Strawberry Spinach Salad Dressing

Last summer my neighbor brought over a bowl of this salad after we spent the afternoon gardening together, and I could not stop eating it. The way the sweet strawberries balanced against the tangy feta made me realize I had been making salads completely wrong for years. Something about that combination just wakes up your entire palate.

I made this for my sister when she was recovering from surgery and she texted me three days later asking for the recipe because she was craving it again. There is something about the crunch of toasted nuts against fresh spinach that makes this feel special enough for company but simple enough for Tuesday dinner.

Ingredients

• Baby spinach: The tender leaves need no chopping and hold up beautifully against the juicy strawberries
• Fresh strawberries: Choose berries that are deep red and fragrant, they are the star of this whole show
• Feta cheese: Its creamy tang cuts through the sweetness and adds that perfect salty contrast
• Toasted almonds or pecans: Toasting them yourself makes an enormous difference in flavor and crunch
• Red onion: Thinly sliced adds just enough bite without overpowering the delicate flavors
• Extra virgin olive oil: The foundation of the dressing, use something you would drizzle on good bread
• Apple cider vinegar: Gives the dressing a bright acidity that makes everything taste fresher
• Honey or maple syrup: Just enough to bring all the flavors together without making it too sweet
• Poppy seeds: Those tiny little crunches that make every bite interesting

Instructions

Build your salad base:

In a large bowl, gently combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, toasted nuts, and red onion until they are evenly distributed

Whisk together the dressing:

In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, mustard, salt, and pepper, whisking vigorously until the mixture thickens and comes together

Dress and serve immediately:

Drizzle the dressing over the salad right before eating, then toss gently to coat everything without bruising the delicate spinach

Save

My daughter now requests this for her birthday dinner every year, which is funny because she used to refuse to eat anything green. Watching friends who claim to hate salads go back for third helpings has become one of my favorite things.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in goat cheese when I want something milder, or use walnuts instead of almonds depending on what is in the pantry. The beauty here is that the formula works as long as you keep that sweet, salty, crunchy balance in mind.

Pairing Ideas

This salad shines alongside grilled fish or chicken, but it is substantial enough to stand alone as a light lunch. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or even a sparkling wine cuts through the creamy dressing perfectly.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prep all the components separately up to a day in advance, just keep the dressing in a jar and the nuts in a sealed container so they stay crunchy. Toast extra nuts while you are at it and store them for future salads.

• Mix the dressing in a mason jar and shake it just before serving
• Wait to slice the strawberries until the last minute so they do not get soggy
• Bring everything to room temperature before tossing for the best flavor

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about a salad that feels like a treat instead of an obligation. This one manages to be both beautiful and genuinely crave worthy, which is all I really ask from food.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What nuts can I use in this salad?

Almonds or pecans are great choices, toasted to enhance their flavor. You can also substitute with walnuts or sunflower seeds for a different taste and texture.

→ How do I make the dressing creamy?

Whisking olive oil with apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard emulsifies the ingredients, creating a smooth and creamy dressing that coats the greens evenly.

→ Can I replace feta cheese with another cheese?

Yes, goat cheese works well as an alternative, offering a similar tangy and creamy profile that complements the fruit and greens.

→ Is this suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Absolutely. The ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this dish a safe choice for gluten-sensitive individuals.

→ How can I add protein to this salad?

Adding grilled chicken or shrimp enhances the protein content, making it more filling while keeping the fresh flavors intact.