Bright, juicy strawberries mingle with creamy feta and toasted almonds on a bed of tender spinach, all kissed by a honey-balsamic dressing that balances sweet and tangy in every forkful. This Sweet & Savory Strawberry Spinach Salad is the kind of dish that brings a burst of color to your table and a smile to your face. Between the deep green of fresh baby spinach and the vibrant red of sliced berries, this salad feels like a celebration of summer in each bite. Even on the busiest weekdays, you can whip it up in under 20 minutes—perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.
I love how versatile this salad can be. One day it’s the star of my lunch, and the next it’s the perfect appetizer for a backyard barbecue. The mellow earthiness of spinach leaves plays beautifully against the sweet pop of strawberries, while crumbled feta adds a creamy tang that makes every mouthful memorable. Toasted almonds contribute a crunchy element that keeps the texture exciting, and a simple drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette (with an optional touch of honey) ties everything together in harmony. Whether you’re craving a healthy meal or looking to impress friends with minimal effort, this salad delivers flavor and flair in equal measure.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SWEET & SAVORY STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD
Before we roll up our sleeves and get mixing, let’s take a closer look at the stars of this recipe and understand how each one contributes to that unforgettable flavor combination.
- Fresh baby spinach leaves
These tender, vibrant greens form the foundation of the salad. They bring a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a delicate texture that pairs seamlessly with sweeter and richer ingredients.
- Strawberries
Thinly sliced strawberries offer a burst of natural sweetness and juiciness, adding both color and a refreshing fruitiness to every mouthful.
- Feta cheese
Crumbled feta introduces a creamy, tangy note that cuts through the sweetness of the strawberries and enriches the overall flavor profile.
- Sliced almonds
Once toasted, these nuts add a satisfying crunch and a warm, nutty aroma that elevates the salad’s texture and depth.
- Red onion
Thinly sliced red onion lends a gentle bite and subtle sharpness, balancing the sweetness and enhancing complexity.
- Balsamic vinaigrette dressing
A blend of tangy balsamic vinegar and smooth oil, this dressing ties together all the ingredients, giving a glossy finish and bright flavor.
- Honey (optional)
A touch of honey can be whisked into the vinaigrette for extra sweetness, perfect for those who love a more dessert-like twist.
- Freshly ground black pepper
A final grind of pepper adds warmth and a hint of spice, rounding out the sweet and savory interplay.
HOW TO MAKE SWEET & SAVORY STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD
Let’s jump into the simple, step-by-step process of bringing this salad to life. With a handful of fresh ingredients and just a few minutes of toasting and tossing, you’ll have a vibrant dish that’s ready to serve.
1. Rinse the fresh baby spinach leaves under cool running water. Use a salad spinner to gently dry them, or pat them lightly with paper towels. Ensuring the leaves are dry helps the dressing cling rather than pool at the bottom. Transfer the dried spinach into a large salad bowl.
2. Hull each strawberry, then slice them into thin, uniform pieces. This allows their sweet juices to meld evenly with the spinach. Add the sliced strawberries directly into the bowl with the prepared spinach.
3. Crumble the block of feta cheese into small, bite-size chunks. Sprinkle these creamy morsels over the spinach and strawberry mixture, distributing the tangy flavor throughout.
4. Place the sliced almonds in a dry skillet set over medium heat. Stir them frequently for about 3–5 minutes, watching closely until they turn a golden brown and release a fragrant nutty aroma. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the almonds cool slightly before adding them to the salad.
5. Thinly slice the red onion into delicate rings or half-moons. These slender pieces will add a gentle crunch and a hint of pungency. Scatter the sliced onion over the top of the salad.
6. In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinaigrette dressing with honey if you’re using it. Whisk until fully emulsified and slightly thickened. This sweet-tangy sauce is the final touch that brings harmony to the dish.
7. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad bowl. Then, using tongs or two large spoons, gently toss all the ingredients together. Make sure each leaf, berry, and cheese crumble is coated with that luscious dressing.
8. Finish with a few twists of freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the contrast of crisp greens, juicy fruit, creamy feta, and crunchy almonds.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SWEET & SAVORY STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD
This salad shines in so many different settings—whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or looking for a quick treat to elevate your weekday meal. These serving ideas will help you make the most of every colorful bite.
- Serve as a light lunch alongside warm, crusty bread or slices of avocado for a satisfying yet simple midday meal. The creaminess of the avocado pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy flavors.
- Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein, turning the salad into a hearty entrée. The warmth of the grilled proteins contrasts delightfully with the cool, refreshing salad.
- Present at summer gatherings on a large, decorative platter. Garnish with a few extra whole strawberries and almond slivers for an eye-catching centerpiece that invites compliments.
- Pack in a mason jar for a picnic-friendly option. Layer spinach at the bottom, then add strawberries, feta, onions, and almonds, keeping the dressing in a separate small container. Shake right before eating for crisp, fresh results.
HOW TO STORE SWEET & SAVORY STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD
Planning ahead? This salad is surprisingly easy to keep fresh if you follow a few smart storage tips. Proper separation and temperature control preserve the vibrant textures and flavors.
- Refrigerate ingredients separately: Keep the washed and dried spinach in one airtight container and the sliced strawberries and onions in another. This prevents moisture transfer and keeps each component crisp.
- Store the dressing in a sealed jar: Whisk the balsamic vinaigrette and honey together, then pour into a small, airtight jar. When you’re ready to eat, give it a good shake and drizzle over the mixed salad.
- Use airtight containers: If you’ve already assembled the salad, transfer it to an airtight container, placing a paper towel on top to absorb excess moisture. Store in the coldest part of your fridge.
- Add almonds last: Keep toasted nuts in a separate bag or container and sprinkle them on when you serve. This ensures they remain crisp and don’t become soggy in the dressing.
CONCLUSION
What started as a simple idea—combining fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, tangy feta, and crunchy almonds—turns into an unforgettable dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Throughout this article, we explored the key ingredients that give this salad its vibrant character, walked through the step-by-step process to bring it together, and shared creative serving suggestions and storage tips to help you enjoy it at its very best. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy, healthy salad or a seasoned cook in search of a crowd-pleaser for summer gatherings, this Sweet & Savory Strawberry Spinach Salad checks all the boxes. With just 15 minutes of prep, 5 minutes of toasting, and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a beautiful, flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch, an appetizer, or a light dinner.
Feel free to print this article or save it for later—you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand all season long. Below you’ll find a FAQ section to answer any lingering questions you might have. If you decide to try this salad, I’d love to hear how it turned out: Did you add grilled chicken? Swap in pecans instead of almonds? Share your questions, comments, or feedback. Your kitchen adventures are what make recipes like this come alive, and I’m always here to help you tweak, adjust, or troubleshoot. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more bright, flavorful meals!
Sweet & Savory Strawberry Spinach Salad
Description
Bright juicy strawberries mingle with creamy feta and toasted almonds on a bed of tender spinach, all kissed by honey-balsamic dressing for a refreshing flavor twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by rinsing the fresh baby spinach leaves under cool water. Gently dry them using a salad spinner or pat them with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place the dried spinach in a large salad bowl.
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Prepare the strawberries by hulling them and slicing them into thin pieces. Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl with the spinach.
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Next, crumble the feta cheese and sprinkle it over the spinach and strawberries.
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Toast the sliced almonds by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding them to the salad.
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Slice the red onion thinly and add it to the salad bowl.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette dressing and honey (if using). Pour the dressing over the salad.
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Gently toss all the ingredients together until well coated with the dressing.
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Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Note
- This salad can be made ahead of time; just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
- The combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes it perfect for summer gatherings and picnics.
- Experiment with different nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added complexity.
