Name: Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried; 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional); 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant dish that bursts with color and flavor, this Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe is just what you need. Perfect for a sunny lunch, a light dinner, or as a refreshing side at your next gathering, it combines sweet strawberries with crisp spinach and nutty almonds for a harmony of textures and tastes you’ll love.

A bowl of fresh green spinach leaves forms the base layer, topped with bright red sliced strawberries scattered evenly across the greens. On top of the fruit and spinach, there are small white chunks of cheese spread around and light brown almond slices sprinkled generously. The bowl is white with a slightly speckled texture, sitting on a white marbled surface. A whole strawberry rests nearby, and a gold fork is placed to the right side of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 1:1 --v 7 — Spinach Strawberry Salad, healthy fruit and greens salad, easy summer salad, fresh strawberry spinach recipe, light veggie salad

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In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

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In the Kitchen

This salad is one of those dishes that effortlessly feels special yet comes together in minutes. I often reach for this recipe when I want something light but satisfying, especially during strawberry season when the berries are at their peak sweetness.

Juicy and Tender Every Time: Using fresh, ripe strawberries really makes a difference and brings that natural sweetness out.
Golden, Satisfying Finish: Toasting the almonds adds a toasty crunch and subtle warmth that complements the fresh spinach.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Just a handful of staples like spinach, strawberries, almonds, feta, and tangy balsamic vinaigrette come together beautifully.
Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Whether as a quick side or a centerpiece, it’s versatile enough for any occasion and crowd-pleasing too.

Ingredients at a Glance

Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe - Recipe Image — Spinach Strawberry Salad, healthy fruit and greens salad, easy summer salad, fresh strawberry spinach recipe, light veggie salad

The beauty of this Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Picking quality produce sets you up for success—vibrant, crisp spinach and fragrant, ripe strawberries are your stars here.

Spinach: Choose bright green, firm leaves without wilting or yellowing to keep your salad crisp.
Strawberries: Look for deep red berries, fragrant and plump, for the best flavor.
Sliced Almonds: Toast them lightly at home for a richer crunch and nuttier aroma.
Feta Cheese (optional): Pick a good-quality crumbly feta to add a pleasant tang and creamy texture.
Balsamic Vinaigrette: Homemade or store-bought, choose one that’s balanced – not too sweet nor too sharp.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe

Step 1 — Prep the Fresh Ingredients

Start by washing your spinach thoroughly and drying it well—excess water can dilute the dressing and make your salad soggy. Hull and slice your strawberries into about quarter-inch thick slices; you want their juicy sweetness without overpowering the salad. Toast your sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Step 2 — Assemble and Toss

In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh, dried spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, and toasted almonds. If you’re including feta cheese, sprinkle the crumbles on top. Drizzle your balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly — you want every bite to have a balance of all those fresh flavors without bruising the spinach.

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Things to Remember

From my experience, the key to this salad’s success is the freshness and final toss. Here’s what’s helped me and might save you some kitchen headaches.

Doneness Cue: Toast almonds until just golden and aromatic—don’t wait for deep brown or the flavor will be bitter.
Temperature Trick: Ensure all ingredients are cool and dry before dressing to avoid soggy leaves.
Make-Ahead Move: Toast almonds ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container for several days.
Common Pitfall: Over-dressing can mask the strawberry’s sweetness; start with less vinaigrette and add more if needed.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

I love to finish this salad with a sprinkle of crumbled feta because it brings a creamy tang that brightens every bite. But if you’re not into cheese, a dash of freshly cracked black pepper or a few fresh mint leaves can also amp up the freshness wonderfully.

Plays Well With

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or salmon for a light, balanced meal. The sweet-tartness contrasts nicely with savory proteins, while the almond crunch and fresh greens keep it interesting. It’s also fantastic alongside a hearty grain bowl or served with warm crusty bread on the side.

Simple Plating Upgrades

For a more polished presentation, toss the salad gently and mound it high in a shallow bowl. Arrange some whole strawberry halves and extra almonds on top for eye appeal. A drizzle of extra vinaigrette on the plate’s edge adds a splash of color and flavor that makes the dish feel restaurant-ready.

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge and try to enjoy within 24 hours. Spinach and strawberries tend to wilt and release water over time, so the salad is freshest when eaten the same day. Keep extra vinaigrette separate to preserve crispness.

Freezing Tips

This Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe doesn’t freeze well because the fresh greens and berries lose their texture and become mushy after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored briefly in the refrigerator.

Reheating Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe Without Drying Out

Since this is a fresh salad, reheating isn’t recommended. If you want warmer ingredients, try serving alongside warm grilled proteins or toasted bread instead of heating the salad itself, which could wilt the leaves and soften the fruit too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute baby kale or arugula for spinach in this salad?

Yes! Both baby kale and arugula add a peppery note and sturdy texture that complement the strawberries. Just be sure to wash and dry them thoroughly like you would spinach.

How do I make the balsamic vinaigrette from scratch?

A simple vinaigrette combines 3 parts olive oil to 1 part balsamic vinegar with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a touch of honey or Dijon mustard to balance flavors. Whisk until emulsified and taste before dressing your salad.

Can I add protein to make this salad a full meal?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even toasted chickpeas make great protein additions that keep the salad light but satisfying.

What’s the best way to keep strawberries fresh in the fridge?

Store strawberries unwashed in a breathable container lined with paper towels. Wash them just before using to prevent excess moisture and mold.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe always feels like a little celebration in my kitchen—bright, fresh, and simple to pull together. Next time you want something light but lively, you’ll find the balance of sweetness, crunch, and tang in this salad hard to beat. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!

Full Printable Recipe