Save This vibrant salad blends fresh strawberries and tender baby spinach for a light, refreshing experience. Toasted nuts add crunch while crumbled feta brings a creamy tang. The poppy seed vinaigrette, made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard, ties the flavors perfectly. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for warm days and pairs wonderfully with rosé or Sauvignon Blanc. Adaptable options include goat cheese or vegan alternatives and added protein like grilled chicken or quinoa.
The first time I made this salad was for a last minute dinner with friends, I had no plan and just threw together whatever was in my fridge. The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy feta with that tangy poppy seed dressing was such a hit, my friend actually asked if I had secretly ordered it from a restaurant. Now it is my go to when I need something impressive but do not want to turn on the stove.
Last spring I brought this to a potluck and watched three different people ask for the recipe. Something about the fresh berries against the salty feta makes people instantly happy. The salad disappears faster than anything else on the table, every single time.
Ingredients
- Baby spinach: Use tender leaves and dry them completely so the dressing sticks perfectly
- Fresh strawberries: Pick berries that smell fragrant and slice them right before serving
- Feta cheese: The creamy salty crumbles balance the sweet strawberries beautifully
- Toasted pecans or walnuts: Toasting them in a dry pan for three minutes brings out their natural oils
- Red onion: Thin slices add just enough sharpness without overwhelming the delicate flavors
- Extra virgin olive oil: A good quality oil makes the vinaigrette rich and smooth
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that pairs perfectly with the strawberries
- Honey or maple syrup: Just enough sweetness to balance the acidity and tie everything together
- Dijon mustard: This emulsifies the dressing and gives it a bit of depth
- Poppy seeds: Tiny seeds that add a subtle crunch and classic diner style flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the salad base:
- In a large bowl, toss together the spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, toasted nuts, and those paper thin red onion slices. The colors alone will make you smile.
- Whisk the vinaigrette:
- In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until it thickens and looks creamy like magic.
- Bring it together:
- Drizzle half the dressing over the salad and toss gently with your hands. Add more dressing as needed and serve right away while everything is crisp and fresh.
Save My mom started making this for Sunday lunches on the porch, and now it signals the start of warm weather for our whole family. There is something about strawberries and spinach together that just tastes like sunshine.
Make It Your Own
Swap goat cheese for feta if you want something milder and more spreadable. Sometimes I use toasted almonds instead of pecans when that is what I have in the pantry.
Wine Pairing Magic
A chilled glass of rosé or crisp Sauvignon Blanc makes this feel like a restaurant quality meal. The wine cuts through the rich feta and complements the berries perfectly.
Meal Upgrade Ideas
Add grilled chicken for a complete dinner or toss in cooked quinoa for extra protein. It transforms from side dish to main course in seconds.
- Top with sliced avocado for creaminess
- Add cucumber ribbons for extra crunch
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up extra dressing
Save This salad is proof that the simplest recipes often bring the most joy to the table.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What nuts work best in this salad?
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Toasted pecans or walnuts provide a crunchy texture and rich flavor that complement the sweetness of strawberries and tanginess of the dressing.
- → Can I substitute the feta cheese?
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Yes, goat cheese works well for a similar tangy creaminess, and plant-based cheeses can be used for a vegan alternative.
- → How should the vinaigrette be stored?
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Keep leftover vinaigrette in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake well before each use.
- → Is the salad suitable for gluten-free diets?
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Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- → What are good protein additions to enhance this dish?
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Grilled chicken or cooked quinoa add satisfying protein elements without overpowering the fresh flavors.
- → Can the honey be replaced in the vinaigrette?
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Maple syrup is an excellent substitute, especially for vegan preferences, maintaining sweetness and balance.
