Equipment You’ll Need:

• Cutting board: Ensure you have one dedicated for produce to avoid cross-contamination.
• Large mixing bowl or salad bowl: Essential for tossing the salad evenly.
• A large skillet or baking sheet: For toasting walnuts to enhance their flavor and crunch.
• Pint jar: Ideal for mixing and storing the poppy seed dressing.

Ingredients for Your Healthy Spinach Strawberry Salad:

You might be surprised by how few ingredients are needed for this spinach salad with strawberries, especially since it contains no added sugars and minimal salt. The magic truly happens with the vibrant dressing, which comes together in mere seconds.

• Nuts: While the original inspiration suggested walnuts for their rich antioxidant content and protein, feel free to use what you have. We often use pecans from our own trees. Sliced almonds are another fantastic option. Remember to toast them lightly in a dry skillet until golden to unlock their full flavor and add an irresistible crunch. For a less healthy but satisfying crunch, I’ve even considered crushed pretzels!
• Red Onion: This adds a pungent, savory kick that balances the sweetness. Slice it thinly and soak in cold water for 5-10 minutes. This simple trick dramatically reduces the harsh aftertaste while preserving its crisp texture and flavor, especially if using ice-cold water.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: The base of our salad! Opt for pre-washed, packaged baby spinach to save prep time. Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, packed with vitamin C and high in iron. If spinach isn’t available, romaine lettuce or a spring mix variety also work beautifully.
• Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Use about a pound of fresh, in-season strawberries, hulled and sliced. Their natural sweetness is key to this salad’s appeal.
• Feta Cheese: Its sharp, tangy, and salty flavor provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet strawberries. Crumbled feta is a convenient choice for easy preparation.

Pro Chef Tip

How To Make Your Perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad:

This strawberry spinach salad recipe comes together incredibly fast, especially if you use pre-washed spinach, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Here’s a quick overview of the steps:

1. Gather All Your Ingredients: Start by laying out everything you’ll need. This “mise en place” makes the assembly process smooth and efficient.
2. Toast the Walnuts: Gently toast your chopped walnuts (or pecans/almonds) in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly golden. This step significantly boosts their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
3. Clean and Slice Strawberries: To ensure your strawberries are thoroughly clean, place them in a bowl, cover with cold water, and add two tablespoons of white distilled vinegar. Let them soak for just 2 minutes to remove dirt and impurities. Rinse thoroughly under cold water, gently pat dry, hull, and then slice them into thin 1/8-inch pieces. For more details on this cleaning method, you can learn more here.
4. Soak Sliced Onions: Thinly slice your red onion and place the slices in a bowl of ice-cold water. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes. This essential step mellows their strong flavor, leaving them crisp but mild. Drain well and pat dry before adding to the salad.
5. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, gently combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, the prepared sliced onions, and the toasted walnuts.
6. Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle your homemade poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated. Serving immediately guarantees the freshest taste and texture.

The Strawberry Vinegar Hack: For Cleaning & Extended Freshness

Did you know that soaking strawberries in a vinegar solution can actually help them stay fresh longer? This simple trick is a game-changer for extending the shelf life of your berries in the fridge. For cleaning, immerse your strawberries in a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water for just 2 minutes to remove any dirt or impurities. If you want to prolong their freshness for storage, you can let them sit in this solution for 15-20 minutes. Always rinse them thoroughly with fresh water and dry them completely before storing or using. This method ensures your beautiful berries are not only clean but also last longer, reducing waste.

Strawberry Salad Variations and Serving Suggestions:

While this strawberry poppy seed salad offers a fantastic base of flavors and textures, it’s incredibly versatile. Don’t hesitate to get creative with additions to tailor it to your taste or transform it into a heartier meal!

• Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding a protein boost. Grilled chicken is a classic choice, and Instant Pot Shredded Chicken offers a quick and easy option. Other proteins like grilled shrimp, salmon, or even hard-boiled eggs would also complement the flavors beautifully.
• Dried Fruits: Stir in a handful of dried cranberries (Craisins) for an extra layer of chewy sweetness and tartness – absolutely amazing! Dried cherries or blueberries would also work well.
• Grains: Looking to clean out your fridge or make the salad more filling? Leftover cooked grains like brown rice, farro, quinoa, or even couscous can be wholesome and delicious additions, turning it into a complete meal.
• Cheese Alternatives: Beyond feta, consider crumbled goat cheese for a creamier, tangier profile, or even a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan for a salty, umami kick.
• Nut & Seed Options: Instead of walnuts, try candied pecans for a gourmet touch, or sunflower seeds for a different nutty flavor and crunch.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette: If you prefer, you can certainly use balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar in place of the apple cider and white vinegars in the dressing recipe. For ultimate convenience, a good quality store-bought poppy seed dressing can be used when you’re short on time.

This vibrant spinach strawberry salad serves as a perfect side dish for a variety of main courses, especially grilled meats like chicken or fish. Alternatively, by incorporating some of the additions mentioned above, it can easily be elevated to a satisfying and healthy light lunch or dinner all on its own.

Storing Your Spinach Strawberry Salad:

For the best texture and flavor, a spinach strawberry salad is always best served immediately after being dressed. Letting the salad sit in the dressing for too long can cause the delicate spinach leaves to wilt and the strawberries to become soft prematurely. To prepare this salad ahead of time, simply prep all your ingredients – wash, slice, and toast – and store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This includes the dressing, which should be kept chilled. As mentioned in our Strawberry Vinegar Solution hack, soaking your strawberries in a diluted vinegar solution before storing them can significantly prolong their shelf life. When stored undressed, the spinach can last for 3 to 4 days, ensuring you can enjoy fresh salad whenever the craving strikes.