A quick and healthy salad bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients, spinach strawberry salad will be the talk of the table whether as a side dish or main meal. A blend of candied pecans, feta cheese, onion, and fresh berries makes every bite just right.

The main ingredients in this salad rest on a fluffy bed of substantial spinach and beneath a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and Dijon-based poppyseed dressing you’ll also whip up yourself for this recipe. The result is a balanced blend of flavors you’ll return to time and again—sweet, sharp, tangy and tart.

The tastes and textures are so unique, from the earthy spinach and sweet strawberries to the crunchy nuts and tangy cheese. I also love how this salad tastes so fresh and bright, making it such a refreshing treat on steamy summer days.

And it’s good for you! Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, while strawberries bring a burst of Vitamin C. The nuts are a sweet treat that add a satisfying crunch as well as heart-healthy fats and protein. The crumbly, velvety feta is high in calcium, protein and bacteria that’s good for your gut.

What to serve with this delicious strawberry spinach salad

This easy spinach salad stands well on its own as an entrée and can be even more substantial if you add more protein. Grilled or oven-baked chicken breast or pan-seared salmon are both excellent choices to add to the salad or serve alongside it. Stir in crumbled bacon for more protein and another flavor dimension.

This salad also pairs very well with surf and turf, whether it’s one or both. Serve it with a perfectly grilled steak seasoned simply with salt and pepper. Grilled shrimp tossed in garlic and herbs are delicious with it, too.

If you’re sticking to plant-based meals, serve your salad with a veggie burger. Rich, peppery black bean patties and marinated, grilled portobello caps make for tasty contrasts with the salad flavors.

Add a warm, crusty loaf of bread for soaking up the flavors and complementing the textures. Other sides that work well with this spinach strawberry salad include roasted vegetables, quinoa and brown rice.

On that note, this hearty roasted vegetable salad is a perfect for serving with this salad, especially if you love those dinners after a good farmers market haul.

What to drink? Keep it light, crisp and fresh with iced tea, sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon or homemade lemonade. Keep the focus on fruit to finish the meal with this old-fashioned strawberry layered cake or a no-bake frozen lemonade pie.

Ingredients needed to make this spinach strawberry salad

Here are the fruits, veggies, nuts, cheese, seasonings and sauces to gather or pick up at the market for salad.

Pecans: add a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness. I’ve made it with walnuts and almonds, which are also good.
Butter: Use salted for making the candied pecans.
Sugar: Brown sugar for the pecans, and granulated for the dressing if you prefer to use it instead of honey.
Red Onions: Gives the salad a beautiful color and an unmistakable zesty flavor.
Spinach: Chock full of fiber, spinach is this salad’s nutrient-packed base full of vitamins and minerals with a dense, velvety texture and slight crunch.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add sweetness, bold color and a juicy bite.
Feta Cheese: Crumbly, creamy and tangy all at the same time. Goat cheese can be subbed in a pinch.
Honey: To sweeten the dressing, if you prefer it over sugar.
Salt & Pepper: Balances and enhances flavor, with the black pepper bringing a little kick.
Balsamic Vinegar: Creates an even, tangy base for the dressing akin to a balsamic vinaigrette.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Brings a smooth and rich consistency to the dressing.
Dijon Mustard: Brings depth of flavor and a noticeable tang to the dressing.
Poppy Seeds: Add a nutty flavor and texture that are both subtle.

Be sure to check out the full ingredient measurements and complete recipe below.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large bowl
Mixing spoon
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cup or dressing container
Small cooking pan
Small baking sheet with sides
Parchment paper

Frequently asked questions about this spinach strawberry salad recipe

Whenever I make this spinach strawberry salad, these are the questions people ask most often. Ask any questions I may not have covered in the comments section, and I will reply as soon as I can!

Are spinach strawberry salads healthy?

Yes! With nutrient-dense ingredients like spinach, strawberries, nuts, and a homemade dressing, this salad is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. While you do have some sugar in the nuts and dressing, it doesn’t negate the benefits of the others.

Can you substitute white onions for red onions in this spinach strawberry salad?

Yes, you can use white onions instead of red onions if that’s what you have on hand or prefer. If you avoid red onions because their flavor is so strong, you can slice them and place them in a small bowl of cold water while you prep the other ingredients.

Pat them dry and add them last. This takes their pungent flavor down a notch, and I use this approach often whenever adding them to recipes raw.

How long do this salad and dressing last in the refrigerator?

You can store the salad undressed in the refrigerator for up to four days. Stored properly in a sealed jar, the dressing can last up to five days in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before using it.

What other dishes can I use the dressing and pecans for?

You’re going to love both and immediately wonder what else you might serve them with! Both could be tossed with roasted veggies or added to grain bowls. The dressing makes a delicious marinade for grilled meats—try it with pork chops or chicken.

More Grandma-Approved Recipes To Try

If you enjoyed this strawberry spinach salad recipe, you’ll love these other tasty salads. They’r all delicious and grandma-approved!