Description

This Strawberry Spinach Salad is fresh, colorful, and packed with sweet and savory flavors. Juicy strawberries, crisp spinach, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese come together with a homemade dressing that makes every bite irresistible. It’s perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you want something light but satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

6 cups fresh spinach (washed and dried)
2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
1/2 cup blueberries (optional but recommended)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted for best flavor)
1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic (minced)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly to avoid a watery salad. Slice the strawberries into even pieces, rinse the blueberries, and thinly slice the red onion. Toast the nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant—this step adds a deeper flavor and crunch.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is fully emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large bowl, add the spinach as the base. Layer the strawberries, blueberries, red onion, and toasted nuts evenly over the top so every bite has a mix of textures and flavors.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad. This adds a creamy, slightly tangy contrast to the sweetness of the fruit and richness of the nuts.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Start with a small amount, toss gently, and add more if needed. This prevents the spinach from becoming soggy.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Gently toss the salad using tongs to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and best texture.

Notes

Always dry spinach well to avoid watery dressing
Toasting nuts enhances flavor and crunch significantly
Add dressing right before serving to keep salad fresh
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best sweetness
Slice onions very thin to avoid overpowering flavor

Nutrition

Serving Size: Per serving
Calories: 280