Spinach & Strawberry Salad with Feta

Fresh, colorful, and full of flavor, this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta combines tender baby spinach, sweet juicy strawberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy toppings in every bite. It's the perfect salad for spring and summer, whether you're serving it as a light lunch, a side dish, or at your next picnic, barbecue, or holiday gathering.

Cook Time

Servings

Difficulty

0 minutes

Easy

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Ingredients

Salad

☐ 6 cups fresh baby spinach

☐ 1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

☐ 12 cherry tomatoes, halved

☐ ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

☐ ½ cup sliced almonds (optional)

☐ Salt, to taste

☐ Black pepper, to taste

Sweet & Savory BalsamicVinaigrette

☐ ¼ cup balsamic vinegar

☐ ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

☐ 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

☐ 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced

☐ 1 teaspoon honey

☐ ½ teaspoon salt

1. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Salad

Rinse and dry the baby spinach thoroughly. Place it in a large serving bowl.

3. Add the Toppings

Top the spinach with the sliced strawberries, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced almonds, if using.

4. Toss the Salad

Pour the desired amount of the Sweet & Savory Balsamic Vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

5. Season to Taste

Taste the salad and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper, if desired.

6. Serve

Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and crispest texture. Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or your favorite meal, or enjoy it as a light lunch on its own.

RECIPE TIPS

● Recipe Tips

Use fresh baby spinach for the best texture and flavor. Avoid wilted or bruised leaves.
Dry the spinach well after washing so the dressing clings to the leaves instead of becoming watery.
Make the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a week. Shake or whisk well before serving.
Dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and fresh.
Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet for 2 to 3 minutes to bring out their nutty flavor.
Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best balance with the tangy balsamic vinaigrette and salty feta cheese.
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak to turn this salad into a satisfying main course.
Customize the toppings with blueberries, pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries for a delicious variation.

🥶 STORAGE

For the freshest flavor, store the salad and dressing separately. Place the prepared salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Store the Sweet & Savory Balsamic Vinaigrette in a sealed jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the ingredients fresh.

Directions

Spinach Salad with Strawberries feta vinaigrette

🔥 Reheating Instructions

No cooking required

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare all of the ingredients ahead of time, but store the dressing separately. Toss everything together just before serving to keep the spinach crisp.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Goat cheese, blue cheese, or fresh mozzarella are all delicious substitutes for feta.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries become too soft as they thaw.
How long does the homemade dressing last?
The Sweet & Savory Balsamic Vinaigrette will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.
What protein goes well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, steak, or salmon all pair wonderfully with this spinach strawberry salad.
Can I add other toppings?
Yes! Try blueberries, raspberries, dried cranberries, avocado, pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on your Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar if you have a gluten sensitivity.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes! Simply leave out the feta cheese or replace it with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative.