Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe: So Sweet and Savory
Introduction
Spring always finds its way back. And after a long, gray winter, I start craving foods that feel fresh, bright, and full of life. My thoughts drift to local strawberry fields, heavy with ripe, sweet berries, and tender spinach just waiting to be turned into something simple and beautiful. This easy Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Walnuts is one of my absolute favorites. Juicy strawberries. Creamy, salty feta. Crisp spinach leaves tossed in a lightly sweet balsamic dressing that pulls everything together. It’s the kind of salad you can make on a whim for guests or quietly enjoy on a stay-at-home weekend when something fresh feels just right. Simple at heart, endlessly adaptable, and always satisfying—start with the classic, then make it your own. This sweet-and-tangy little salad is one you’ll come back to again and again.
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Ingredients That Make a Strawberry Spinach Salad Special
Strawberry spinach salad with feta and walnuts combines fresh, vibrant ingredients to create a balanced, flavorful dish. Each component contributes unique tastes and textures.
Ingredient Overview
- Spinach: Mild and tender with a subtle earthiness, spinach forms the fresh base of this salad while delivering vitamins A, C, and K.
- Strawberries: Bright and juicy, strawberries bring natural sweetness to every bite and are packed with vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy with a pleasant tang, feta adds a savory note that balances the fruit. Its fat content is lighter than many cheeses yet bold enough to stand out.
- Walnuts: Crunchy and rich, walnuts add depth and texture while supplying omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber.
Flavor Harmony
- The sweetness of strawberries balances the saltiness of feta, while walnuts add crunch and depth.
- The combination of textures, from the tender spinach to the creamy cheese and crunchy nuts, creates a satisfying eating experience.
Nutritional Benefits
- This salad is nutrient-dense, providing a variety of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
Who knew this easy-to-make salad, which tastes so good, also offers such a health benefits?
Helpful Tips When Making a Strawberry Spinach Salad
Here are some helpful tips for creating a delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta Cheese and Walnuts.
Ingredient Quality
- For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries.
- Choose baby spinach for a tender texture.
- Opt for high-quality feta cheese, preferably in brine.
Preparation Tips
- Wash and dry spinach and strawberries thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Slice strawberries just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Toast walnuts lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor.
Dressing Suggestions
- A light vinaigrette is all you need. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- For a little extra flavor complexity, stir in a small spoonful of Dijon mustard.
Assembly
- Start with a bed of fresh spinach, then scatter the strawberries and walnuts over the top.
- Sprinkle on the feta just before serving so it stays creamy and the salad stays crisp.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve right away for the best texture and freshness.
- Turn it into a satisfying meal by adding grilled chicken or your favorite fish.
All of these small details come together to form a salad that’s both satisfying and beautifully presented.
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Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Walnuts
Springy, Fresh, and Bursting with Flavor
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a little bowl of happiness. Juicy strawberries bring the sweetness, creamy feta adds a salty pop, and crunchy walnuts give just the right bite—all tossed with crisp spinach and a lightly sweet balsamic dressing in a big, beautiful salad bowl. It comes together in minutes, looks beautiful on the table, and tastes like something special without any fuss. Whether you’re feeding friends or treating yourself, this salad proves that simple ingredients can still steal the show.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta Cheese and Walnuts
Equipment
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
Balsamic Dressing
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp finely ground black pepper
- 1 large clove of garlic minced
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
Strawberry Salad
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups fresh strawberries- sliced do not use frozen sliced strawberries
- ½ cup feta cheese
- ½ cup walnuts
Instructions
Balsamic Dressing
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, dijon mustard, fine sea salt, black pepper, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is fully emulsified.
- Store in a jar with a lid and refrigerate. Shake well before serving.
Salad
- First, place 6 cups of baby spinach in a bowl or serving platter. Then, distribute the sliced strawberries evenly over the spinach, followed by the feta cheese and walnuts. If you're ready to serve, toss the vinaigrette and salad together, ensuring even distribution. This can also be served individually, with each person pouring their own dressing.
- There are many ways to enjoy this salad. Serving it with crusty bread and a glass of wine is always a winner. Two of my favorites are with cold roasted chicken or pork tenderloin.
If you tried this recipe, don’t forget to scroll up and tap those stars! I’d love to know how it turned out for you.
Notes
Nutrition
Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad Variations
One of the best things about this salad is how easy it is to make it your own. Once you’ve tried the classic version, feel free to play around and tailor it to your taste. Here are a few fun and flavorful ideas to get you started:
Add a Protein
- Grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp turn this salad into a satisfying meal.
- Chickpeas or black beans are great plant-based options that still keep it hearty.
Mix in More Fruit
- Thinly sliced apples or pears add a fresh crunch.
- Dried or fresh, cranberries or blueberries bring a little extra sweetness to the mix.
Switch Up the Nuts
- Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a new flavor twist.
- Lightly toasting the nuts adds warmth and depth.
Play with the Dressing
- A raspberry vinaigrette leans into the berries’ sweetness.
- A honey mustard dressing adds a richer, smooth, sweet finish.
Sweet Raspberry Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- ½ cup raspberries
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (red wine or white balsamic)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Add Extra Veggies
- Creamy avocado is always a welcome addition.
- Red onion or bell peppers add color, crunch, and a little bite.
Storage Tips for Your Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad
To store a strawberry spinach salad with feta cheese and walnuts effectively, follow these guidelines:
Storage Container
- Use an airtight container to preserve freshness.
Separation of Ingredients
- Store the dressing separately to avoid sogginess.
- Keep strawberries, spinach, feta, and walnuts in separate compartments if possible.
Refrigeration
- Place the container in the refrigerator. The salad is best consumed within 1-2 days.
Preparation Tips
- Wash and dry spinach thoroughly before storing to reduce moisture.
- Slice strawberries just before serving to maintain their texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Toss the salad with dressing just before serving. This will keep the salad crisp.
These steps help maintain the salad’s flavor and texture while extending its shelf life.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is proof that fresh ingredients don’t need much help to shine. It’s bright, balanced, and full of flavor—sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts all working together in perfect harmony. Serve it for a gathering, tuck it alongside your favorite main dish, or enjoy it as a light meal all on its own. However you share it, this salad brings a little joy to the table, one colorful, delicious bite at a time.
Here’s to Sunshine and Strawberry Smiles!
Be prepared for the abundance of spring and summer fruits and berries. Get some helpful tips from my post, Wash Store and Freeze Berries.
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