15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

by

15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is a light, refreshing dish that perfectly balances sweet, juicy strawberries with crisp spinach, crunchy nuts, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette, this vibrant salad is both delicious and effortless to make!

I first made this when I needed a quick and fresh side dish for a summer meal. The combination of sweet berries, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts made every bite satisfying, and the homemade dressing tied it all together beautifully. It quickly became a go-to for warm-weather meals!

What’s great about 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is how easy it is to customize. You can add grilled chicken for protein, swap the nuts for sunflower seeds, or drizzle it with a honey-lime dressing for a different twist. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or a potluck, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

  • Quick weeknight dinners
  • Picnic lunches
  • Summer gatherings
  • Light meals
  • Strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad will become your go-to recipe:

  • Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of sweet strawberries and fresh spinach creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is perfect for busy days.
  • Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from spinach and strawberries, it’s a nutritious option.
  • Crisp and Refreshing: The spinach provides a crisp texture, while the strawberries add a juicy sweetness.
  • Perfectly Balanced Dressing: A simple vinaigrette ties the salad together with a tangy kick.
  • Customizable Toppings: Add nuts, cheese, or even grilled chicken to make it your own.
  • Light and Satisfying: Ideal for when you want something light yet filling.
  • Versatile: Enjoy it as a side dish or add more ingredients to make it a main course.
  • Colorful and Attractive: This vibrant salad is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
  • Seasonal Delight: It’s a perfect way to enjoy fresh strawberries when they’re in season.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: None
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
  • 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

For the Vinaigrette:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Highlights

  • Fresh Spinach: Provides a nutrient-packed base with a mild, slightly earthy flavor.
  • Strawberries: Add a sweet, juicy contrast that brightens the salad.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: The tangy vinegar balances the sweetness of the honey in the vinaigrette.
  • Walnuts: Offer a satisfying crunch and healthy fats, though they’re optional.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Salad:

  1. Prepare Spinach: Wash and dry the spinach leaves, then place them in a large salad bowl.
  2. Slice the Strawberries: Hull and slice the strawberries, then add them to the spinach.
  3. Add Red Onion and Nuts: Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl along with chopped walnuts, if using.
  4. Top with Feta Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for added flavor, if desired.

Make the Vinaigrette:

  1. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Salad:

  1. Toss and Serve: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad:

  • As a Side Dish: Pair with grilled meats or a light pasta for a complete meal.
  • With Grilled Chicken: Add grilled chicken on top for a satisfying main course.
  • For a Picnic: Pack it up for a healthy, refreshing lunch outdoors.
  • As a Light Dinner: Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for a quick and light meal.
  • For a Summer BBQ: Perfect alongside burgers or steaks at a summer gathering.
  • With a Protein Boost: Add nuts, seeds, or a boiled egg for extra protein.
  • For a Brunch: Serve it with eggs, avocado, or a quiche for a complete brunch spread.
  • With a Freshly Made Soup: Serve this salad with a simple vegetable or chicken soup for a hearty yet light meal.
  • For Meal Prep: Pack individual servings for quick lunches throughout the week.
  • As a Healthy Snack: Enjoy it as a mid-afternoon snack to keep you energized.

Additional Tips

  • Add Protein: For a heartier salad, toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
  • Mix in Nuts: Add a handful of sliced almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a crunchy texture and healthy fats.
  • Use Fresh Berries: Fresh, ripe strawberries provide the best flavor, but you can also use other berries like raspberries or blueberries for variety.
  • Opt for Feta or Goat Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese will add a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries.
  • Sweeten the Dressing: If you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, add a little honey or maple syrup to the dressing mixture.
  • Make It a Meal: Top the salad with quinoa or couscous for a more filling, nutritious meal.
  • Add Avocado: For extra creaminess and healthy fats, add some sliced avocado on top of the salad.
  • Herb Boost: Fresh basil or mint can add a burst of fragrance and enhance the overall flavor.
  • Use Baby Spinach: Baby spinach has a milder taste and tender texture, making it perfect for this quick salad.
  • Serve Chilled: For an extra refreshing salad, refrigerate the spinach and dressing separately for 10-15 minutes before tossing them together.

Recipe Variations

  • Balsamic Glazed Strawberry Spinach Salad: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad for a tangy-sweet contrast.
  • Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese: Add crumbled goat cheese for a creamy, tangy bite that pairs well with the sweet strawberries.
  • Grilled Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad: Top with grilled chicken breast slices for a protein-packed version of this salad.
  • Strawberry Spinach Salad with Walnuts: Toss in toasted walnuts for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to complement the salad’s freshness.
  • Vegan Strawberry Spinach Salad: Skip cheese and honey and use a plant-based dressing, like olive oil and lemon, to keep it vegan-friendly.
  • Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado: Add creamy avocado slices for extra richness and healthy fats.
  • Strawberry Spinach Salad with Quinoa: Boost the salad’s protein and fiber content by adding cooked quinoa.
  • Spicy Strawberry Spinach Salad: Add a pinch of chili flakes or some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
  • Strawberry Spinach Salad with Beef Bacon: Crispy beef bacon bits add a savory, smoky flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
  • Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Almonds: Combine the sweet strawberries with tangy feta cheese and slivers of almonds for a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.

Special Equipment

  • Salad Spinner: For drying spinach leaves thoroughly.
  • Small Whisk: For emulsifying the vinaigrette.
  • Sharp Knife: For slicing strawberries and red onion.
  • Serving Bowl: For tossing and serving the salad.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
    It’s best to use fresh strawberries for this salad as frozen ones may become mushy when thawed.
  2. How long will the salad last in the fridge?
    The salad is best eaten immediately but can be stored in the fridge for up to a day if necessary.
  3. Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the vinaigrette in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to a week.
  4. Can I substitute the honey in the dressing?
    Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey.
  5. Can I add other vegetables?
    Absolutely! Try adding cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrots for extra crunch.
  6. How do I make the salad more filling?
    Add proteins like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa for a more substantial meal.
  7. Can I make the salad spicier?
    Add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to spice things up.
  8. Can I skip the dressing?
    While the dressing adds flavor, you can skip it and opt for a simple squeeze of lemon juice for freshness.
  9. Can I use spinach from a bag?
    Yes, bagged spinach works just as well for this salad.
  10. Can I serve this salad warm?
    This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, but it can be enjoyed warm if preferred.

Conclusion

15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that perfectly balances sweet, juicy strawberries with crisp spinach, crunchy nuts, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette, this quick and easy salad is bursting with flavor and perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or summer gathering.

This recipe is easy to customize—swap feta for goat cheese, add grilled chicken for extra protein, or toss in avocado for a creamy twist. Whether you’re making it for a picnic, meal prep, or a refreshing side, this salad is sure to be a hit!

I can’t wait to see how your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!