Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
One sunny afternoon, I remember wandering through the local farmer’s market, the smell of fresh herbs and ripe berries filling the air. That day, I spotted the juiciest strawberries and the freshest spinach I’ve ever seen, and inspiration struck. I rushed home with my basket brimming with produce and created what has now become my go-to summer salad: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Dressing. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, whether I’m entertaining friends or making a simple lunch for myself. Every bite combines sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors, all tossed together with a homemade dressing that makes your taste buds sing.
If you’re looking for a salad that feels light but indulgent, refreshing but satisfying, this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Dressing is your new best friend. I promise, once you try it, it’ll become a regular on your table too.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love making this salad because it’s simple yet feels elegant. The juicy strawberries are like little bursts of sunshine, while the spinach provides a fresh, earthy base that pairs beautifully with the crunchy nuts and creamy feta. The dressing is my secret touch tangy, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced making each bite unforgettable.
Every time I serve it, I feel like I’m sharing a little piece of joy with my loved ones. There’s something magical about preparing a salad that not only nourishes the body but also warms the heart. For me, Strawberry Spinach Salad with Dressing is more than a recipe; it’s a way to gather people around the table and create memories.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for the salad and dressing:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Kitchen secrets:
- Toasting the almonds brings out a richer, nuttier flavor. Don’t skip it!
- For sweeter strawberries, choose ones that are bright red with no green tips.
- Let the dressing sit for 5 minutes before tossing it thickens slightly and the flavors meld beautifully.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Prep the greens and fruit – Wash your baby spinach thoroughly and gently pat dry with a paper towel. Hull and slice the strawberries evenly so every bite has that perfect balance.
- Toast the almonds – Heat a small pan over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and stir for 3–4 minutes until lightly golden. The smell will be irresistible!
- Prepare the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
- Combine the salad – In a large bowl, gently toss the spinach, strawberries, red onion, and feta.
- Add almonds and dressing – Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds over the salad and drizzle with the dressing. Toss lightly to coat everything evenly.
- Serve immediately – This salad tastes best fresh. The dressing slightly softens the spinach over time, so avoid pre-dressing if possible.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this salad in a big, rustic wooden bowl for family gatherings. It’s perfect as a side to grilled chicken or salmon, but it also stands alone as a light lunch. For a festive touch, I sometimes add a few extra berries on top or a sprinkle of microgreens. Watching my friends’ eyes light up at the first bite is one of my favorite kitchen moments.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prep ahead:
- Store separately – Keep the dressing in a jar and salad ingredients in an airtight container.
- Prep the dressing – Make it up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate. Shake well before using.
- Avoid sogginess – Add almonds, feta, and dressing only before serving.
- Leftovers – If you have any leftovers, eat them within 24 hours for the best texture. Spinach wilts quickly, so toss just before eating.
100-Word Short Version
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Dressing is my go-to for fresh, vibrant meals. Sweet strawberries, earthy spinach, creamy feta, and crunchy toasted almonds come together in a perfectly balanced tangy-sweet dressing. Quick to prep, it’s ideal for lunch, dinner sides, or entertaining. Toast almonds to enhance flavor, whisk a balsamic-honey-Dijon dressing, and toss gently with salad ingredients. Serve immediately for the freshest taste. Store components separately to avoid sogginess. Every bite is a burst of flavor and color, making this salad not just a dish, but a celebration of freshness and simple culinary joy.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 5 minutes
- Total: 15 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Wash and dry spinach; hull and slice strawberries.
- Toast almonds in a small pan until golden.
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon, olive oil, salt, and pepper for dressing.
- Toss spinach, strawberries, red onion, and feta in a large bowl.
- Add almonds and dressing just before serving; toss gently.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
📝 Notes
- Toast almonds for maximum flavor.
- Make dressing ahead; store separately.
- Add nuts and dressing only before serving to prevent soggy salad.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Dressing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy this fresh and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad with Dressing! Sweet strawberries, earthy spinach, creamy feta, and crunchy toasted almonds come together with a tangy-sweet balsamic honey dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side dish, this salad is quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry spinach; hull and slice strawberries.
- Toast almonds in a small pan until golden.
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon, olive oil, salt, and pepper for dressing.
- Toss spinach, strawberries, red onion, and feta in a large bowl.
- Add almonds and dressing just before serving; toss gently.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
Toast almonds for maximum flavor. Make dressing ahead; store separately. Add nuts and dressing only before serving to prevent soggy salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
Conclusion
Every time I make this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Dressing, I feel a little spark of joy in my kitchen. It’s simple, wholesome, and full of love everything I want in a meal. Sharing it with friends and family brings so much warmth to the table. I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own memories, experiment with flavors, and celebrate the beauty of fresh ingredients. Cooking isn’t just about food; it’s about the stories we tell and the love we pour into every dish.