Strawberry Spinach Balsamic Salad

The first time I made this salad was for a last-minute brunch when my sister announced she was bringing her new boyfriend over. I had nothing planned but a container of strawberries past their prime and a bag of spinach that needed using. That morning became one of those happy kitchen accidents where everything just works the panic faded into pride when he asked for seconds.

Last summer my neighbor Sarah brought over the most gorgeous strawberries from her garden and I knew exactly what they were destined for. We stood in my kitchen eating this salad straight from the bowl while her kids played in the yard. Sometimes the best meals are the ones that happen between friends on a Tuesday afternoon.

Ingredients

• Fresh baby spinach: Baby spinach has that tender almost sweet quality that mature spinach lacks making it perfect for delicate salads where you want every bite to feel effortless
• Fresh strawberries: Look for berries that are deep red and fragrant the sweetness is what balances the sharp onion and tangy cheese
• Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds just enough bite and crunch without overpowering the delicate flavors
• Feta cheese: The salty creamy crumbles are what tie everything together creating those perfect bites where all flavors hit at once
• Roasted pecans or walnuts: I started roasting my own nuts years ago and the difference is incredible that toastiness adds another layer of flavor
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Use the good stuff here since the dressing is simple quality olive oil makes all the difference
• Balsamic vinegar: The acidity cuts through the sweetness of strawberries and richness of the cheese creating that perfect balance
• Dijon mustard: This is the secret ingredient that helps the dressing emulsify and stay creamy without actually adding cream
• Honey or maple syrup: Just a touch of sweetness helps the dressing cling to the greens and mellows the vinegar

Instructions

Prep your greens:

Give that spinach a good wash and spin it dry in your salad spinner wet greens will make your dressing slide right off instead of coating every leaf

Build the base:

In your largest salad bowl pile in that spinach then scatter the sliced strawberries red onion crumbled feta and those roasted nuts all over

Whisk the magic:

In a small jar or bowl combine the olive oil balsamic Dijon honey salt and pepper then whisk until it looks smooth and creamy like a proper dressing should

Toss and serve:

Drizzle half the dressing over the salad toss gently with tongs then taste and add more if needed serve right away while those nuts still have their crunch

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This salad has become my go to for potlucks and dinner parties because it travels well and everyone asks for the recipe. Last month I made it for my book club and three people texted me the next day saying they could not stop thinking about it.

Make It Your Own

Goat cheese works beautifully if you are not into feta or try fresh mozzarella for something lighter and creamier. The beauty of this salad is how forgiving it is swap in whatever berries look best at the market.

The Wine Question

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry rosé cuts through the richness of the cheese while complementing those sweet strawberries perfectly. Do not overthink it just pick something you enjoy drinking on its own.

Batch Prep Secrets

You can wash and dry the spinach up to two days ahead and store it in a container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. The nuts can be roasted in advance and kept in an airtight jar.

• Keep the dressing separate until serving time
• Slice strawberries right before assembling to prevent them from getting mushy
• Bring everything to room temperature for the best flavor

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There is something so satisfying about a salad that looks beautiful and tastes even better. Hope this becomes one of those recipes you turn to again and again.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the nuts in this salad?

Yes, roasted pecans or walnuts can be swapped for sunflower seeds to avoid allergens or for a different crunch.

→ How should the balsamic vinaigrette be prepared?

Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well emulsified before drizzling.

→ Is this salad suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely, this salad contains only ingredients naturally free of gluten, making it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

→ What variations can enhance this salad?

Adding grilled chicken or avocado can make it heartier, while candied pecans add a touch of sweetness and crunch.

→ How can I store leftovers to maintain freshness?

Keep salad and dressing separate in airtight containers and combine just before serving to preserve texture and flavor.