Can I use a different type of lettuce instead of spinach?

Absolutely! While spinach provides a nutritional boost and works wonderfully with strawberries, you can substitute mixed greens, arugula, or even romaine. Each brings a different texture and flavor profile to the salad, with arugula adding a peppery note that contrasts beautifully with the sweet strawberries.

Is there a way to make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, this salad is easy to adapt for dairy-free diets. Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. For the dressing, use plant-based mayo and your favorite non-dairy milk. The salad will still have plenty of flavor from the fruits, nuts, and onion.

How can I make this salad more filling for a main course?

Turn this side salad into a satisfying main by adding protein. Grilled chicken breast, seared salmon, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas all work wonderfully. For an extra-hearty version, add quinoa or farro for a complex-carb boost that keeps you fuller longer.

Can I substitute the sugar in the dressing with a natural sweetener?

Definitely! Honey or maple syrup makes an excellent natural substitute for the sugar in the dressing. Start with about 2 tablespoons of either, then adjust to taste. These natural sweeteners add their own subtle flavor notes that complement the fruit beautifully.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (6 ounce) package spinach; 1 (16 ounce) package strawberries, sliced; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1 cup craisins (dried cranberries); 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup milk; 3 tablespoons sugar; 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons poppyseeds

This vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad is a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that dance on your palate. Ready in just 10 minutes, it combines fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy almonds, and creamy feta with a homemade poppyseed dressing that brings everything together beautifully. It’s the perfect refreshing dish for busy weeknights, summer gatherings, or anytime you need a quick yet impressive addition to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in Minutes: From start to finish, this salad comes together in just 10 minutes—perfect for those hectic evenings when cooking feels like a chore.
Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with iron-rich spinach, vitamin-packed strawberries, and protein from nuts and cheese, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of sweet berries, savory cheese, and crunchy nuts means there’s something for everyone to love.
Versatile: Works brilliantly as a light lunch, side dish, or the perfect accompaniment to grilled proteins for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spinach: The foundation of our salad—tender, fresh leaves provide a mild, earthy backdrop that lets other flavors shine. Baby spinach works best for its tender texture.
Strawberries: Juicy, sweet berries add bright color and natural sweetness. Always choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor impact.
Sliced Almonds: These add essential crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the berries perfectly. Toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.
Red Onion: Provides a sharp, zesty kick that balances the sweetness. Slice it very thin to avoid overwhelming the other ingredients.
Feta Cheese: Adds a tangy, salty component that cuts through the sweetness. Crumble it fresh rather than buying pre-crumbled for better texture and flavor.
Craisins: These dried cranberries add chewy texture and concentrated sweetness. They’re the perfect complement to fresh strawberries.
Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for our dressing, adding richness that coats every leaf and berry.
Milk: Thins the dressing to the perfect pourable consistency without diluting flavor.
Sugar: Balances the tanginess in the dressing. You can adjust according to your sweetness preference.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides essential acidity that brightens the entire salad and keeps the dressing from feeling heavy.
Poppyseeds: These tiny seeds add visual appeal and a subtle crunch to the dressing, plus they’re the classic finishing touch for this type of salad.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Additions

Transform this side salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, seared salmon, or marinated tofu. The protein pairs wonderfully with the sweet-tangy flavors of the salad.

Nut Swaps

Not a fan of almonds? Try candied pecans, walnuts, or pistachios instead. Each brings its own unique flavor profile and crunch factor.

Cheese Options

While feta is fantastic, you could switch to goat cheese for extra creaminess, blue cheese for stronger flavor, or even a mild brie for something different.

Fruit Mix-Ins

During different seasons, try adding blueberries, mandarin orange segments, or sliced peaches alongside or in place of the strawberries.

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, sliced almonds, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and craisins. Gently toss these ingredients together, being careful not to crush the more delicate components.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and poppyseeds until smooth and well combined. The dressing should have a pourable consistency that’s not too thick or too thin.

Step 3: Dress and Serve

Pour the creamy poppyseed dressing over the salad just before serving. Start with less than you think you need—you can always add more. Toss gently to ensure every component gets a light coating of the dressing without wilting the spinach.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Prep Ahead: Wash and dry spinach thoroughly in advance, then store with a paper towel in a container to absorb excess moisture.
Dressing Timing: Make the dressing up to three days ahead and keep refrigerated for even better flavor development.
Strategic Assembly: If preparing for an event, keep the components separate until just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain optimal texture.
Berry Selection: Choose strawberries that are fully red without white shoulders for the sweetest flavor. If they’re not quite ripe, a sprinkle of sugar helps bring out their juices.
Onion Taming: If you find raw red onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad—this preserves the crunch while mellowing the bite.

How to Serve

As a Starter

Serve smaller portions in elegant dishes to begin a spring or summer meal. The vibrant colors make for a stunning presentation.

Main Course Pairing

This salad shines alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or a simple quiche for a complete meal that feels both satisfying and light.

For Entertaining

Set up a salad bar with the components separate and the dressing on the side, allowing guests to build their own perfect plate.

Seasonal Celebrations

This salad makes a beautiful addition to Easter brunches, Mother’s Day celebrations, or summer barbecues where a fresh, colorful dish is appreciated.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Components

Store prepared (but undressed) salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Spinach will last 3-4 days, washed and dried strawberries 2-3 days.

Dressing Storage

The creamy poppyseed dressing keeps beautifully in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a good shake or stir before using.

Leftovers

If you’ve already dressed the salad, it’s best enjoyed within a few hours. The spinach will begin to wilt once dressed, though it will still taste good the next day—just with a softer texture.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the high water content of the fresh ingredients, which would create a mushy texture upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce instead of spinach?

Absolutely! While spinach provides a nutritional boost and works wonderfully with strawberries, you can substitute mixed greens, arugula, or even romaine. Each brings a different texture and flavor profile to the salad, with arugula adding a peppery note that contrasts beautifully with the sweet strawberries.
Is there a way to make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, this salad is easy to adapt for dairy-free diets. Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. For the dressing, use plant-based mayo and your favorite non-dairy milk. The salad will still have plenty of flavor from the fruits, nuts, and onion.
How can I make this salad more filling for a main course?

Turn this side salad into a satisfying main by adding protein. Grilled chicken breast, seared salmon, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas all work wonderfully. For an extra-hearty version, add quinoa or farro for a complex-carb boost that keeps you fuller longer.
Can I substitute the sugar in the dressing with a natural sweetener?

Definitely! Honey or maple syrup makes an excellent natural substitute for the sugar in the dressing. Start with about 2 tablespoons of either, then adjust to taste. These natural sweeteners add their own subtle flavor notes that complement the fruit beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe is one of those magical dishes that makes everyday meals feel special while remaining incredibly simple to prepare. The contrast of sweet berries, crunchy nuts, tangy cheese, and that creamy dressing creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or serving it at a special gathering, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try—I promise your taste buds will thank you!