Brighten your mealtime with this vibrant strawberry spinach salad! It’s a truly refreshing dish, perfect for warm weather or any day you crave something light and flavorful. We combine sweet, seasonal strawberries with crisp baby spinach, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans.
A tangy, homemade poppy seed dressing ties everything together beautifully. This salad is a fantastic healthy lunch option or a crowd-pleasing side dish for your next gathering.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad
This strawberry spinach salad is a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat! It’s designed to be simple and utterly delicious.
- Quick and Easy: Whip up this vibrant salad in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Seasonal Delight: It’s ideal for spring and summer, showcasing the best of fresh, seasonal produce.
- Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with nutrients and flavor, this salad is both light and filling.
- Easily Customizable: Adjust ingredients to your liking, making it perfect for any preference.
- Irresistible Dressing: The homemade poppy seed dressing adds a sweet and tangy finish.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delightful strawberry spinach salad with homemade dressing. Each component plays a crucial role in the salad’s balanced flavor and texture.
For the Salad:
- ¾ cup raw pecans
- ½ small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 10 ounces fresh baby spinach (a 50/50 arugula and spinach blend also works wonderfully)
- 1 quart strawberries, hulled and quartered (about 1 pound)
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese (buy the block-style feta, not pre-crumbled, for superior texture)
For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Notes & Substitutions
- Using block feta for this strawberry spinach salad provides a creamy, crumbly texture that pre-crumbled versions can’t match.
- For alternative greens, try arugula for a peppery bite or a spring mix for variety. If pecans aren’t your favorite, feel free to use toasted almonds or walnuts, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- Swap out the feta for creamy goat cheese or tangy gorgonzola to change the flavor profile.
- Don’t skip soaking the thinly sliced red onion in cold water; this simple trick mellows its harshness beautifully.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this easy salad.
- Baking sheet: For toasting the pecans evenly.
- Cutting board and knife: To prepare strawberries, onions, and chop nuts.
- Small mixing bowl or mason jar: To whisk or shake the poppy seed dressing.
- Large mixing bowl: For tossing all the salad ingredients together.
Instructions For Strawberry Spinach Salad
Crafting this delicious strawberry spinach salad is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal.
- Toast the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw pecans in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until they smell wonderfully fragrant and are lightly golden. Watch them closely during the last few minutes to prevent burning. Transfer the toasted pecans to a cutting board and roughly chop them.
- Soak the Onion: Place your thinly sliced red onion in a small bowl and cover it completely with cold water. Let it soak while you prepare the remaining salad components. This step removes the sharp, biting flavor, leaving a milder, sweeter onion taste.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, combine all the dressing ingredients: balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, poppy seeds, honey, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk everything vigorously until it’s thoroughly combined and emulsified. Alternatively, you can combine the ingredients in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake well.
- Assemble the Salad: Get a large serving bowl ready. Add the fresh baby spinach to the bowl, followed by the hulled and quartered strawberries.
- Combine and Dress: Drain the soaked red onion slices thoroughly and add them to the bowl with the spinach and strawberries. Drizzle about half of the prepared poppy seed dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything to coat the leaves evenly. Evaluate the dressing; you want the spinach leaves nicely moistened, not swimming. Add a little more dressing if you prefer.
- Final Touches: Add the crumbled feta cheese and the chopped toasted pecans to the bowl. Toss the salad lightly one last time to integrate these delicious additions.
- Serve: Serve your vibrant strawberry spinach salad immediately, offering any remaining poppy seed dressing on the side for those who might want extra.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
To ensure your strawberry spinach salad is always a hit, keep these tips in mind.
- Always choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Avoid over-dressing the salad; add the poppy seed dressing gradually and toss until just coated. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Toast nuts every time for enhanced crunch and depth of flavor. It makes a huge difference.
- Soaking red onions truly removes their harshness, yielding a much milder, pleasant flavor.
- Adjust the dressing’s sweetness or tartness with a little extra honey or vinegar to suit your preference.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Serving Suggestions
This versatile strawberry spinach salad shines in many roles.
- Enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch on its own, especially on a warm day.
- It serves as an ideal side dish alongside grilled chicken, flaky fish, or tender pork.
- Bring it to potlucks and picnics for a vibrant, healthy contribution that’s always a favorite.
- Pair this colorful salad with some crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your strawberry spinach salad!
- Incorporate other fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries, or add slices of mandarin oranges.
- For a different sweetness, try dried cranberries or cherries.
- Experiment with various toasted nuts such as slivered almonds or walnuts, or use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- Swap out feta for other cheeses like creamy goat cheese or crumbled gorgonzola to explore new flavor profiles.
- To make this a heartier meal, boost it with cooked quinoa, farro, or small pasta shapes.
Nutrition Information
This strawberry spinach salad offers a delicious way to enjoy a nutrient-rich meal. The following estimates are per serving and assume a portion of the dressing is used in the assembly.
| Serving Size | 1 of 6 |
|---|---|
| Calories | 249 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 17 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients, but assemble and dress the strawberry spinach salad just before serving for the freshest taste and texture. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers are best enjoyed within 1-2 days, though the spinach might become slightly wilted once dressed. Store any dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Absolutely! While spinach is classic, feel free to use arugula for a peppery kick or a spring mix for a softer texture in your salad.
Conclusion
This strawberry spinach salad is truly a triumph of fresh flavors and simple preparation. With its sweet berries, crisp greens, and the delightful tang of homemade poppy seed dressing, it’s an irresistible dish for any occasion. We encourage you to whip up this vibrant, healthy salad soon and experience just how easy and delicious homemade can be. Enjoy every refreshing bite!
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes until fragrant and golden. Chop roughly.
- Place sliced red onion in cold water to soak while preparing other ingredients.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach and quartered strawberries.
- Drain onion slices and add to the bowl. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently. Add more dressing if needed.
- Top with crumbled feta and chopped pecans. Toss lightly and serve with extra dressing on the side.
Nutrition
Notes
- Block feta is preferred for better texture.
- Swap greens with arugula or spring mix, and pecans with almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese or gorgonzola.
- Soaking red onion in cold water mellows its bite.
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