Strawberry Spinach Salad
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Welcoming spring and summer with this fresh and easy Strawberry Spinach Salad with feta and toasted pecans. It’s a rite of the warmer season with fresh, sweet strawberries, crunchy pecans, and savory feta, drizzled with a sweet poppy seed dressing– A taste of sunny days in every bite.
And when that elusive sun begins to shine, nothing tastes better in the world than a salad filled with fresh, seasonal yumminess. Crunchy greens and sweet berries. A match made in heaven.
How to Make Summer’s Best Strawberry Spinach Salad
I never think of this Strawberry Spinach Salad as a recipe. It ebbs and flows with the season, choosing the best greens (usually spinach) and the choicest berries (usually strawberries, but I’ve been known to add raspberries, too).
But these are the basic ingredients in making this salad summer’s best.
Spinach: Any greens work well with this recipe but spinach and strawberries are classically delicious. But as the season goes along, choose the freshest greens you can find.
Strawberries: For this salad, choose juicy, ripe strawberries. I like to quarter the strawberries, but sliced or even halved are delicious, too.
Toasted Pecans: This is the crunch that makes the salad out of this world delicious. Be sure to take the extra step to toast the pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the salad. A nice change of pace is toasted sliced almonds.
Feta: For the creamy, savory element, feta is my favorite cheese in this salad, although goat cheese works deliciously well, too. Buy crumbled feta (light if you prefer) for an easy salad addition.
Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing
Is there a more perfect union than Strawberry Spinach Salad drizzled with a Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing? I’m not sure I can think of one. Let me know if you can!
While it’s easier to reach for a ready-made, store-bought dressing, you’ll be incredibly glad you didn’t when you see how easy it is to whisk this dressing together. And delicious? Well, you’ll have to find out for yourself. Believe me… It’s worth it.
Here’s what you need:
- Olive oil is my favorite, but vegetable oil works too.
- Vinegar. I like it made with white vinegar, but white wine, red wine, apple cider, and balsamic vinegar are awesome too.
- Sugar — yes, it is essential. But if you prefer honey, drizzle that in as a sub.
- Poppy seeds give this dressing extra texture and deliciousness.
- Mustard — I prefer Dijon mustard for that rich and savory tang, but a tiny squirt of yellow mustard works too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time, but for the freshest texture, it's best to assemble just before serving. Wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, toast the pecans, and mix the dressing in advance. Store each separately in the refrigerator and combine when ready to serve.
Absolutely! Goat cheese, blue cheese, or even shaved Parmesan make great swaps for feta. If you’re avoiding nuts, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch. Walnuts or sliced almonds are also delicious alternatives to pecans.
Yes! This strawberry spinach salad is a crowd-pleaser at spring and summer events like picnics, bridal showers, or holiday cookouts. To serve a group, double or triple the recipe and keep the dressing on the side until just before serving to maintain the salad’s freshness and texture. It’s as beautiful as it is delicious-perfect for warm-weather entertaining.
More Fresh and Flavorful Salad Recipes
If you love this strawberry spinach salad, here are more refreshing salads perfect for warm weather meals, picnics, and gatherings:
- La Scala Chopped Salad: A crave-worthy classic with crisp romaine, salami, garbanzo beans, and the iconic dressing.
- Greek Salad: A 10-minute favorite with Mediterranean flavors and tangy feta.
- Mediterranean Chopped Salad: Light, crisp, and incredibly versatile-a perfect side for any meal.
- Watermelon Feta Salad: Sweet and savory with juicy watermelon, feta, mint, and a drizzle of lime-summer in a bowl.
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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Toasted Pecans
Ingredients
Salad:
- 12 ounces baby spinach
- 16 ounces strawberries quartered
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup vinegar white, red, apple cider, balsamic
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing and set aside.
- In a salad bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, crumbled feta, and toasted pecans. Pour the salad over the greens and toss until evenly coated.
Notes
- To toast the pecans in a dry skillet, heat a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the pecans and toast until fragrant, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir often to prevent scorching.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the components ahead of time, but for the freshest texture, it's best to assemble just before serving. Wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, toast the pecans, and mix the dressing in advance. Store each separately in the refrigerator and combine when ready to serve.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Excellent hit of the party light and refreshing
Hi Dennise! You made my day! Thank you for trying the recipe — and for letting me know. So glad everyone enjoyed it!
This is such a fresh idea, loved it! Thanks!