When the sun is shining and your taste buds are begging for something fresh, there’s nothing quite like a Strawberry Spinach Salad to save the day. It’s colorful, crunchy, creamy, and sweet, with every bite delivering a refreshing burst of flavor.
Whether you’re planning a light summer lunch, prepping for a potluck, or want a healthy weekday meal, this salad brings it all to the table. And if you’re looking for even more fresh ideas to beat the heat, don’t miss our full list of Summer Salad Recipes—perfect for every occasion.
Let’s break down this fan-favorite step by step. So you can whip up your bowl of vibrant goodness, complete with homemade candied pecans and a dreamy poppy seed dressing.
🥰 Why You’ll Fall in Love With Strawberry Spinach Salad
Imagine taking a bite of something sweet, tangy, crunchy, creamy, and refreshing all at the same time. That’s the magic of this strawberry spinach salad. It’s not just a salad… It’s a full-on flavor experience.
Here’s why this dish will steal your heart:
🌈 It’s a Flavor Party in Every Bite
Strawberries bring the juicy sweetness, feta adds creamy saltiness, red onions give it a little zing, and candied pecans? Oh, they’re the sweet crunch that takes it over the top.
And when it’s all tied together with a velvety homemade poppy seed dressing, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance.
🥗 It’s Light, Yet Satisfying
You know those salads that leave you hungry 10 minutes later? This isn’t one of them. Thanks to the nuts, cheese, and healthy fats in the dressing, it keeps you full without leaving you with a heavy feeling.
👩🍳 It’s Fancy… Without the Fuss
This salad looks gourmet. It tastes like something you’d order at a trendy café. But the best part? It takes under 30 minutes to make, and most of the time is spent on slicing, tossing, and blending. So whether you’re feeding friends or just treating yourself, it feels special every time.
❤️ It’s Customizable
Don’t like feta? Swap it out. Want it heartier? Toss in some grilled chicken or crispy bacon. Need it dairy-free? Done. This salad plays well with others, and it’s easy to make it work for you.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (For 4–6 Servings)
Here’s your quick guide to what you’ll need from the store and pantry. Don’t worry—it’s all easy to find and worth it.
🥗 For the Salad Base:
- 12 oz baby spinach – Tender and fresh, this makes up the bulk of the salad. If you’re not into spinach, baby arugula or a spring mix works too.
- 8 oz fresh strawberries, sliced – These bring a burst of natural sweetness. Go for ripe, deep-red berries for the best flavor.
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced – Adds sharpness and contrast. If raw onions’s too strong for you, soak slices in cold water for 5–10 minutes to mellow them out.
- ½ to 1 cup crumbled feta cheese – Salty, creamy, and tangy. Use as much or as little as your heart desires.
- 1 cup candied pecans – These are the crunchy, sweet highlight of the salad. (We’ll show you how to make them in the following steps!)
- Optional: crumbled bacon – Adds a smoky kick and extra savory flavor if you want to elevate things even more.
🍬 For the Candied Pecans:
- 1 cup raw pecans – Halves or pieces work fine.
- ¼ cup white sugar – For sweetness and caramelization.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds depth and that molasses richness.
- 2 tbsp melted butter – Helps bind everything and gives it that classic buttery crunch.
- Pinch of cinnamon – Just enough to warm things up and add a little spice twist.
Tip: You can swap pecans for walnuts or sliced almonds if needed!
🥣 For the Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing:
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil – The base of the dressing. Use a good-quality one for the best flavor.
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar – This gives the dressing its tangy kick and deep, sweet flavor.
- ¼ cup honey – Naturally sweetens things up. You can also use white sugar if you prefer.
- ¼–½ red onion – Blended in to add sharpness and richness. Adjust to your taste.
- 1 tbsp ground mustard – For a slight kick and to help emulsify the dressing.
- 1 tsp salt + ½ tsp black pepper – Balance and seasoning!
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds – These don’t just look pretty; they add a nutty texture that complements the dressing beautifully.
👩🍳 How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad (Step-by-Step Guide)
This salad might look like it came from a fancy restaurant, but it’s easy to make. It all comes together in three simple steps: candying the pecans, blending the dressing, and assembling the salad. Let’s walk through it all in delicious detail.
🔥 Step 1: Make the Candied Pecans
Candied pecans are the secret weapon in this recipe. They bring a sweet, crunchy bite that balances the creaminess of the feta and the juiciness of the strawberries.
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup raw pecans
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Pinch of cinnamon
Here’s how to do it:
- Toss it all together: In a medium bowl, mix the pecans with the sugars, melted butter, and cinnamon. Stir until every piece is beautifully coated.
- Heat things: Place a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s warm, pour in your pecan mixture.
- Stir constantly: Cook for about 4– 5 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent the mixture from burning. The sugars will start to bubble and cling to the nuts.
- Cool them down: Once coated and slightly darkened, remove the pecans and spread them onto a sheet of parchment paper. Use a spoon to separate them while they’re still warm so you don’t end up with a giant nut cluster.
🕒 Let these cool for at least 10 minutes before adding to your salad.
🥄 Step 2: Make the Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Store-bought dressings often taste flat or overly sweet. This homemade version is zippy, creamy, slightly tangy, and adds the perfect finish to every bite.
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup honey (or white sugar)
- ¼ to ½ red onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
How to make it:
- Blend the base: In a blender, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, chopped red onion, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth: You want everything to be well mixed and creamy. This should take about 30 to 45 seconds, depending on your blender.
- Add the poppy seeds: After blending, stir in the poppy seeds by hand to keep their shape and texture intact.
🧊 Pro Tip: Store extra dressing in a mason jar in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to a week—just give it a good shake before using again!
🥗 Step 3: Assemble the Salad Like a Pro
The real beauty of this salad lies in the layering—textures and colors that look as good as they taste.
Here’s how to do it:
- Grab a big salad bowl – Bigger is better, so you can toss everything without making a mess.
- Add the spinach – Toss in 12 oz of baby spinach. You can tear large leaves into bite-sized pieces if needed.
- Layer in the onions – Thinly slice ½ of a red onion and scatter it across the spinach.
- Slice your strawberries – Take 8 oz of fresh strawberries and slice them directly over the bowl for juicy convenience.
- Add the creamy punch – Crumble ½ to 1 cup of feta cheese over the top. Don’t stress about measuring, go with your gut!
- Bring in the crunch – Take your cooled pecans, break them up a bit (or roughly chop them if you prefer), and toss them in.
- Optional but heavenly – crumble 3–4 slices of cooked bacon for a smoky-savory boost.
🥄 Dress It Right Before Serving
Don’t pour the dressing too early—spinach wilts fast!
Right before serving:
- Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the top
- Give the salad a gentle toss so everything gets coated evenly
- Serve immediately for maximum crispness and flavor
🍴 Serving for a crowd? Keep dressing on the side so guests can drizzle as they like.
💡 Pro Tips for a Perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad
Even though this salad is simple to make, a few clever tricks can take it from “pretty good” to “absolutely amazing.” Here’s how to get the most out of every bite:
🥬 1. Dry Your Spinach Well
Wet leaves are the enemy of a good salad. If you’ve just rinsed your spinach, make sure to spin it dry or gently pat it with a paper towel. Wet leaves will water down your dressing and make everything soggy—no thanks!
🍓 2. Slice Strawberries Just Before Serving
Fresh strawberries can go mushy if they sit around for too long, especially after they’re sliced. Slice them right before tossing the salad to keep them firm, juicy, and full of flavor.
🧅 3. Tame the Onions
Red onions add a lovely sharpness, but if they’re too strong for your liking, soak them in cold water for 5–10 minutes before adding them. This mellows out the bite without losing the flavor.
🥣 4. Add Dressing Last (and Lightly)
Spinach wilts fast under dressing, especially balsamic-based ones. So wait until the very last minute to dress your salad and start with a drizzle. You can always add more, but you can’t take it back once it’s soaked!
🧺 5. Serve in a Wide, Shallow Bowl
This isn’t just for looks. A wide bowl helps keep ingredients evenly layered so everyone gets a good mix of spinach, berries, nuts, and cheese in every serving.
🍽 6. Make It Meal-Worthy
Want to turn this into a full meal? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even quinoa for extra protein and fiber. It transforms a side salad into a hearty lunch or dinner.
🧊 7. Prep Ahead Like a Pro
You can prep almost everything in advance:
- Candied pecans: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Dressing: Keeps in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Spinach: Wash and dry the spinach the night before, then store it in a salad spinner or a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
Just wait until the last minute to slice strawberries and toss them all together.
🥗 Are Spinach and Strawberries Good for You?
Short answer? Absolutely. They’re both nutrition powerhouses—and together, they make one of the healthiest salad combos around.
✅ Spinach: The Leafy Green Superhero
- Low in calories but high in nutrients
- Packed with iron, calcium, and magnesium
- Full of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin (great for eye health)
- A good source of vitamin K, which supports bone strength
And the best part? Spinach is versatile and incredibly easy to sneak into your diet without even noticing.
✅ Strawberries: Sweet, Juicy, and Nutrient-Rich
- Bursting with vitamin C (more than an orange!)
- Contains fiber, which supports digestion
- High in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which protect your cells
- Naturally low in sugar and calories
Together, spinach and strawberries help support immune function, skin health, digestion, and even heart health.
❓ Is It Okay to Eat Raw Spinach in a Salad?
Yes, 100%! In fact, raw spinach is one of the best greens to eat fresh.
Here’s why:
- It’s soft and tender, no need for cooking
- It has a mild, pleasant flavor (not bitter like kale or arugula)
- It’s more nutrient-dense when raw, as some water-soluble vitamins (like vitamin C and folate) can be reduced during cooking.
Pro Tip: If you’re sensitive to oxalates (naturally occurring compounds in spinach that can affect calcium absorption), enjoy spinach in moderation or mix it with other greens, such as arugula, romaine, or butter lettuce.
Always make sure to wash spinach thoroughly before eating, especially if it’s not pre-washed and packaged.
🍽️ How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad
This strawberry spinach salad isn’t just a pretty side dish. It’s a versatile showstopper that works for every occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to sunny garden parties. The way you serve it can make all the difference. Here’s how to make it shine:
👩🍳 Serve It as a Stunning Starter
Hosting a brunch, baby shower, or a holiday meal? Serve this salad as a colorful first course. Use wide, shallow salad plates or mini bowls to showcase the layers of spinach, strawberries, feta, and candied pecans.
Pro Tip: Add a slight drizzle of the poppy seed dressing just before serving, and top with a few extra strawberries for a picture-perfect finish.
🥗 Pair It With a Protein for a Full Meal
This salad is filling on its own, but if you want to turn it into a complete meal, add protein:
- Grilled chicken: Juicy, tender chicken pairs beautifully with the sweetness of strawberries.
- Pan-seared salmon: Adds richness and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
- Chickpeas or quinoa: Great plant-based options for a vegan or vegetarian version.
Toss your protein right into the salad bowl or serve it on the side; either way, you’ve got a powerhouse of a lunch or dinner.
🧺 Pack It for Picnics
Yes, this salad travels well if you do it right. Store all the components separately:
- Spinach and onions in one container
- Strawberries in another
- Pecans and feta in small snack bags or containers
- Dressing in a sealed jar
Then, assemble everything just before eating. Your spinach stays crisp, and your strawberries stay fresh.
🥄 Buffet Style or Build-Your-Own Bar
Hosting a larger gathering? Lay out the ingredients like a salad bar so guests can build their bowls. This is perfect for picky eaters or folks with dietary restrictions, plus it’s fun and interactive.
🧊 Best Served Cold or at Room Temperature
This salad doesn’t need to be piping hot. It’s best served chilled or at room temp, which makes it ideal for outdoor dining, BBQs, potlucks, or meal prep.
📝 Final Thoughts: A Sweet, Simple Salad You’ll Crave Again and Again
Strawberry spinach salad is more than just a trendy dish. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your kitchen. It checks every box:
✅ Quick
✅ Beautiful
✅ Healthy
✅ Customizable
✅ Delicious
Whether you’re trying to eat more greens, impress your guests, or treat yourself to something fresh and flavorful, this salad is here to make it easy and tasty.
So next time you spot strawberries at the store, grab a bag of spinach too. Trust us, your future self and your taste buds will thank you.
🌟 More Fresh Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re into light, colorful, and crave-worthy dishes like this, don’t stop here! Here are a few more favorites to add to your menu:
🥑 Easy 20-Minute Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe For Summer
Creamy, refreshing, and packed with protein, this chicken salad with avocado is perfect for a summer lunch or as a filling for lettuce wraps. Ready in just 20 minutes!
🥒 Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe with 6 Ingredients
Simple, quick, and oh-so-refreshing. This Mediterranean-inspired salad is ideal for warm days and makes a perfect healthy side dish for any meal.
🌿 Stunning Vegan Pasta Salad for Summer
Colorful veggies, plant-based goodness, and a zesty dairy-free dressing make this vegan pasta salad a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re vegan or not!
Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.
