Easy Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe – Fresh & Healthy Summer Favorite

ByAmiyah Weaver
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If you’re looking for a salad that’s bright, beautiful, and bursting with fresh flavor, this Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Sweet, juicy strawberries paired with tender baby spinach, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and a homemade poppy seed dressing create the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

This easy spinach strawberry salad has become a favorite across the United States, especially during spring and summer when strawberries are at their peak. It’s light enough for warm weather but satisfying enough to serve at family dinners, brunches, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.

Pinterest users love this recipe because it’s colorful, fresh, and visually stunning. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning Easter brunch, or just want a healthy weeknight side dish, this healthy spinach strawberry salad is a reliable crowd-pleaser.

3. History / Background

Spinach strawberry salad may feel modern, but its roots are tied to seasonal American cooking traditions. Strawberries have been cultivated in North America for centuries, with Native Americans enjoying wild varieties long before European settlers arrived. Spinach, originally from Persia, became popular in Europe and later made its way to American kitchens.

The pairing of fruit and greens gained popularity in the late 20th century as American cuisine embraced lighter, fresher dishes inspired by European and Mediterranean influences. Restaurants began offering salads that combined sweet fruit with savory cheese and nuts—a refreshing departure from heavy, mayonnaise-based salads.

The addition of poppy seed dressing further elevated this dish. While poppy seeds have been used in European cooking for centuries, creamy poppy seed dressing became widely popular in American home kitchens during the 1980s and 1990s.

Today, the spinach strawberry salad recipe is a staple at spring celebrations, bridal showers, church potlucks, and summer dinners. It represents the best of seasonal cooking—simple ingredients, natural sweetness, and vibrant presentation.

4. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy spinach strawberry salad recipe is everything you want in a fresh homemade dish—simple, flavorful, and impressive without being complicated.

It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but takes very little effort to prepare.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

  • ✅ Ready in 15 minutes

  • ✅ No cooking required

  • ✅ Light, fresh, and healthy

  • ✅ Perfect for spring and summer

  • ✅ Naturally gluten-free

  • ✅ Easy to customize

  • ✅ Great for entertaining

  • ✅ Beautiful presentation for Pinterest

If you enjoy quick and healthy fruit salads with bold flavor combinations, this strawberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing will quickly become a favorite.

5. Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about what makes this spinach strawberry salad recipe so delicious.

Fresh Baby Spinach

Tender baby spinach provides a mild, slightly earthy base. Choose bright green leaves without wilting.

Substitution: Mixed spring greens or arugula (for a peppery kick).

Fresh Strawberries

Sweet, ripe strawberries are the star. Slice them just before serving for best texture.

Tip: Look for deep red berries with no white tops.

Red Onion

Adds sharpness and balance to the sweetness.

Substitution: Thinly sliced shallots for milder flavor.

Cheese

Feta or goat cheese adds creamy tanginess.

Alternative: Blue cheese for a bold flavor or shredded mozzarella for mild creaminess.

Nuts

Sliced almonds, pecans, or walnuts add crunch and depth.

Tip: Toast lightly for extra flavor.

Poppy Seed Dressing

A simple homemade dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds ties everything together.

6. Equipment Needed

  • Large salad bowl

  • Small bowl for dressing

  • Whisk

  • Sharp knife

  • Cutting board

  • Measuring spoons

  • Salad tongs

    Print

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    Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe

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    This easy Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe features fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and a homemade poppy seed dressing. A light and healthy salad perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: 6 servings 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale

    For the Salad:

    • 6 cups fresh baby spinach

      •

    • 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

      •

    • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

      •

    • 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese

      •

    • 1/4 cup sliced almonds or pecans

      •

    For the Dressing:

    • 3 tablespoons olive oil

      •

    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

      •

    • 1 tablespoon honey

      •

    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

      •

    • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

      •

    • Pinch of salt and pepper

      •

    Instructions

    • Wash and thoroughly dry spinach.

    • Slice strawberries and red onion thinly.

    • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper.

    • Place spinach in a large bowl.

    • Top with strawberries, onion, cheese, and nuts.

    • Drizzle dressing over salad just before serving.

    • Toss gently until evenly coated.

    • Serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Add dressing right before serving to prevent soggy spinach.

    • Toast nuts for deeper flavor.

    • Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.

    • Author: Amiyah Weaver
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 0 minutes
    • Category: Salad
    • Method: No-Cook
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Gluten Free

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 cup
    • Calories: 190
    • Sugar: 8g
    • Sodium: 220mg
    • Fat: 14g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Carbohydrates: 12g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Protein: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 10mg

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  • Tips & Variations

    This strawberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing is easy to customize.

    🍗 Add Protein

    Top with grilled chicken for a complete meal.

    🥑 Add Creaminess

    Add sliced avocado for richness.

    🍊 Citrus Twist

    Add mandarin oranges for extra sweetness.

    🌰 Candied Nuts

    Use candied pecans for a sweeter flavor profile.

    🌶 Sweet & Spicy

    Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

    10. Pro Chef Tips

    • Dry spinach thoroughly to prevent watery dressing.

    • Macerate strawberries lightly with a pinch of sugar for extra sweetness.

    • Balance flavors: taste dressing before adding to salad.

    • Use freshly cracked pepper for depth.

    • Layer ingredients instead of mixing too early for best presentation.

    11. Common Mistakes to Avoid

    1. Adding dressing too early – Causes soggy greens.

    2. Using underripe strawberries – They lack sweetness.

    3. Skipping seasoning – Even salads need salt.

    4. Overloading with toppings – Keep balance.

    5. Not drying spinach properly – Dilutes dressing flavor.

    12. Storage & Meal Prep

    • Store undressed salad in airtight container up to 2 days.

    • Keep dressing separate in refrigerator up to 5 days.

    • Toss before serving.

    • Do not reheat.

    13. Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes

    Can it be made ahead?

    Yes, prep ingredients separately and assemble before serving.

    Freezer-Friendly?

    No. Fresh greens and strawberries do not freeze well.

    Best Serving Method

    Serve fresh and lightly chilled.

    14. Serving Suggestions

    This healthy spinach strawberry salad pairs beautifully with:

    • Grilled chicken

    • Lemon salmon

    • Roast turkey

    • Pasta dishes

    • Quiche

    • Fresh bread

    • Iced tea or sparkling lemonade

    Perfect for brunches, showers, or light dinners.

    15. FAQs Section

    1. Can I make spinach strawberry salad ahead of time?

    Yes, but add dressing just before serving.

    2. What cheese works best?

    Feta and goat cheese are most popular.

    3. Can I use bottled dressing?

    Homemade tastes fresher and better.

    4. Is this salad healthy?

    Yes, it’s packed with vitamins and healthy fats.

    5. How do I keep spinach from wilting?

    Add dressing right before serving.

    6. Can I make it dairy-free?

    Yes, simply omit cheese.

    16. Conclusion

    This easy Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe is fresh, colorful, and full of flavor. It’s a healthy, crowd-pleasing dish that works for everything from weeknight dinners to special celebrations.

    If you try this healthy spinach strawberry salad, leave a comment and let me know how you customized it! And don’t forget to save it to Pinterest so you can make it again and again.

    17. Pinterest Pin Titles (5 Options)

    1. Easy Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe

    2. Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

    3. Healthy Summer Spinach Salad

    4. Sweet & Savory Strawberry Spinach Salad

    5. Best Spring Spinach Strawberry Salad

    18. Pinterest Pin Descriptions (5 Options)

    1. This easy spinach strawberry salad recipe is fresh, healthy, and perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

    2. Looking for a beautiful salad for brunch? Try this strawberry spinach salad with homemade poppy seed dressing.

    3. Sweet strawberries, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts make this healthy spinach strawberry salad irresistible.

    4. The perfect light summer side dish—quick, colorful, and crowd-pleasing.

    5. Fresh, flavorful, and gluten-free—this easy spinach strawberry salad is a must-try.

    19. Pinterest Hashtags

    #SpinachStrawberrySalad #SummerSalad #HealthyRecipes #FreshSalad #EasySaladRecipe #StrawberryRecipes #GlutenFreeMeals #HomeCooking #SpringRecipes #VegetarianRecipes #QuickMeals #BrunchIdeas #CleanEating #PinterestFood #SimpleRecipes

    AI Image Generation Prompts

    1. Ingredient Flat Lay

    Overhead shot of baby spinach, fresh strawberries, feta cheese, sliced almonds, and small bowl of poppy seed dressing on white marble surface, bright natural lighting, Pinterest-style clean aesthetic.

    2. Dressing Whisking Scene

    Close-up of creamy poppy seed dressing being whisked in glass bowl, soft natural light, wooden countertop, fresh strawberries nearby, cozy kitchen vibe.

    3. Assembling Salad

    Mid-angle shot of strawberries being placed over spinach in large ceramic bowl, bright daylight, fresh and inviting mood.

    4. Final Styled Bowl

    Overhead Pinterest-style image of finished spinach strawberry salad, vibrant red strawberries, white feta crumbles, toasted nuts visible, rustic wooden table, bright natural lighting.

    5. Outdoor Brunch Setting

    Spinach strawberry salad served on outdoor patio table with lemonade and grilled chicken, warm sunlight, spring gathering atmosphere.

    This strawberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing is sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced. Save it, share it, and enjoy every fresh bite! 🍓🥗

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