Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

There’s something truly magical about the combination of fresh strawberries and leafy greens. Maybe it’s the contrast between the juicy sweetness of ripe berries and the earthy crunch of fresh spinach. Or maybe it’s just how effortlessly this salad comes together—refreshing, colorful, and full of bold flavors with minimal effort. This Strawberry Spinach Salad has become one of my go-to recipes for everything from weekday lunches to fancy weekend brunches.

I first made this salad during a hot summer afternoon when I needed something quick, light, and energizing. I had a bunch of strawberries sitting in the fridge, some baby spinach that needed using up, and the usual vinaigrette suspects in my pantry. One quick toss later, I was in love. The creamy cheese, sweet berries, crunchy pecans, and tangy balsamic vinaigrette all danced together in the most satisfying way.

What makes this Strawberry Spinach Salad stand out is not just the flavor but the versatility. You can serve it as a starter, make it the main course by adding grilled chicken, or even bring it to potlucks and BBQs. It always disappears fast, and people always ask for the recipe. And the best part? It’s as simple as it is delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone just getting into the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe easy, flexible, and totally foolproof.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Strawberry Spinach Salad, but let’s highlight the top few:

It’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick homemade dressing, you can have this ready in 15 minutes or less. It’s perfect for those days when you want something nourishing but don’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen.

It’s bursting with flavor and texture. You get sweetness from the strawberries, a creamy bite from the cheese, and crunch from the toasted pecans. The balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with its perfect balance of tang and depth.

It’s beautiful on the table. The vibrant red strawberries against the rich green spinach create a stunning presentation, especially when paired with creamy white cheese and golden nuts. It’s a total showstopper.

It’s endlessly customizable. You can easily make it your own by swapping the cheese, adding proteins, or trying different nuts and greens. It adapts to your tastes and dietary needs without skipping a beat.

It’s family-friendly. Kids love the sweetness of the strawberries, while adults appreciate the sophisticated flavors. It’s a salad that works for just about anyone.

Health Benefits

Besides being incredibly tasty, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is packed with nutritional goodness. Here’s what makes it a healthy choice:

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. They support heart health and help reduce inflammation.

Spinach is loaded with iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and K. It’s a nutrient powerhouse that also adds bulk without calories.

Olive oil in the vinaigrette is a source of healthy fats, which help with nutrient absorption and support brain function.

Pecans offer healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They’re also a good source of antioxidants and contribute to heart health.

Cheese adds calcium and protein. If you’re watching fat content, you can opt for a lower-fat or plant-based alternative.

With all these nutrient-dense ingredients, you get a salad that’s not only satisfying and delicious but also genuinely good for you.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 10g

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this vibrant salad together:

For the Salad:

• 16 oz fresh spinach or mixed salad greens (washed and dried)
• 16 oz fresh strawberries, stems removed and sliced
• ½ cup crumbled cheese (feta, goat cheese, gorgonzola, or queso fresco)
• ½ cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted for extra crunch)

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• ½ cup olive oil (extra virgin works best for flavor)
• ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds creaminess and tang)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Each ingredient plays a role here. The strawberries provide sweetness, the greens give freshness, the cheese adds creaminess, and the nuts bring in that perfect crunch. The vinaigrette pulls it all together with bold flavor and smooth texture.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Strawberry Spinach Salad effortlessly:

1. Make the vinaigrette.
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is emulsified. Set aside while you prepare the salad.

2. Prepare the salad base.
Place the spinach or mixed greens in a large salad bowl. If you’re serving a crowd, use a wide serving bowl to show off all the colorful ingredients.

3. Add the strawberries.
Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries. Add them to the bowl with the greens. Try to use ripe, in-season strawberries for the best flavor.

4. Sprinkle the cheese.
Crumble your cheese of choice over the top. Goat cheese adds tang, feta adds saltiness, and queso fresco brings a mild creaminess.

5. Add the pecans.
Toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool slightly, then chop and sprinkle them over the salad.

6. Dress the salad.
Pour your vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Start with about half the dressing, toss gently, then add more if needed. You want everything lightly coated, not swimming in dressing.

7. Serve immediately.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you’re prepping it in advance, store the components separately and combine just before serving.

How to Serve

This salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Serve as a light lunch with crusty bread or grilled flatbread.
• Plate it as a side salad with grilled chicken or roasted turkey breast.
• Add a scoop of cooked quinoa or couscous for a more filling meal.
• Arrange it on a large platter for a potluck or picnic presentation.
• Layer it in a mason jar for a fun and portable lunch option.

Pairing Suggestions

To round out your meal, here are a few great pairings that complement the flavors of the Strawberry Spinach Salad:

Main Dishes:

• Grilled chicken skewers
• Lemon herb salmon
• Oven-baked turkey meatballs

Side Dishes:

• Garlic-roasted sweet potatoes
• Couscous with herbs and lemon
• Freshly baked bread with olive oil dipping sauce

Drinks:

• Sparkling water with lemon
• Chilled hibiscus tea
• Light citrus mocktails or a cold glass of lemonade

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers or want to prep ahead, follow these storage tips:

Storing:
Keep the salad and dressing separate. Store the greens, strawberries, cheese, and nuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the greens and strawberries do not hold up well to freezing and thawing.

Reheating:
Since this is a cold salad, there’s no reheating necessary. However, if you add protein like chicken or turkey meatballs, reheat those separately before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to make sure your salad turns out perfect every time:

1. Overdressing the salad
Too much dressing can make the greens soggy. Always start with a little and add more as needed.

2. Using unripe strawberries
Unripe strawberries lack sweetness and can be too tart. Choose ripe, bright-red berries for the best results.

3. Not toasting the pecans
Toasting brings out the flavor and crunch. Don’t skip this easy step.

4. Mixing too early
Only dress the salad right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

5. Skipping the salt and pepper
Seasoning the vinaigrette properly makes a huge difference in flavor.

Pro Tips

Here are some helpful tricks to make this salad even better:

1. Dry your greens well.
If your spinach is wet, it can dilute the dressing and make everything soggy. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels.

2. Chill your ingredients.
A cold salad is always more refreshing. Keep your strawberries and greens in the fridge until just before assembly.

3. Use high-quality balsamic vinegar.
The flavor of your dressing hinges on the quality of your ingredients. A good balsamic makes a noticeable difference.

4. Customize your cheese.
If you’re not a fan of tangy cheeses, try shredded mozzarella or even small cubes of mild cheddar.

5. Make it a meal.
Add grilled halal chicken, turkey bacon, or hard-boiled eggs to turn this salad into a protein-packed main course.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of green instead of spinach?
Absolutely. Arugula, mixed spring greens, or even kale can work well. Just keep in mind that more bitter greens like arugula will change the overall flavor slightly.

What can I substitute for pecans?
Try walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds if you need a nut-free option.

Is the dressing sweet?
It has a hint of sweetness from the maple syrup, but it’s mostly tangy and balanced. You can adjust the amount of syrup to suit your taste.

Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, but homemade dressing is fresher and lets you control the ingredients. If using store-bought, choose a balsamic vinaigrette with minimal added sugars.

Is this salad kid-friendly?
Definitely. The sweetness of the strawberries makes it appealing to kids, especially if you use a mild cheese like mozzarella or feta.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but store the components separately and toss together just before serving to keep it fresh.

What cheese works best?
Goat cheese is tangy and soft, while feta adds a salty bite. Choose the one that fits your flavor preference.

Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative, and make sure the Dijon mustard doesn’t contain honey.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir often for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Watch closely so they don’t burn.

How long does the vinaigrette last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the vinaigrette lasts up to 5 days.

Conclusion & Call to Action

If you’ve been searching for a salad that’s just as satisfying as it is stunning, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is it. It’s easy, fresh, and full of textures and flavors that work in perfect harmony. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something light and delicious, this recipe checks all the boxes.

I’d love to hear how your version turns out. Did you try a different cheese? Add some grilled chicken? Snap a photo and tag me on social media or drop a comment below to let me know how it went. Your kitchen creativity inspires me and the whole community.

Ready to make a salad that everyone will be talking about? Let’s do this!

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