Strawberry salad recipe lovers know that when ripe berries meet crisp greens, something magical happens. The sweetness bursts like sunshine against peppery leaves, creamy cheese melts into every bite, and toasted nuts crackle softly beneath your fork. This isn’t just a bowl of greens—it’s a harmony of texture, color, and flavor. Whether served at a spring brunch, a summer barbecue, or as a light dinner side, this vibrant salad transforms simple ingredients into something elegant. And once you master the balance between sweet strawberries and tangy vinaigrette, you’ll never look at salads the same way again.
This strawberry salad recipe combines juicy berries, crisp spinach, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts with a bright balsamic glaze. It’s the ultimate fresh strawberry spinach salad with balsamic dressing—light yet satisfying, refreshing yet deeply flavorful.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What is a strawberry salad?
A strawberry salad is a fresh green salad that features sliced strawberries as the star ingredient. Often built on spinach or mixed greens, it’s paired with nuts, cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette. This summer salad recipe is especially popular during peak berry season when strawberries are naturally sweet and fragrant.
Why You’ll Love It
Strawberry salad recipe fans adore how effortlessly elegant it feels while remaining incredibly simple to prepare. It’s colorful, refreshing, and adaptable to almost any occasion.
- Quick: Ready in under 15 minutes.
- Healthy: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants (see USDA data
- Flexible: Swap cheeses, nuts, or greens easily.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Components store separately for easy assembly.
- Kid-Friendly: Naturally sweet flavor appeals to picky eaters.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses seasonal produce at peak affordability.
Reader Questions
- Can I make strawberry salad recipe ahead of time without it getting soggy?
- What protein pairs best with a strawberry spinach salad?
- How do I keep strawberries fresh longer in salads?
- Is this similar to a strawberry feta salad with poppy seed dressing?
Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup toasted pecans or almonds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt & freshly cracked pepper
1. Toast the Nuts
Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir gently for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
Micro-tip: Remove immediately once you smell a nutty aroma—over-toasting turns them bitter.
2. Build the Base
Add spinach to a wide salad bowl. Scatter sliced strawberries evenly so every forkful gets fruit.
Quick-Fix: If your strawberries aren’t sweet enough, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sugar and let sit 5 minutes.
3. Layer Texture
Add red onions (soak in cold water 10 minutes first for milder flavor), toasted nuts, and crumbled feta.
4. Make the Dressing
Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. The texture should be glossy and lightly thickened.
This homemade vinaigrette elevates your easy strawberry spinach salad with homemade dressing instantly.
For another berry-inspired dessert, try the Strawberry Lasagna Recipe
5. Toss Gently
Drizzle dressing just before serving. Toss lightly with clean hands or salad tongs to avoid crushing berries.
For a protein-packed pairing, explore Chicken Avocado Salad
Variations
Healthy Strawberry Salad
Swap feta for goat cheese and use arugula for extra peppery depth. Add grilled chicken for lean protein.
For more nutritious ideas, check the Best Types of Beans
Budget Strawberry Salad
Use sunflower seeds instead of pecans and skip cheese if needed. Pair with affordable grains like quinoa or beans.
Kid-Friendly Version
Add sliced apples and swap balsamic for a mild poppy seed dressing. Cut strawberries into smaller pieces for easier bites.
High-Protein Strawberry Salad
Top with grilled shrimp or sliced steak. You can also add hard-boiled eggs or pair it with High-Protein Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Tips from a Chef
- Season Your Greens Lightly: A tiny pinch of salt before dressing enhances flavor.
- Slice Strawberries Right Before Serving: Prevents excess moisture.
- Balance Sweet and Acid: Taste dressing before tossing—adjust honey or vinegar.
- Chill Your Bowl: Cold bowls keep greens crisp longer during warm-weather serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store ingredients separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Spinach should remain dry and crisp. Strawberries should be layered over paper towels to absorb moisture.
Never dress the entire salad if storing—it wilts quickly. For best results in a make-ahead strawberry spinach salad for parties, assemble just before serving.
For dessert ideas, see Peach Recipes – Juicy, Easy, and Irresistible
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is best. Frozen strawberries release excess moisture and can make the salad watery.
2. What greens work besides spinach?
Arugula, mixed greens, or romaine all work well in this summer salad recipe.
3. Is strawberry salad healthy?
Yes, it’s rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
4. What protein pairs best?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon complement the sweetness beautifully.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
6. How do I prevent soggy salad?
Keep dressing separate until serving and dry greens thoroughly.
Strawberry Salad Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large Salad Bowl For mixing without crushing strawberries
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl For whisking balsamic dressing
- 1 Whisk Helps emulsify oil and vinegar properly
- 1 Chef’s Knife For slicing strawberries evenly
- 1 Cutting Board Preferably non-slip
Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup pecans toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove immediately and let cool.
- Step 2: Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach. Add it to a large salad bowl to create a crisp base.
- Step 3: Slice the strawberries evenly and scatter them over the spinach for balanced sweetness in every bite.
- Step 4: Soak thinly sliced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their sharpness, then drain and add to the bowl.
- Step 5: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans over the salad to add creamy and crunchy texture.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified and glossy.
- Step 7: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat without crushing the strawberries.
Notes
Nutrition (Per Serving Approx.)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Vitamin C: 85% DV
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and vary by ingredient brands and portion size.
Final Notes
Strawberry salad recipe perfection lies in contrast—the cool crunch of spinach against sun-ripened berries, creamy feta against sharp balsamic. It’s a seasonal celebration in every bite. Whether you serve it at brunch or beside grilled chicken, this fresh berry salad proves simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor.