This Strawberry Spinach Salad brings together the best of early summer’s bounty in one colorful, flavor-packed dish. Juicy strawberries, crisp spinach, and herbaceous mint are complemented by creamy feta and crunchy almonds, all tied together with a honey-balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a dish that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying — perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a light lunch any day of the week. Whether you’re eating with the seasons or just craving a fresh twist on your typical salad routine, this one’s a guaranteed hit. The flavor balance of sweet, tangy, and savory makes every bite exciting, while the texture play keeps it interesting. Serve it alongside grilled meats or enjoy it as a standalone vegetarian main — either way, it’s an ode to simple, wholesome ingredients done right.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Dressing:
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Juice of 1 lemon
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2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
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1 tablespoon honey
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1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
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3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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3/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
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1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
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1/2 cup sliced almonds
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6 ounces baby spinach
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1 pound fresh strawberries, trimmed and thinly sliced
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2 small shallots, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup fresh mint, coarsely chopped
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1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (plus more for topping)
Directions:
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In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Add salt and pepper. Whisk well, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Set aside.
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In a skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds in 1 tablespoon olive oil until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
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In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, shallots, and mint.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
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Add the feta and toasted almonds, toss gently, and top with more feta to serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 343 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Origins and Inspiration Behind the Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a classic example of how Mediterranean-inspired cuisine brilliantly balances sweet and savory flavors. While strawberries are often associated with desserts or smoothies, Mediterranean culinary traditions often incorporate fruit into savory dishes, particularly salads. This recipe, rooted in seasonal eating and whole food principles, transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a vibrant and sophisticated dish. It’s believed that the popularity of combining fruit with greens and cheese took off in the late 20th century as more chefs began exploring fusion cuisine. Over time, this salad became a staple at springtime brunches, summer cookouts, and health-conscious restaurants thanks to its balance of texture, color, and flavor.
Why Strawberry Spinach Salad Is a Nutritional Powerhouse
One of the biggest draws of this salad is its stellar nutritional profile. Each ingredient contributes to a wide range of health benefits. Baby spinach is rich in iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants like lutein, which support healthy skin and eye function. Strawberries bring a healthy dose of vitamin C and fiber while being low in calories and high in antioxidants. The feta cheese provides protein and calcium, while almonds add healthy fats and crunch, making the salad both filling and heart-friendly.
The lemon and balsamic dressing not only enhances flavor but also boosts digestion and metabolism thanks to its acidity. When tossed together, this salad becomes a meal that is hydrating, energizing, and deeply nourishing. Whether you’re following the Mediterranean diet, aiming for plant-based meals, or simply trying to add more greens to your daily plate, this recipe fits the bill.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Another reason this salad stands out is its versatility. It’s equally suitable for a casual weekday lunch or a more formal weekend gathering. The bright colors and fresh presentation make it a show-stopper on the table, while its simplicity allows it to pair well with a wide range of entrees. Serve it as a side dish to grilled chicken, fish, or vegetarian kabobs, or enjoy it as a light main course on a hot day.
This salad also travels well, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, and work lunches. Since the dressing can be packed separately and poured on just before serving, you can preserve the salad’s crispness and vibrancy for hours.
A Celebration of Seasonal Ingredients
Strawberry Spinach Salad celebrates everything good about spring and summer produce. It encourages shopping local, eating in season, and allowing the ingredients to shine with minimal processing. This recipe is also highly customizable based on what’s available. You can substitute arugula for spinach if you want more peppery notes, or swap feta for goat cheese to change the creaminess profile.
Mint is another stand-out component that ties the flavors together. Its aromatic freshness enhances both the strawberries and the feta, providing an unexpected lift to the dish. If mint isn’t your favorite, parsley or basil make wonderful substitutes, each bringing its own unique character to the plate.
Tips to Make the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad
Here are a few tips to take your salad to the next level:
- Use the freshest strawberries possible: Look for vibrant red berries without white tops. Farmers’ markets are usually the best source for peak-season fruit.
- Slice the mint properly: To avoid bruising, use a sharp knife and chiffonade the leaves by rolling them like a cigar and slicing thinly.
- Toast the almonds right: A little olive oil and a watchful eye will give you golden, flavorful almonds without burning. This adds richness and depth to the salad.
- Emulsify the dressing thoroughly: Whisking the balsamic, lemon, and honey well while drizzling in the oil ensures a smooth, cohesive dressing that coats every leaf evenly.
- Taste before serving: Always test the dressing with a spinach leaf. This trick helps you adjust salt, sweetness, or acidity to match your preferences perfectly.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleaser
While some salads might seem more suited to adult palates, this Strawberry Spinach Salad has a universal appeal. The sweetness of the berries, the creamy cheese, and the gentle crunch of almonds make it enjoyable for kids and picky eaters. You can even involve children in the process of assembling it — from washing the strawberries to sprinkling the feta.
For entertaining, this salad can be served on a platter for a buffet or pre-portioned into individual bowls for dinner parties. Add some edible flowers or microgreens for a more gourmet presentation.
Customizable and Diet-Friendly
This salad is gluten-free, low-carb, and easily adaptable for various dietary needs. For a vegan version, simply replace feta with plant-based cheese or roasted chickpeas for protein and crunch. Those watching their sugar intake can swap the honey for agave or simply reduce the quantity.
If you’re following a high-protein diet, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a scoop of quinoa on top for a complete meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to be customized without compromising its essence.
Meal Prep Friendly and Time-Saving
In today’s busy world, time-saving meals are a huge win. This salad comes together in under 15 minutes, and you can even prepare the dressing and toast the almonds ahead of time. Store the components separately and combine just before eating to maintain freshness.
It’s also a great way to use up strawberries that are slightly overripe but still flavorful. Blending a few into the dressing can even add an extra burst of strawberry flavor.
Flavor Profile That Appeals to All Palates
One of the most appealing aspects of the Strawberry Spinach Salad is its well-rounded flavor profile. You’ve got the sweetness of strawberries, the earthy green of spinach, the creamy saltiness of feta, the crunch of almonds, and the sweet-tart complexity of balsamic dressing. This multi-dimensional experience makes each bite exciting and satisfying.
Even those who aren’t typically fans of salads may find themselves going back for seconds. That’s the magic of a well-balanced, beautifully prepared dish.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Every Kitchen
This isn’t just a trendy seasonal salad — it’s a recipe that stands the test of time. It reflects the best of home cooking: nourishing, uncomplicated, and deeply satisfying. It proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques to make something delicious and impressive.
Having this recipe in your regular meal rotation ensures you’re eating more greens, getting quality nutrients, and enjoying your food without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for your family, a romantic date night, or a festive outdoor gathering, it always delivers.