Strawberry & Spinach Summer Salad
A refreshing, vibrant salad that balances sweet strawberries with crisp spinach, creamy cheese, and a bright poppy-seed vinaigrette—perfect for warm days or any time you crave something light yet satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Celebrates peak-season strawberries for unbeatable flavor.
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Ready in about 15 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
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Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for dairy-free or vegan diets.
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Poppy-seed dressing made from pantry staples—no bottled dressing required.
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Beautiful colors and textures make it a standout dish for potlucks and picnics.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Baby spinach leaves
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Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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Crumbled feta or goat cheese
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Thinly sliced red onion
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Toasted pecans or walnuts
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Ripe avocado (optional, for extra creaminess)
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Poppy-seed vinaigrette: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, pepper
Directions
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Prepare produce. Rinse and dry the spinach. Hull and slice the strawberries. Thinly slice the red onion and, if desired, cube the avocado.
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Toast the nuts. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pecans or walnuts for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Remove from heat and cool.
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Make the dressing. Whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
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Assemble. In a large bowl, gently toss spinach with strawberries, red onion, nuts, and cheese. Drizzle with dressing just before serving.
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Serve. Transfer to a platter or individual plates. Garnish with avocado cubes if using and a final sprinkle of nuts.
Servings and timing
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Yield: 4 main-course salads or 6 side-dish portions
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 0 minutes
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Total time: 15 minutes
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Keep components separate for best results. Refrigerate greens and toppings in airtight containers up to 2 days; store dressing in a jar up to 1 week.
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Assembly: Combine and dress the salad just before serving to maintain crispness.
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Reheating: Not applicable—serve chilled or at room temperature. For a warm variation, you may briefly toast the nuts again before adding.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prep and refrigerate each component separately, then toss with dressing right before serving to avoid soggy greens.
What greens can replace spinach?
Arugula, baby kale, or a spring-mix blend work well; each offers a slightly different flavor profile and texture.
Do I have to include cheese?
No. Omit the feta or goat cheese for a dairy-free version, or substitute a plant-based crumble.
How do I toast nuts without burning them?
Use medium heat, a dry skillet, and constant stirring. Remove the nuts as soon as they turn golden and smell fragrant—they will continue to cook slightly off the heat.
Which proteins pair nicely with this salad?
Grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or sliced steak make it a heartier entrée. For a vegetarian option, add chickpeas or grilled halloumi.
Can I substitute frozen strawberries?
Fresh berries provide the best texture, but thawed and well-drained frozen strawberries can be used when fresh are out of season.
How long will the poppy-seed dressing keep?
Stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, the dressing stays fresh for up to one week—shake well before each use.
Is the salad gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Always check condiment labels to confirm.
How do I keep the spinach from wilting at a picnic?
Transport the dressing in a separate container on ice and dress the salad just before eating. Keep the greens chilled until serving.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Multiply all ingredients proportionally; prepare in a large bowl or serve on two platters for easier tossing and presentation.
Conclusion
This Strawberry & Spinach Summer Salad combines seasonal produce, contrasting textures, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette for a dish that’s as nourishing as it is beautiful. Whether you serve it as a quick weekday lunch or the centerpiece of a summer gathering, its bright flavors and effortless preparation are sure to impress. Enjoy!
