful white clusters. Chop walnuts into smaller bits for a satisfying crunch. Finely dice red onion to add a sharp, zesty undertone to the salad.

Step 3: Drizzle with Zesty Dressing

Pour a generous stream of balsamic vinaigrette across the salad. The dark, rich dressing will weave between the ingredients, promising a burst of flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Toss and Blend Flavors

Use salad servers or two large spoons to gently mix all the ingredients. Ensure each leaf and berry gets coated with the glossy dressing, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer the salad to individual plates or keep in the communal bowl. Present immediately to capture the freshest flavors and crispest textures. Dive in and enjoy this vibrant, nutritious dish!

Pro Tips for Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Massage Spinach Leaves: Gently rub spinach leaves before mixing to soften their texture and reduce bitterness.
• Toast Walnuts Perfectly: Lightly toast walnuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add crunch.
• Slice Strawberries Strategically: Cut strawberries just before serving to prevent them from releasing excess water and making the salad soggy.
• Chill Salad Plates: Serve the salad on cold plates to keep ingredients crisp and maintain the refreshing temperature.
• Substitute Ingredients Smartly: Replace feta with goat cheese for a tangier taste or use almonds instead of walnuts for a different nutty profile.

Variation Ideas for Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Citrus Berry Swap: Replace strawberries with mandarin oranges or raspberries for a tangy, vibrant salad variation.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken or crispy tofu to transform the salad into a more substantial main course.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute feta cheese with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese crumbles for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Low-Carb Crunch: Replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a different nutritional profile and lighter texture.

Pairing Suggestions for Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Pair Wine with Berry Brightness: Choose a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc that complements the strawberries' sweetness and cuts through the feta's richness.
• Enhance with Sparkling Companion: Select a chilled prosecco or sparkling rosé to elevate the salad's fresh flavors and add a celebratory touch to your meal.
• Match Herbal Drink Accent: Brew a refreshing mint or basil iced tea that harmonizes with the spinach and provides a cool, herbal counterpoint to the salad's tangy elements.
• Balance with Crisp Protein: Add grilled chicken or seared shrimp on the side to transform this light salad into a complete, satisfying meal with added protein and texture.

Storage Tips for Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Store salad components separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keep dressing in a sealed jar, spinach and strawberries in separate containers to prevent wilting.
• Wrap fresh spinach and strawberries in paper towels before refrigerating to absorb excess moisture and maintain crispness.
• Reassemble salad just before eating by mixing ingredients and adding dressing. Avoid pre-mixing to prevent soggy spinach and mushy strawberries.
• Do not freeze this salad as fresh produce will lose texture and become watery when thawed.

FAQs About Strawberry Spinach Salad

• What is the nutritional value of this salad?

This salad is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Spinach provides iron and vitamin K, strawberries offer vitamin C, walnuts contribute healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and feta cheese adds protein and calcium.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare this salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and prevent wilting. If needed, you can chop ingredients separately and assemble just before eating.

• Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, this strawberry spinach salad is vegetarian. It contains no meat and can easily be made vegan by omitting the feta cheese or using a plant-based cheese alternative.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Summer’s freshest Strawberry Spinach Salad sparkles with sweet and tangy notes, blending crisp baby spinach and ripe strawberries. Delicate candied pecans and zesty poppy seed dressing elevate this light, refreshing dish for perfect lunch or side delight you’ll crave.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Base:

• 4 cups (0.95 liters) fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup (150 grams) strawberries, hulled and sliced

Cheese and Nuts:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) walnuts, chopped

Dressing and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (40 grams) red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Arrange vibrant spinach leaves as a lush, verdant base in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Delicately layer sliced strawberries across the emerald green backdrop, creating a striking color contrast.
3. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, adding a tangy, creamy dimension to the salad’s texture.
4. Scatter chopped walnuts to introduce a rich, nutty crunch that complements the soft ingredients.
5. Distribute thinly sliced red onion for a sharp, pungent undertone that enhances the overall flavor profile.
6. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette with a circular motion, ensuring complete and even distribution of the dressing.
7. Gently fold and toss the ingredients using light, sweeping motions to prevent bruising the delicate spinach and strawberries.
8. Present the salad immediately to preserve the crisp textures and vibrant colors, inviting a fresh and invigorating culinary experience.

Notes

• Swap feta for vegan cheese alternatives to make the salad dairy-free and plant-based friendly.
• Toast walnuts briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the salad.
• Slice red onions super thin or soak them in cold water to reduce their sharp, pungent taste for a milder bite.
• Prepare the dressing separately and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld together for a more intense balsamic profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg