If you’re looking for a refreshing dish that bursts with flavor, let me introduce you to my beloved Strawberry Spinach Salad. This salad is not just a pretty face; it’s packed with vibrant colors and delightful tastes. I love making it for summer BBQs, family gatherings, or even a quick lunch on busy weekdays. The combination of sweet strawberries, crisp baby spinach, and tangy feta creates a wonderful balance that everyone seems to enjoy!

What makes this Strawberry Spinach Salad extra special is how simple it is to whip up. With just a few wholesome ingredients and minimal prep time, you can serve up something that feels gourmet without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for those busy nights when you want something healthy but don’t have much time.
Family-Friendly Delight: The sweet strawberries and creamy feta make this salad appealing to both kids and adults alike—perfect for family meals!
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and toss everything together right before serving. It’s ideal for potlucks and parties!
Healthful Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh spinach and strawberries, this salad is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
Versatile Addition: Whether paired with grilled chicken or served alongside your favorite dish, this salad fits into any meal effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients will be a breeze! They are all simple, wholesome components that come together beautifully in this Strawberry Spinach Salad.

For the Salad

5 cups baby spinach
1 pint strawberries (sliced, about 2 cups)
1 cup thinly sliced red onion
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon

For the Dressing

¼ cup olive oil
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp maple syrup (or honey)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp ground black pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this Strawberry Spinach Salad is how flexible it is! Feel free to make it your own with these variations:

Swap the protein: Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas instead of bacon to change things up.
Add nuts: Toss in some toasted almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch and healthy fats.
Try different fruits: Substitute strawberries with blueberries or mandarin oranges for a fun twist on flavors.
Experiment with cheese: If feta isn’t your thing, goat cheese or even a dairy-free option can work great here too.

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisking well ensures all the flavors meld beautifully. This step is key because a good dressing ties all the ingredients together!

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and crispy bacon. Mixing these ingredients allows each bite to offer a delightful variety of textures and flavors.

Step 3: Dress It Up

Drizzle the prepared dressing over top just before serving and gently toss to coat everything evenly. This final touch brings all those delicious flavors together while keeping your salad fresh!

Now you’re ready to serve your stunning Strawberry Spinach Salad! Enjoy every bite of this colorful dish at your next gathering or as part of a lovely meal at home.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Spinach Salad

Creating the perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad is easy with a few helpful tips! Here are some pointers to ensure your salad stands out and tastes incredible.

Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh, in-season strawberries and crisp spinach. Fresh produce not only enhances flavor but also ensures the salad is vibrant and appealing.
Prep ahead: If you’re making this salad for an event, prep your ingredients ahead of time. You can slice the strawberries, chop the onions, and prepare the dressing a few hours beforehand to save time on the day of serving.
Customize your toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans can provide a delightful crunch, while seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds add texture and nutrients.
Dress just before serving: To keep your salad crisp and fresh, drizzle the dressing over the ingredients right before serving. This prevents wilting and keeps everything looking beautiful.
Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to adjust the dressing! Try adding a splash of lemon juice or substituting maple syrup with agave nectar for a different taste profile that suits your palate.

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad

Presenting your Strawberry Spinach Salad beautifully can make all the difference, whether it’s for a casual lunch or a festive gathering. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of chopped almonds or walnuts adds not only texture but also a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
Edible flowers: Use edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies to create an eye-catching presentation. They add color and elegance to your dish.
Extra feta crumbles: For those who love cheese, adding more feta on top just before serving enhances both flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection make a great protein addition that pairs well with the lightness of this salad.
Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs provides a hearty yet healthy side that complements the freshness of the salad.
Roasted Veggies: Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables bring out their natural sweetness, making them a delightful side that contrasts nicely with the tangy salad.
Garlic Bread: Warm and crispy garlic bread is always a favorite! It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing on your plate.

Enjoy crafting this delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad! It’s sure to impress at any occasion while providing a refreshing burst of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only a delightful blend of flavors but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare elements in advance, making your mealtime smoother and stress-free.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness and crispness.
Consume leftovers within 2-3 days for the best taste and quality.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended.
If you have leftover dressing, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Reheating

Since this is a salad, there’s no need to reheat. Simply assemble and enjoy cold!
If you’ve prepared components separately, allow them to come to room temperature before serving if desired.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making a delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad:

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta in my Strawberry Spinach Salad?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or shredded cheese blends work wonderfully too. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.

What can I substitute for bacon in the Strawberry Spinach Salad?

For a tasty alternative, consider using crispy chickpeas or sunflower seeds. They add crunch without any animal products!

How should I dress my Strawberry Spinach Salad if I’m making it ahead of time?

If you plan to prepare your salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until just before serving. This helps keep the spinach fresh and prevents wilting.

What makes this Strawberry Spinach Salad ideal for summer gatherings?

The combination of sweet strawberries and refreshing spinach makes this salad light and vibrant—perfect for hot weather!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll love making this Strawberry Spinach Salad as much as I do! It’s a beautiful dish that’s sure to impress at any gathering or simply make your lunch feel extra special. Enjoy creating this refreshing recipe, and don’t hesitate to share it with friends and family. Happy cooking!