This strawberry spinach salad is a blend of baby spinach leaves, fresh strawberries, red onion, almonds, feta cheese and avocado, all tossed in a poppyseed dressing. A fresh and colorful salad that’s fit for any occasion!
When the weather warms up, I’m all about salads. I often find myself making watermelon salad, berry fruit salad and this light and delicious strawberry spinach salad.
How do you make strawberry spinach salad?
This salad starts with baby spinach leaves, which go into a bowl with quartered strawberries, sliced almonds, avocado, red onion and crumbled feta cheese. A simple homemade poppy seed dressing goes over the top and everything is tossed together. After that, you’ll be ready to eat!
How do you clean fresh spinach?
I typically buy a bag of pre-washed spinach leaves, but you can also buy a bunch of spinach leaves and wash them yourself. I recommend soaking spinach leaves in a bowl of cold water, then gently swishing them around to remove any dirt. Repeat the process until the water is clear, then use a salad spinner to dry your greens.
Is spinach salad healthy?
There are many components of this salad that are good for you. Spinach is loaded with nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, magnesium and potassium. Strawberries contain plenty of vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. Avocados and almonds are a great source of healthy fat, and feta cheese contains protein. That being said, the dressing for this salad does contain some sugar and oil, so just watch your portion size if you’re keeping track of your calorie intake.
Tips for strawberry spinach salad
- This salad is best served immediately as the spinach leaves will eventually wilt in the dressing.
- The dressing can be made up to 3 day in advance.
- I like to buy a block of feta cheese and crumble it myself, I think it tastes much better than pre-crumbled feta cheese which often contains anti-caking agents and other preservatives.
- I buy a bag of toasted sliced almonds for this recipe. You can toast your own almonds by placing them on foil in the toaster oven for 2-3 minutes on the toast setting, or by toasting them in a dry pan on the stove. Watch carefully so that your nuts don’t burn.
- I use a mandoline to slice my red onion into paper thin shavings. You can also finely mince your onion if you prefer.
Strawberry spinach salad variations
There are so many different ways to mix up the ingredients in this salad for a different flavor combination.
- Fruit: Try raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples or pears instead of strawberries.
- Greens: Use baby kale or arugula instead of spinach.
- Nuts: This recipe is also great with pecans, walnuts or pine nuts. You can even use candied pecans for a sweet finish!
- Cheese: While I love this salad with feta, it also works well with goat cheese or blue cheese.
This strawberry spinach salad is sure to be a staple on your dinner table all spring and summer long. That combination of fresh ingredients just can’t be beat!
More great salad recipes
- Chicken Chopped Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Brussels Sprout Salad
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Ramen Noodle Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach leaves
- 2 cups strawberries quartered
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds toasted
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 avocado peeled, pitted and diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the spinach, strawberries, almonds, red onion, avocado and feta cheese in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, sugar, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
eileen says
I like all the ingredients in your salad, my question is how could I make a dressing without sugar
Thank You
Sara says
I’d use a sugar substitute, as the dressing is supposed to have a somewhat sweet flavor!
Harper says
This salad was so amazing! Great flavors and easy to make.
Flo says
I’ve tried this salad now with other berries and it’s really good with all of the differnet variations!
Deb says
Ladies love this salad! Light, yummy and easy! So pretty too!
Debbie says
This salad is so good! I make it all the time!
Leslie says
Thank you for this recipe! I ate this for my lunch lunch all last week. Can’t wait to try a new salad recipe this week.
Adrianne says
What a beautiful summer salad!! I especially love how clear your photos are, great work. The poppy seeds are a beautiful touch. I look forward to giving this one a go. Cheers!
Tilly says
Everything just goes so well together and the strawberries add such a delightful pop of freshness
Cathy says
This salad looks so beautiful and inviting! I love the way the poppy seeds adhere to the avocado pieces! So want to make this recipe this weekend.
Libby Hakim says
What a lovely looking salad with a beautiful combination of flavours. Thanks for sharing x
Veena Azmanov says
Such a tempting Bowl of health and goodness. Love all the combinations used to making this yummy Salad. Love all of it.
Kimberly says
I can’t wait to try it!! 🤗
Mary B Suchopar says
I love all your recipes!! I am very particular who I follow and you have managed to make me a follower.
Mary S.
Sara says
Thank you so much Mary, I really appreciate it!
jordin says
What a perfect summer salad!! So bright and colorful! Looks delicious
Kelly Anthony says
What a great salad for summer. I love strawberries and spinach together, it’s such a great combination.
Colleen says
Strawberry and spinach is one of my favourite summer salads, and I love that you added almonds, plus that poppy seed dressing!
Tara says
All my favorite things in one salad! So perfect for springtime. I have poppyseeds leftover from some pastries I made last week so definitely need to give this a try.
ilona says
Strawberry salad is the best, it pairs perfectly with spinach. This will be great for summer BBQ’s