Strawberry Spinach Salad

This strawberry spinach salad is a fantastic way for kids to enjoy spinach! I first tried it at a potluck and immediately knew I needed the recipe. Since then, it’s become a favourite, and every time I bring it to an event, people always ask me how to make it!

Strawberry spinach salad is my signal that spring is arriving, especially since a proper spring doesn’t begin in the upper Midwest in March or early April. Slowly, my yard gets greener, and my cravings shift from hearty salads like Roasted Vegetable Salad to lighter, fresher ones featuring strawberries, poppy seeds, and feta.

Another sign of spring for me (and I’m not ashamed to admit this) is when Panera brings back their strawberry poppy seed salad—what a happy day!

This healthy spinach strawberry salad is a perfect “gateway” dish. It’s a nod to the change of seasons and an ideal introduction for salad sceptics. The sweetness of the strawberries, the crunch of toasted pecans, creamy feta, and honey balsamic poppy seed dressing makes it an irresistible way to ease into eating leafy greens, even for those who aren’t typically salad fans.

Whether you need a starter for spring, a dish to convert salad doubters, or a side for any spring or summer gathering, this spinach strawberry salad is a perfect choice. It’s easy to make, pleases any crowd, and is wonderfully versatile for any occasion—Easter, potlucks, or dinner parties!

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad

Like my versatile Fruit Salad and Arugula Salad, this recipe is more of a flexible guide than a rigid set of instructions.

I’ve provided ingredient suggestions and quantities to create a delicious spinach-strawberry salad for a crowd. Feel free to customize it to your taste or experiment with different variations each time you make it.

Key Salad Ingredients

Strawberries: Choose the ripest, juiciest strawberries available. You can also mix it up by adding blueberries, raspberries, dried cranberries, or mandarin oranges for variety.

Spinach: Spinach and strawberries make a classic combo. Try using a mix of half spinach and half arugula for a peppery kick.

Toasted Pecans
Every great salad needs a crunchy element, and toasted pecans are perfect. If pecans aren’t your thing, swap them for slivered almonds or chopped walnuts—both work wonderfully. Just make sure to toast your nuts first! Toasting brings out the crispiness and enhances their flavour by a mile.

Have you got a nut allergy? No problem! Toasted sunflower seeds are a fantastic alternative.

Feta
For a salad to feel truly satisfying, it needs a creamy component, and that’s where cheese comes in. Mild feta is a great choice, but I love using goat-chorus cheese like gorgonzola in spinach-strawberry salads. The extra tang adds a decadent touch!

Here’s a pro tip: always buy a block of cheese (or one of those cute goat cheese logs) and crumble it yourself. Pre-crumbled cheese in tubs may seem convenient, but they’re often coated in a starchy powder, which robs them of the creaminess your salad deserves. Trust me, if you’re adding cheese, make sure it’s the real deal—creamy and delicious!

Red Onion
Red onions add a sharp bite that balances the sweetness of the strawberries, keeping the salad from being too sugary.

Red Onion Tip: If you’re using raw red onions like in this spinach strawberry salad, soak them in water for a few minutes before adding them. This keeps their flavour intact but removes the harsh aftertaste that can linger.

Let’s Talk Poppy Seed Dressing

Poppy seed dressing always comes to mind when I think of spinach-strawberry salad. Maybe it’s the influence of Panera (okay, it’s the Panera factor), but these two together are an inseparable duo in my book.

Poppy seeds add a cheery touch and provide tiny bursts of texture that make the salad even more enjoyable!

Instead of a creamy dressing, this recipe uses a poppy seed vinaigrette made with balsamic vinegar and honey, and here’s why:

• Balsamic vinegar and strawberries are a match made in heaven.
• The acidity of the vinaigrette perfectly balances the sweetness of the fruit.
• Balsamic vinegar is my pantry staple, so it’s always on hand.
• It’s swift and easy to make!

One of the main challenges in preparing vinaigrette is often finding the time and the right ingredients. This dressing takes only seconds; chances are, you already have everything you need in your kitchen right now.

Directions

Step 1:
Toast the pecans in the oven, then chop them into smaller pieces once cooled.

Step 2:
Soak the sliced onions in a bowl of water. While they sit, whisk together the dressing ingredients.

Step 3:
Place the spinach, strawberries, and drained onions into a serving bowl and combine.

Step 4:
Drizzle the dressing lightly over the salad and toss gently. Begin with a small amount—you can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s added

Step 5:
Add the crumbled cheese and toasted pecans. Toss the salad again, add extra dressing if necessary, and enjoy!

Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful and vibrant dish that combines sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours. The salad starts with a foundation of fresh, tender baby spinach, perfectly complemented by the sweet juiciness of ripe strawberries, creating a refreshing balance. Toasted pecans provide a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty flavour, while creamy feta or goat cheese adds a touch of decadence with its smooth texture and tangy bite. Thinly sliced red onions introduce a subtle sharpness that cuts through the strawberries’ sweetness and the cheese’s creaminess.

What truly elevates this salad is the homemade poppy seed vinaigrette. Made with balsamic vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds, the dressing strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, while the poppy seeds add tiny pops of texture that complement the other ingredients. The balsamic vinegar brings out the natural sweetness of the strawberries, while the honey softens the acidity, making every bite a delicious blend of flavours.

This Strawberry Spinach Salad is visually appealing with its vibrant colours and is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a light starter, a side dish for a summer barbecue, or even a refreshing main course when paired with a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal or a special gathering, this salad is guaranteed to impress with its fresh ingredients and flavorful dressing. It’s a perfect dish to welcome warmer weather and celebrate the flavours of spring and summer!