Strawberry Spinach Salad

Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 6 cups fresh baby spinach; 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional); 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Light & Fresh

Five ingredients, one bowl, and somehow it tastes like a fancy restaurant dish. This Strawberry Spinach Salad costs about $10 to make, which isn’t bad considering how fresh and vibrant it is. My friends couldn’t believe how good it turned out and kept asking for the recipe. The mix of the sweet strawberries and the earthy spinach just works, especially with a light vinaigrette dressing that you can throw together in no time. You really can’t go wrong with this one!

Created by

The Simplecooktips Team

Last updated on 2026-06-03T22:58:19.075Z

When I first made this salad, I was honestly surprised by how refreshing it was. The combination of ripe strawberries and fresh spinach is simple, but it feels special and gourmet at the same time. I even added some toasted almonds for a bit of crunch which was a nice surprise!

One quick tip: make the dressing right before serving so the spinach stays crisp. I usually just mix balsamic vinegar with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt, and it never disappoints. Just be careful not to overdress it; a little goes a long way!

What I Love About This

Only takes 10 minutes to assemble
Easy to customize with nuts or cheese
Great for meal prep or a quick lunch

What to Know Before Making Strawberry Spinach Salad

This Strawberry Spinach Salad shines with its simplicity, requiring only five ingredients to put together. Fresh baby spinach and strawberries are the stars here, so using the best quality you can find makes a difference. If strawberries aren't in season, frozen ones can work too, but they might need a bit of extra care in texture once thawed.

As for the dressing, I usually experiment a little depending on my mood. If you want a touch of sweetness, a bit of honey or maple syrup can blend really nicely with the balsamic vinegar. Just be sure to adjust to your taste as you go, it’s all about finding that balance.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this salad:

Ingredients

6 cups fresh baby spinach
2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Let's get into making this salad:

Prepare the ingredients

Start by rinsing the spinach under cool water, then spin it dry in a salad spinner. If you don’t have one, just pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. Next, hull and slice the strawberries; you want them at about the same size for even mixing.

Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I like to taste it as I go, adjusting with more vinegar or oil until it feels just right, though honestly, I sometimes skip the whisking and just shake it in a jar.

Combine everything

In a large bowl, toss the spinach and sliced strawberries. If you're using feta and almonds, add those in too. Drizzle with your dressing, but don’t add it all at once; start with half and mix. You can always add more if you feel it needs it!

Serve and enjoy

Serve immediately for the best texture. If you have any leftovers, keep them in a separate container without dressing to avoid sogginess. It just tastes fresher that way.

Pro Tips

Feel free to swap the balsamic for a lemon vinaigrette for a different zing.
To save time, toast the almonds in advance and store them in an airtight container.
If you're a cheese lover, goat cheese is also fantastic with this combo.

What to Serve with Strawberry Spinach Salad

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or a nice piece of salmon, creating a light but satisfying meal. You could even add some quinoa or couscous if you’re looking for a bit more substance on the plate. Honestly, it also works well with a warm crusty bread on the side.

For a more casual vibe, I like to serve it as a side at barbecues or potlucks. Just a big bowl in the middle of the table is enough to get folks eager to dig in. It’s one of those salads that looks impressive without all the fuss.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re planning to make this salad in advance, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. The spinach can go limp pretty quickly once dressed, so I usually store it in a container with a towel to absorb excess moisture, ensuring it stays fresh.

You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time, like hulling and slicing the strawberries or toasting the almonds. Those little steps can save you so much time right before a meal. Just remember, if you’re using feta, that should be added fresh for the best texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it for this salad. Fresh strawberries really make the difference in taste and texture.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but assemble the salad without dressing and wait until just before serving to add it. The spinach can get wilty if it sits too long.

→ What other toppings can I add?

You could add grilled chicken for protein, or throw in some avocado for creaminess. I’ve even tried sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch!

→ What type of spinach is best?

Baby spinach is my go-to since it’s tender and doesn’t require chopping. Regular spinach is okay too, but you might want to give it a good chop.