This Strawberry Spinach Salad is fresh, bright, and so easy to make. It has sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, crunchy pecans, creamy feta, and a simple balsamic dressing that pulls it all together. It tastes fancy, but it comes together fast.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Why I Love This Recipe
I started making this salad when I wanted something fresh that did not feel boring. I love a salad with a little sweet, a little salty, and a little crunch. This one checks every box.
The strawberries make it feel special, even though the recipe is simple. The feta adds a creamy bite, and the pecans give it that little crunch that makes you want another forkful.
- It is quick enough for a busy day.
- It looks beautiful on the table.
- It works for lunch, dinner, or a side dish.
- The dressing is simple but full of flavor.
- You can prep most of it ahead of time.
What You’ll Need
For the salad:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
For the balsamic dressing:
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Recipe and Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until the dressing looks smooth and glossy.
Step 2: Build the Salad Base
Add 6 cups fresh baby spinach to a large salad bowl. Spread it out so the leaves are loose and not packed down.
Step 3: Add the Strawberries and Red Onion
Top the spinach with 1 1/2 cups hulled and sliced strawberries and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
Step 4: Add Feta and Pecans
Sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese and 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans over the salad.
Step 5: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad. Gently toss until the spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta, and pecans are lightly coated.
Step 6: Serve right away
Pro Tips
- Dry the spinach well so the dressing sticks better.
- Slice the strawberries right before serving for the best texture.
- Add the dressing slowly. You may not need every drop.
- Toast the pecans for better crunch and flavor.
- Toss gently so the feta does not break down too much.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large salad bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Salad tongs
Substitutions and Variations
- Use goat cheese instead of feta.
- Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
- Use baby kale or spring mix instead of spinach.
- Add grilled chicken for more protein.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Add avocado for extra creaminess.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can wash and dry the spinach, slice the red onion, toast the pecans, and mix the dressing up to 1 day ahead. Wait to slice the strawberries and toss the salad until right before serving.
Why This Recipe Works Quick Science
The salad works because it balances flavor and texture. Strawberries bring sweetness and juice. Feta adds salt and creaminess. Pecans add crunch and a toasted flavor. Balsamic vinegar gives the salad tang, while honey softens the sharp taste. Olive oil helps the dressing coat the spinach instead of sliding off.
Common Mistakes
- Using wet spinach: This makes the salad watery.
- Adding dressing too early: The spinach can wilt.
- Skipping the salt: A little salt makes the strawberries taste sweeter.
- Over-tossing: The strawberries and feta can break apart.
- Using too much red onion: A small amount is enough.
What to Serve With
- Grilled chicken
- Salmon
- Pasta salad
- Quiche
- Soup
- Garlic bread
- Turkey sandwiches
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The salad is best fresh because the spinach wilts after dressing. For best results, store the dressing separately and add it right before eating.
Macros Information
Approximate macros per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 11g
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best. Frozen strawberries get too soft and watery for this salad.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Leave out the feta or use a dairy-free feta.
Can I add chicken?
Yes. Grilled or rotisserie chicken works great.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes. A balsamic vinaigrette is the best match.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is simple, fresh, and full of flavor. It is the kind of recipe that looks beautiful but takes very little work. Make it once, and it may become one of your favorite easy salads.