A Story of Summer on a Plate

Growing up, there was always that one salad that felt like a celebration of warmer days. It would usually appear at family picnics, Sunday brunches, and light weeknight dinners when we didn’t want anything heavy but still craved something flavorful and satisfying. That salad? A fresh, colorful strawberry spinach salad.

This salad is one of those beautiful dishes that doesn’t just feed your body—it lifts your mood. Sweet strawberries, crisp baby spinach, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta cheese—all tossed together with a light, zippy dressing. It tastes like sunshine, fresh air, and the kind of care you put into cooking when you want to treat yourself or the people you love.

Strawberry spinach salad has roots in seasonal, garden-to-table cooking. It’s often seen on spring and early summer menus when strawberries are bursting with flavor and spinach is at its most tender. It’s been reimagined countless ways, but the sweet-savory balance always remains. This version skips any wine or alcohol-based ingredients, keeping it wholesome and suitable for all ages and diets.

Whether you’re packing it up for a picnic, serving it as a starter for a weekend lunch, or enjoying it as a light dinner, this is the kind of recipe that always delivers comfort and brightness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and easy – Comes together in 15 minutes with minimal prep.
• Fresh, seasonal ingredients – Perfect for spring and summer.
• Balanced flavors – Sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy all in one.
• Versatile – Serve it as a side dish or add protein for a complete meal.
• Naturally gluten-free and easy to make vegetarian – Just skip the turkey ham if preferred.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 6 oz baby spinach
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup turkey ham, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Toast the Pecans (Optional but Recommended)
Start by toasting the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re fragrant and lightly golden. This adds a warm nuttiness and extra crunch. Let them cool while you prep the rest of the salad.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It should be tangy with just the right hint of sweetness to bring the whole salad together. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity if needed.

Step 3: Build the Salad Base
In a large bowl, add the baby spinach. Layer in the sliced strawberries, red onion, turkey ham (if using), and crumbled feta. The contrast of colors here is beautiful—bright red berries, creamy white feta, and deep green spinach.

Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated, being careful not to crush the strawberries or wilt the spinach.

Step 5: Finish with Crunch
Top the salad with toasted pecans right before serving so they stay crisp. You can also add a bit more feta for that creamy-salty kick.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Use ripe strawberries – The juicier and sweeter, the better the balance of flavor.
• Make it a meal – Add grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or even chickpeas for a protein boost.
• Swap the nuts – Walnuts or almonds can be used if you’re out of pecans.
• Make ahead – You can prep all ingredients ahead of time, but don’t toss with dressing until just before serving to keep everything fresh.
• Feta options – Goat cheese or fresh mozzarella pearls are tasty substitutes if you want to change things up.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting pecans)
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Tossed
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian-friendly (omit turkey ham)

NOTES:

This salad is flexible and forgiving. Feel free to experiment with ingredients based on what’s in your fridge or what’s in season. Blueberries, peaches, or apples also pair wonderfully with spinach and feta.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Estimated Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 7g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Just keep the dressing separate and toss everything together right before serving.

What can I use instead of turkey ham?
Feel free to leave it out or replace it with grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas.

Is this salad kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The strawberries and honey-sweetened dressing usually make it a hit with little ones.

Can I use bottled dressing?
Sure, but homemade really brings this salad to life. If you’re in a pinch, a good balsamic vinaigrette will work.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The spinach might wilt slightly once dressed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. For longer storage, keep the salad ingredients and dressing separate.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Avocado Mango Salad with a Zesty Lime Dressing
• Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad: A Flavor-Packed, Easy-to-Make Favorite
• Mango Salad: A Bright and Refreshing Tropical Escape
• Classic Chicken Salad

CONCLUSION

This strawberry spinach salad is proof that something simple can also be incredibly satisfying. It’s a little sweet, a little savory, and entirely refreshing—perfect for when the sun is shining and you want something light and nourishing on your plate. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or to impress guests at a gathering, it’s a dish that’s as lovely to look at as it is to eat. Give it a try and bring a little seasonal joy to your table!

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