Strawberry Spinach Salad With Feta

Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad With Feta
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 2 cups strawberries, sliced; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Good-For-You Recipes

I absolutely love making this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta for warm days when I crave something vibrant and fresh. The combination of sweet strawberries, crunchy walnuts, and tangy feta really brings my taste buds to life! Tossing in the refreshing flavors of a homemade vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully. This salad not only looks gorgeous on the plate, but it also makes for a delightful side dish or a light main meal. I hope you'll relish this as much as I do during the sunny months!

Created by

Camilla Rhodes

Last updated on 2026-02-02T00:53:35.549Z

Every time I make this salad, I get nostalgic for summer picnics with my family. The vibrant colors of the strawberries and spinach remind me of sunny afternoons spent outdoors, making it a perfect tribute to those cherished moments. Using fresh, ripe strawberries makes all the difference, ensuring your salad bursts with natural sweetness!

I usually whip up my own dressing with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, as it perfectly complements the savory feta cheese. The best tip I can offer is to toss the salad just before serving, which keeps the greens crisp and the strawberries juicy. Enjoy this refreshing dish any time you want a little taste of summer!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh and vibrant flavors that invigorate every bite
Perfect balance of sweet and savory with a crunchy texture
Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy days

The Magic of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients is key to achieving the vibrant flavors in this Strawberry Spinach Salad. The spinach should be bright green with no wilting, as fresh greens provide the best texture and nutrition. When selecting strawberries, look for ones that are firm and have a bright red hue. This ensures a sweet taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad. Remember, the quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final dish.

Feta cheese brings a creamy, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of strawberries. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat feta or crumbled goat cheese, which also adds that desired creaminess. Walnuts not only provide crunch but also healthy fats. For a twist, you could substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds, which offer a different flavor and texture while still complementing the salad perfectly.

Perfecting the Vinaigrette

The homemade vinaigrette is a standout feature of this salad, and mastering it opens the door to endless variations. Whisking the balsamic vinegar and olive oil together until the mixture becomes glossy is essential for creating an emulsion. If you prefer a tangier dressing, you can slightly increase the balsamic vinegar. On the other hand, adding a touch more honey will yield a sweeter profile, helping to balance the flavors according to personal taste.

Should you find your vinaigrette too thick, a tablespoon of water can help thin it out without compromising flavor. Additionally, consider adding finely minced garlic or a sprinkle of dried herbs like oregano or basil to introduce depth to the vinaigrette. Experimenting with different types of vinegar, like red wine or apple cider, can also lead to exciting new flavor combinations for your salads.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 cups strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Wash the spinach and strawberries thoroughly. In a large bowl, add the chopped spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, chopped walnuts, and red onion.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips

Tip: For added flavor, try toasting the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes until they're golden brown. This enhances their nutty flavor and adds an extra crunch!

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Spinach Salad can be enjoyed in various ways. As a side dish, it pairs excellently with grilled chicken or fish, complementing the meal with its fresh, bright flavors. If you're looking to make it a standalone meal, consider adding protein, such as grilled shrimp or chickpeas. These additions not only enhance the salad's nutritional value but also make it heartier and more satisfying.

For a picnic or potluck, this salad is a great option because it’s both portable and visually appealing. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the spinach from wilting. If you’re making it ahead of time, consider preparing the ingredients and storing them separately. That way, you can enjoy the salad at its freshest without compromising taste or texture.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare many components of the salad in advance to make assembling it easier later. The sliced strawberries and chopped spinach can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, maintaining their freshness. However, it’s best to prepare the dressing right before serving to prevent separation. If you need to make the dressing ahead of time, a quick shake or whisk before use can easily restore it to the right consistency.

If you have any leftovers, store the salad in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a day. Keep in mind that the walnuts might lose their crunch and the spinach could become soggy. To remedy this, you might want to keep the nuts and dressing separate until you’re ready to eat the salad again, maintaining the ideal texture and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It's best to prepare the salad shortly before serving to keep the spinach fresh. However, you can prep the ingredients and store them separately.

→ Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! This salad works well with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples.

→ How can I make this salad vegan?

You can omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan feta alternative. Also, ensure your dressing is free from honey.

→ What can I pair this salad with?

It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or as a side for any light meal. It's also delicious on its own!