Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad combines the best of both worlds—nutritious greens and sweet, juicy strawberries. The creamy feta and toasted pecans add richness and texture, while the homemade balsamic poppy seed dressing gives it the perfect tangy kick. It’s quick to prepare, beautiful to serve, and full of flavor, making it a go-to for picnics, BBQs, or as a fresh side to any meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Strawberry Spinach Salad:

¾ cup raw pecans
½ small red onion, very thinly sliced
10 ounces fresh baby spinach (or a 50/50 blend of arugula and spinach)
1 quart strawberries, hulled and quartered (about 1 pound)
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese (buy block-style feta for better texture)

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

¼ cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds
1 ½ tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

directions

Toast the pecans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden (watch carefully to avoid burning). Once toasted, remove from the oven, transfer to a cutting board, and roughly chop.
Soak the onions: Place the thinly sliced red onions in a bowl of cold water and let them sit while you prepare the rest of the salad. This will remove some of the sharpness.
Prepare the dressing: In a small mixing bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Alternatively, shake all ingredients in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl, add the spinach and strawberries. Drain the red onions and add them to the bowl. Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad and toss to coat the leaves. Taste and adjust the amount of dressing as needed—you want the spinach lightly moistened, not drenched.
Add the finishing touches: Top the salad with crumbled feta and toasted pecans. Toss lightly to combine and serve immediately. You can serve extra dressing on the side for those who prefer more.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for different textures and flavors.
Cheese: Substitute feta with goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan for a unique twist.
Sweetness: Add a few tablespoons of fresh orange slices or apple slices to the salad for extra sweetness and freshness.
Vegan: Skip the feta or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast.
Dressings: Try swapping the balsamic dressing for a lemon vinaigrette or a honey mustard dressing.

storage/reheating

This salad is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The spinach may wilt over time, so it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Yes! Arugula, mixed greens, or even kale can be used as an alternative to spinach.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time (like chopping the strawberries, toasting the pecans, and making the dressing), but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

How do I keep the onions from being too strong?

Soaking the onions in cold water helps mellow their sharpness, but if you prefer a milder flavor, you can also pickle the onions for a few hours before adding them to the salad.

Can I make the dressing in advance?

Yes, the dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure to whisk it again before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the ingredients in the dressing and feta to confirm there are no gluten-containing additives.

Conclusion

This Spinach Strawberry Salad is a deliciously fresh and healthy dish that combines vibrant ingredients and a tangy dressing to create a perfect balance of flavors. It’s easy to make, versatile, and an excellent choice for any occasion, from casual meals to holiday spreads. Enjoy the refreshing, sweet, and savory combination every time you serve it!