Strawberry Spinach Salad With Feta

Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad With Feta
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4.0
Ingredients: 6 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried; 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional); 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Daily Collection

I absolutely love making this Strawberry Spinach Salad With Feta during the warmer months when strawberries are at their sweetest. The combination of fresh spinach and juicy strawberries creates a delightful contrast, while the crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty touch that ties everything together. It’s a vibrant salad that not only tastes amazing but also brings a burst of color to the table. Whether I serve it as a side dish at a picnic or enjoy it as a light lunch, it never fails to impress.

Created by

Lottie Pennington

Last updated on 2026-01-24T08:58:36.429Z

When I first tried this Strawberry Spinach Salad, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could come together to create something so delicious. The mix of fresh strawberries, crunchy spinach, and creamy feta is a match made in heaven. Adding a touch of balsamic vinaigrette enhances the flavors without overpowering the salad. I've found that using ripe, fresh strawberries makes a huge difference in taste.

One of the best tips I've learned is to toss the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crispy. I often add a handful of walnuts or pecans for added crunch. This salad is not only perfect for summer gatherings but also makes a lovely addition to any meal prep throughout the week.

        Why You'll Love This Salad
        Fresh strawberries offer a burst of natural sweetness
Creamy feta perfectly complements the tangy vinaigrette
Quick and easy to make, perfect for any occasion

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The freshness of your spinach is crucial for this salad's success. Look for vibrant, deep green leaves that have a firm texture. Wilted or yellowed spinach will yield a lesser salad, impacting not only flavor but also texture. The best spinach can be found in farmers' markets during peak season, and you should wash it thoroughly to remove any grit, leaving it perfectly crisp for the salad.

Choosing ripe strawberries takes a bit of practice. Opt for berries that are deep red, firm, and fragrant—their sweetness should be evident even without tasting. If they're too tart, they can overpower the balance of flavors in your salad. A tip: buy them in bulk and store unwashed in the refrigerator; wash them only before serving to maintain their freshness.

Balancing Flavors

In this salad, the key to a well-balanced flavor comes from the combination of sweet strawberries and the tangy feta. Each component plays a distinct role: the strawberries provide a refreshing sweetness, while the feta introduces a creamy saltiness that rounds out the dish. Adding sliced almonds not only enhances the texture but also offers a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

The vinaigrette is what truly ties everything together. Balsamic vinegar adds a rich, slightly sweet tang that balances the sweetness of the strawberries. If you're looking to vary the acidity, consider experimenting with different vinegars, such as apple cider or red wine vinegar, which can bring new dimensions to the dressing without straying too far from the intended flavor profile.

Serving and Enjoying Your Salad

Serve your Strawberry Spinach Salad immediately for the best texture and flavor. The freshness of the spinach and the vibrancy of the strawberries tend to diminish over time once dressed. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, keep the salad and dressing separate until just before serving to prevent sogginess, allowing for a crisp bite.

This salad is incredibly versatile. Consider pairing it with grilled chicken or crispy tofu for a complete meal, making it a satisfying option for lunch or a light dinner. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add seasonal fruits like blueberries or peaches, which can further enhance the summer vibe of this refreshing dish.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

6 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and red onion. If using, add the sliced almonds for extra crunch.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try marinating the onions in the balsamic vinaigrette for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.

Storage Tips

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To avoid wilty greens, store the dressing separately and dress your salad only when you're ready to eat. Additionally, if you have leftover spinach, it can be added to smoothies or quick sautés to reduce waste.

If you're planning to make the salad ahead of time and serve it later in the week, consider prepping the ingredients separately. Wash and slice your strawberries and onion, crumble the feta, and store them in separate containers. The spinach should remain unwashed until you're ready to toss it together, ensuring that each ingredient stays as fresh as possible.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to adapt this salad to your dietary needs or personal preferences. For a vegan version, simply omit the feta and replace it with avocado slices or a plant-based cheese alternative. The almonds can also be substituted with any nuts or seeds you may have on hand, such as walnuts or sunflower seeds, which can all add unique textures and flavors.

Add a protein element to transform this side dish into a full meal. Grilled shrimp or chicken can bring a satisfying element, making it perfect for a summer barbecue. For a heartier option, you could toss in some quinoa or farro to make it more filling and nutritious while still keeping the refreshing taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries if needed.

→ What other ingredients can I add?

You can customize this salad by adding grilled chicken, avocado, or even quinoa for a heartier meal.

→ Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dressing up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ How long does the salad last in the fridge?

The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.