Calling all salad lovers! This strawberry spinach salad is the ideal combination of sweet and savory: fresh baby spinach piled with juicy sliced strawberries, tangy feta crumbles, crisp red onion, and maple-candied almonds, finished with a creamy homemade poppy seed dressing. It takes about 15–20 minutes to assemble, works perfectly as a light lunch or an elegant side, and tastes like something you’d get at a restaurant.
The Perfect Summer Salad
This strawberry spinach salad evokes warm, simple memories for many of us — a big bowl of berries and greens in the fridge, ready to enjoy. As adults, most of us appreciate a more balanced salad with contrasting textures and flavors: sweet fruit, salty cheese, crunchy nuts, and a bright, creamy dressing. This recipe delivers all of that and has become a favorite for casual meals, picnics, and easy entertaining.
Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredients
When turning a salad into a satisfying meal, choose ingredients that complement each other and provide nutrition. Below are the components that make this salad both delicious and balanced.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is tender and mild, pairing well with nearly any dressing. It adds iron, vitamin B, calcium, and folic acid.
- Fresh strawberries: Sweet and juicy, strawberries contribute vitamin C, potassium, and natural sweetness. Slice to your preferred size — bite-sized pieces or larger chunks both work.
- Feta crumbles: Tangy and salty feta contrasts nicely with the strawberries. Goat cheese can be substituted for a creamier texture.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds crunch and a sharp bite. If raw onion is too strong for you, consider caramelized onions instead for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Poppy seed dressing: A homemade poppy seed dressing with Greek yogurt, lemon, poppy seeds and a touch of honey keeps the dressing light and creamy while complementing the berries.
- Candied almonds: Maple-candied slivered almonds add crunch, a hint of sweetness, and extra protein and fiber.
How to Make Candied Almonds
These maple-candied slivered almonds are quick and addictive. They take just three ingredients and about 8 minutes in a hot oven.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and spray or line a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Toss 1 cup raw slivered almonds with 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup and a pinch of salt so they are lightly coated.
- Spread the almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Allow to cool completely — they crisp up as they cool.
Almonds deliver a satisfying crunch and contribute fiber and protein to the salad.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad
Putting this salad together is fast and straightforward. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Make the candied almonds: Prepare and bake them first so they can cool while you prep the rest.
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
- Assemble: Divide fresh spinach among four bowls. Top with sliced strawberries, feta crumbles, thinly sliced red onion, and cooled candied almonds.
- Dress and serve: Drizzle about two tablespoons of the poppy seed dressing over each serving just before eating to keep the greens crisp.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Use ripe, in-season strawberries: They are sweeter and juicier, which elevates the entire salad.
- Dry the spinach well: Excess moisture will dilute the dressing; a salad spinner is useful.
- Dress just before serving: To avoid wilted greens, add dressing right before eating or keep it on the side for meal prep.
- Let almonds cool: Warm nuts can wilt the spinach and soften their crunch.
- Slice the onion very thin: Paper-thin slices spread evenly and have a milder bite.
Substitutions and Variations
This salad is versatile and welcomes many swaps:
- Greens: Try arugula, mixed spring greens, or a combination for different flavors.
- Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries can replace or augment the strawberries.
- Cheese: Goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, or shaved Parmesan are great alternatives to feta.
- Nuts: Candied pecans, walnuts, or pistachios work well if you prefer them to almonds.
- Dressing: A balsamic or raspberry vinaigrette are tasty alternatives if you want a vinaigrette-style dressing.
- Vegan: Omit the feta and swap the yogurt in the dressing for a plant-based alternative or simply use an olive oil and lemon vinaigrette.
What to Serve with Strawberry Spinach Salad
This salad stands on its own for a light lunch, but it pairs beautifully with proteins and sides to make a complete meal:
- Grilled chicken: Slice juicy grilled chicken over the salad for added protein.
- Salmon or shrimp: Pan-seared salmon or grilled shrimp complement the sweet berries and tangy cheese.
- Soup or bread: A cup of light soup or a slice of crusty sourdough turns this into a satisfying lunch.
How to Store and Meal Prep
- Meal prep containers: Divide spinach, strawberries, feta and red onion into containers. Store candied almonds and dressing separately to prevent sogginess.
- Storage: Prepared components keep 3–4 days in the refrigerator when stored separately.
- Dressing: The poppy seed dressing will keep up to one week refrigerated in an airtight jar; shake well before use.
- Candied almonds: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week to preserve crunch.
Strawberry Spinach Salad FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prep components separately and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. Add dressing and candied almonds just before serving to keep everything crisp.
What protein pairs well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, shrimp, canned tuna or a scoop of chickpeas or edamame are all great choices depending on whether you want meat, seafood or a vegetarian option.
Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely. Balsamic vinaigrette, raspberry vinaigrette, or a light lemon vinaigrette are delicious alternatives to poppy seed dressing.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes. Spinach provides vitamins and minerals, strawberries add vitamin C and antioxidants, and the almonds supply healthy fats, fiber and protein. Using Greek yogurt in the dressing keeps it lighter than many store-bought creamy dressings. Overall this is a nutrient-dense, naturally gluten-free salad.
More Salad Ideas to Try
- Strawberry Broccoli Salad
- Strawberry Quinoa Salad
- Juicy Grilled Chicken Salad
- Arugula Salad
- Summer Salad with Honey Roasted Pistachios
- Best Kale Salad Recipes
- Watermelon Salad
- Butter Lettuce Salad
- Healthy Salad Ideas
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Take lunch up a notch with this strawberry spinach salad: sweet, salty, crunchy and easy to prep.
By: Lee Funke
Prep: 20 mins Cook: 8 mins Total: 28 mins Servings: 4
Ingredients
Candied Slivered Almonds
- 1 cup raw slivered almonds
- 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
Strawberry Spinach Salad
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta crumbles
- 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced
Poppy Seed Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Candied Slivered Almonds
- Preheat oven to 400ºF. Spray or line a baking sheet.
- Toss slivered almonds with maple syrup and a pinch of salt until lightly coated.
- Spread in a single layer and bake for 8 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Prepare the poppy seed dressing by whisking together olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds and salt.
- Divide spinach, strawberries, feta, red onion, and cooled candied almonds into four bowls or containers.
- Drizzle about two tablespoons of dressing over each bowl just before serving and enjoy.
Tips & Notes
- Nutrition information below does not include the poppy seed dressing.
- For meal prep, store dressing and nuts separately to keep components fresh and crunchy.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Calories: 270 kcal, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Protein: 12 g, Fat: 16 g, Fiber: 7 g, Sugar: 12 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.