The Perfect Spinach Strawberry Salad

5 from 2 votes
Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Blend sweet and savory flavors in this incredible strawberry spinach salad, perfect for BBQs, summer dinners and so much more. This salad recipe is so simple, yet packed with healthful ingredients to be a nutritional powerhouse.

Strawberry spinach salad topped with feta

Don’t be put off by the blend of fruits and veggies in this recipe – they’re surprisingly complimentary! Using the best produce of the season, I’m bringing a little bit of sunshine to your plate with fresh strawberries, spinach, and crumbly feta cheese.

This spinach strawberry salad recipe is packed full of great seasonal flavors. It is the perfect thing to bring to your next BBQ, potluck, or backyard party. I’m sure everyone will love it and will be asking for more.

So, let’s learn how to make it.

Strawberry spinach salad topped with feta and walnuts

Want to save this recipe?

Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from me every week!

What to put in spinach strawberry salad

The strawberry spinach salad ingredients are simple and you might already have them in your pantry or fridge.

  • Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best. Strawberries are in season during the summer, so you can pick them up at your local farmer’s market or grocery store.
  • Spinach: Baby spinach works best here because the leaves are more manageable. Go for fresh spinach over frozen so you’re not dealing with soggy spinach.
  • Walnuts: Nuts give texture and crunch to salads. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, swap them out for candied pecans or completely omit them. Or you can replace them with toasted sunflower seeds or almonds.
  • Feta cheese: Feta is super crumbly and full of flavor, making it the perfect complement to this salad. Great alternatives are goat cheese and blue cheese if you don’t have feta to hand.
  • Dressing: You’ll need poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, and sugar. You can also make a balsamic dressing with strawberry jam or use this strawberry vinaigrette.
Ingredients for strawberry spinach salad

How to make the poppy seed dressing

Making the best salad dressing is simple.

Mix all of the dressing ingredients and whisk well in a small bowl. Alternatively, place them in a small jar – or a cocktail shaker if you’ve got one! – and shake vigorously until combined.

Chef’s Tip: Any extras of the salad dressing can be kept in the refrigerator in a clean air-tight jar. Use within a few weeks of making.

Poppy seed dressing in a jar

How to make spinach strawberry salad

For this salad recipe, first wash and pat dry the strawberries. Then remove their green stems and slice them in half or quarters, depending on the size of the fruit.

Wash and pat dry the spinach. Cut the stems if they are thick. If they’re thin or you are using baby spinach, you can leave them be.

Steps for prepping strawberries and spinach

If needed, crumble the feta cheese or cut it into small cubes.

Finally, place the strawberries and spinach in a large bowl, then add the cheese crumbles and the rest of the ingredients. Pour over the dressing and toss to combine.

If making ahead, keep the dressing on the side and add when ready to serve. This will stop the spinach salad from wilting before it’s ready to eat. 

The dressed strawberry spinach salad recipe is best consumed immediately or within a day. However, you can keep undressed salad in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Add the vinaigrette shortly before serving.

Strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing

Serving suggestions

Spinach strawberry salad is best served with other amazing summer recipes: 

  • Grains – you can serve it along (or mixed in with) some cooked quinoa, pasta, etc.
  • It’s a great side dish to your favorite protein like grilled chicken, or roasted salmon or air fryer shrimp.
  • Serve alongside other simple side dishes like rosemary baby potatoes or roasted onions (especially if you use red onions).
  • Or, add it to my staple avocado toast – especially if you’re serving with balsamic vinegar. Strawberries and balsamic vinaigrette work surprisingly well together.
  • Enjoy with some dinner rolls with an extra drizzle of honey.
A bowl with strawberry spinach salad and feta cheese

More summer salads

Looking for more summer salad inspiration? Then check my collection of The Best Summer Salads!

If you try this strawberry and spinach salad recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!

Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad

5 from 2 votes
By: Samira
Easy strawberry spinach salad with feta and poppy seed dressing. A light, colorful side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or sunny lunches.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients  

  • 2 cups strawberries, sliced about 12 oz
  • 6 cups baby spinach about 6 oz
  • ½ cup feta cheese 3 oz
  • ½ cup walnuts chopped

Poppy Seed Dressing

  • ½ tablespoon Poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions 

  • Rinse the strawberries, remove the green tops, and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
  • In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt. Whisk well or shake until smooth and emulsified.
  • Place the spinach in a large serving bowl. Add the sliced strawberries, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta on top.
  • Just before serving, drizzle over the dressing and give everything a gentle toss.

Notes

Make ahead tip:
Store the salad and dressing separately. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the spinach from wilting.
Storage:
Dressed salad is best eaten right away. Undressed, it keeps in the fridge for 2–3 days.
For a nut-free version: You could swap the walnuts out for your favorite seed instead such as pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.
Check the blog post for more tips and serving suggestions!
Course: Main, Salad
Cuisine: American
Freezer friendly: No
Shelf life: 2 Days

Nutrition

Calories: 268kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 17mg, Sodium: 416mg, Potassium: 458mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 4373IU, Vitamin C: 56mg, Calcium: 183mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating