Strawberry Spinach Salad With Feta

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

Highlighted under: Healthy Flavor Lab

I love how vibrant and refreshing this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta is. It’s perfect for warm days and brings together the sweet flavor of strawberries with the creaminess of feta cheese. Every bite feels like a burst of freshness, and it’s such a quick dish to whip up. With a mix of textures and flavors, this salad can be a side dish or the star of your meal. I promise it will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!

Created by

Marley Quinn

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:41:36.168Z

When I first made this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could come together to create something truly delicious. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and crumbly feta cheese creates a lovely contrast that I can't resist. This salad is not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for a quick lunch or as a side for dinner.

I’ve discovered that adding a hint of balsamic vinaigrette elevates the dish even more, enhancing the flavors of the spinach and strawberries. Don’t forget to toss it gently—this helps maintain the freshness and structure of the salad. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright, juicy strawberries balance perfectly with tangy feta cheese.
Quick and easy to assemble, making it great for weeknight meals.
A refreshing, healthy option that helps you eat more greens.
Additions like nuts or grilled chicken can turn it into a full meal.

Transforming Your Salad

A key element in this Strawberry Spinach Salad is the balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of strawberries complements the salty and creamy feta beautifully. To enhance this, feel free to experiment with different cheeses; goat cheese can be a delicious alternative if you're looking for something milder. Also, consider the contrast of the nutty walnuts, which provide a satisfying crunch. Including various textures can elevate the overall sensory experience of your salad.

To make the salad more filling, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Simply season your protein of choice with salt and pepper and grill for about 6-8 minutes until fully cooked. Slice it thinly and top your salad for a protein boost that makes it suitable as a main dish. This versatility ensures that your Strawberry Spinach Salad can cater to everyone’s dietary needs, whether you want it to be a light side or a complete meal.

Perfecting Your Dressing

The dressing is essential for tying all the flavors together. Use high-quality balsamic vinaigrette for a rich, tangy finish. If you want to make it from scratch, combine 3 parts balsamic vinegar with 1 part olive oil and add a teaspoon of honey for sweetness, which can enhance the sweetness of the strawberries. Whisk until emulsified, achieving a glossy, slightly thickened consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference before adding it to the salad.

If you find that your dressing is too tangy, a pinch of sugar or even a bit of maple syrup can help balance the acidity. The olive oil not only provides flavor but also helps in coating the spinach leaves evenly, preventing them from wilting quickly. Make sure to mix your dressing just before serving for the freshest taste, ensuring that it remains vibrant and doesn't settle at the bottom of the bowl.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components in advance. Wash and slice your strawberries and store them in the refrigerator up to a day in advance. Similarly, you can prepare the salad dressing a day ahead and keep it well-sealed. Just remember not to add the spinach, feta, or any additional ingredients until you're ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.

For a delightful presentation, serve your salad in wide, shallow bowls rather than deep plates. This way, the vibrant colors of the spinach and strawberries take center stage. Garnishing with additional feta cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint or basil can add an aromatic touch that enhances the flavor profile. Just a dash of lemon juice before serving can also brighten up the dish beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful salad.

Salad Ingredients

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

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have gathered everything, you're ready to start preparing your salad.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to assemble your salad.

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, add the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, and the optional walnuts and red onion.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Toss the Salad

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate the salad and enjoy this refreshing dish immediately for the best flavor.

Now sit back and enjoy the vibrant taste of your finished salad!

Pro Tips

For added crunch, try adding toasted almonds or sunflower seeds. You can also substitute the feta with goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

Recipe Variations

If you wish to introduce a new flavor profile, consider adding citrus segments, such as mandarin oranges or grapefruit. Their zesty juices can infuse the salad with a refreshing zest that pairs perfectly with the strawberries and feta. You can also explore different types of nuts like pecans or almonds for varied textures. Toasting them slightly in a dry pan for 3-4 minutes can enhance their flavor before adding them to the salad.

For a seasonal twist, try swapping spinach with kale or arugula. Both greens bring distinct flavor notes; kale offers a more robust texture, while arugula introduces a peppery kick. When using tougher greens like kale, massaging it with a bit of olive oil and salt for a minute can soften it and make it more palatable for salads.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your salad turns out a bit too soggy, check your dressing. Ensure you're not using too much liquid or letting the salad sit too long after dressing. A good rule of thumb is to dress the salad immediately before serving. If this happens, try to remove excess dressing by gently lifting the salad from the bowl, allowing the dressing to drain back down.

Another issue may arise if your strawberries are not as sweet as you'd like. If that’s the case, a light sprinkle of sugar can boost their sweetness. Just let them sit for about 10 minutes after adding sugar; this will help to draw out the juices and create a natural syrup that will further coat your salad.

Serving Sizes and Scaling

This recipe is a great starting point for serving 4 as a side dish or 2 as an entrée. If you plan to serve it at a gathering, simply multiply the ingredients based on the number of guests. The salad scales well, but keep an eye on the dressing proportions—it might need slight adjustments as the volume increases to ensure all components remain flavorful.

For a more substantial meal, consider pairing the salad with a light protein dish like grilled fish or a simple chicken breast, which complement the fresh flavors without overpowering them. This salad is flexible enough that you can easily round it out with a few other accompaniments like a light soup or crusty bread on the side to make a full meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it's best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the greens fresh.

→ What other fruits can I add?

You can add blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples for a different twist!

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just keep the dressing in a separate container until you're ready to eat.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture, thawed frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch, just be aware they may be softer.