Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Fresh, colourful and bursting with flavour, Strawberry Spinach Salad is a light and refreshing dish made with sweet strawberries, tender baby spinach, creamy feta cheese, crunchy toasted nuts and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect as a healthy lunch, elegant side dish or summer salad, this easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes and is sure to impress family and guests alike.
Equipment
- 1 Large Salad Bowl – Perfect for gently tossing all the ingredients without bruising the spinach.
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife Ensures clean, even slices of strawberries, onions and avocado.
- 1 Chopping Board Provides a safe and stable surface for food preparation.
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl Ideal for preparing and whisking the homemade dressing.
- 3 Measuring Spoons Help measure ingredients accurately for a perfectly balanced dressing.
- 3 Measuring Cups Useful for portioning ingredients consistently.
- 1 Balloon Whisk - Blends the dressing until smooth and well emulsified.
- Dry Frying Pan- Used to lightly toast the pecans or walnuts for extra flavour
- Salad Servers: Makes tossing and serving the salad easier while keeping delicate ingredients intact.
- Salad Spinner (Optional) - Removes excess water from the spinach to keep the salad crisp and prevent a watery dressing.
Ingredients
- 250 g Fresh Baby Spinach: Tender baby spinach provides the perfect fresh base.
- 450 g Fresh Strawberries: Hull and slice ripe strawberries
- 150 g Crumbled Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy salty contrast that balances the sweetness.
- 100 g Pecans or Walnuts: Toast lightly for 4–5 minutes.
- ½ Small Red Onion: Thinly sliced
- 2 Ripe Avocados: Peeled pitted and sliced .
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Basil Leaves: Roughly torn for a burst of aromatic freshness.
For The Homemade Dressing
- 5 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Forms the rich smooth base of the dressing.
- 2 Tablespoons Honey: Adds natural sweetness that complements the strawberries perfectly.
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens flavours and balances sweetness.
- 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a rich slightly tangy depth to the dressing.
- 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing while adding subtle flavour.
- ½ Teaspoon Sea Salt: Enhances every ingredient naturally.
- ½ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the salad.
- 1 Teaspoon Poppy Seeds Optional: Adds delicate texture and visual appeal.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Dressing
- Add the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, honey and Dijon mustard to a small mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle in the sea salt, black pepper and poppy seeds, if using.
- Whisk vigorously for 1–2 minutes until the dressing becomes smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then set aside.
The dressing brings Strawberry Spinach Salad to life with its sweet and tangy flavour.
Step 2: Prepare The Spinach
- Rinse the baby spinach thoroughly under cold running water.
- Dry the leaves completely using a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel.
- Transfer the spinach to a large salad bowl.
Fresh spinach is the foundation of a delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Step 3: Prepare The Strawberries
- Wash the strawberries gently.
- Remove the green tops.
- Slice each strawberry into even pieces for the best presentation and even flavour in every bite.
Ripe strawberries are the highlight of every Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Step 4: Prepare The Remaining Ingredients
- Thinly slice the red onion.
- Slice the avocados just before assembling the salad to keep them fresh.
- Crumble the feta cheese into bite-sized pieces.
- Toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry frying pan over medium heat for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool.
Preparing each ingredient carefully ensures the Strawberry Spinach Salad tastes its very best.
Step 5: Assemble The Salad
- Add the sliced strawberries, red onion and basil leaves to the bowl of spinach.
- Scatter over the toasted nuts.
- Add the sliced avocado and crumbled feta cheese.
- Gently fold the ingredients together using salad servers, taking care not to break the avocado or strawberries.
Assemble the Strawberry Spinach Salad gently to keep every ingredient looking fresh.
Step 6: Dress And Serve
- Drizzle the homemade dressing evenly over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently until every ingredient is lightly coated.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavour and crispest texture.
Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad immediately for the best texture and flavour.
Notes
- 🥗 For the freshest flavour, use ripe, in-season strawberries and crisp baby spinach.
- 🧀 Crumble the feta just before serving to maintain its creamy texture and fresh taste.
- 🥜 Toast the pecans or walnuts for a few minutes to enhance their crunch and rich, nutty flavour.
- 🥑 Slice the avocado last to prevent it from browning before serving.
- 🥄 Always whisk the dressing thoroughly so the ingredients are well emulsified and evenly coat the salad.
- 🍓 Add the dressing just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- 🌿 Feel free to customise the salad by adding grilled chicken, salmon, prawns or quinoa for a more substantial meal.
- 🍯 Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding a little more or less honey to suit your taste.
- ❄️ If preparing ahead, store the salad ingredients and dressing separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving.
- 🍽️ This salad is best enjoyed fresh on the day it is made for the best flavour, texture and presentation.