spinach strawberry salad is the answer I reach for when I want something bright, fast, and honestly a little joyful. Maybe you have a handful of berries that need love, or a bag of spinach waiting in the fridge. This salad pulls them together in a way that tastes fresh, a tiny bit sweet, and very satisfying. I make it on busy weeknights, for brunch with friends, and whenever I want a colorful plate without fuss. The secret is in the textures and the dressing, and I will walk you through all of it. 
How to Make the Best Ever Strawberry Spinach Salad
This is the kind of recipe that looks fancy but takes minimal effort. There are a few small moves that turn a good bowl of greens into a great one, and it all starts with balance. You want tender spinach, juicy strawberries, something creamy, something crunchy, and a dressing that ties it together without stealing the show.
Step by Step
First, rinse and dry your spinach really well. Damp leaves cause a sad, watery salad. If you do not have a spinner, lay the spinach out on a clean towel and pat dry. Slice your strawberries so they have a lot of surface area, which lets them cling to the dressing and keeps every bite sweet and bright.
Next, add the creamy and crunchy pieces. I use crumbled feta or goat cheese for creaminess. For crunch, toasted pecans or candied walnuts are perfect. If nuts are not your thing, try roasted pumpkin seeds. Tossing the nuts in a warm skillet for a few minutes brings them to life and makes the salad feel special.
Now for the sweet twist. I toss the sliced strawberries with a tiny sprinkle of sugar and a squeeze of lemon for two minutes before they hit the bowl. This quick maceration wakes up their flavor without making them mushy. Then I whisk my poppy seed dressing and drizzle lightly. Start with less than you think, toss, taste, then add more if needed.
Pro Tips That Matter
Salt your greens. A light pinch of salt on the spinach before dressing makes a huge difference. Keep the dressing on the side if you are serving later. Add something unexpected like a few fresh basil ribbons or mint. And always toss in a large bowl for an even coat on every leaf.
Want to level up your crunch game and keep it simple at the same time? Check out this quick guide on how to toast pecans perfectly. A few extra minutes on the stove can change the whole vibe of your salad.
I made this for a family cookout and it disappeared before the burgers. My sister asked for the recipe and she never asks for recipes. I call that a win.
When I want maximum color on the table, I plate the spinach strawberry salad on a wide platter so everyone can see the layers. It always gets a happy reaction. 
What to Serve with Strawberry Salad
This salad plays nice with so many meals. It can be a light lunch, a side for grilled chicken, or a bright contrast next to a cozy pasta. I love it with anything that has smoky or savory notes because the berries bring a sweet counterpoint.
- Grilled chicken or salmon with a squeeze of lemon.
- Simple pasta with olive oil and garlic.
- Quiche or a frittata for brunch.
- Grain bowls made with quinoa or farro.
- Fresh bread and a bowl of soup on a chilly evening.
If you are building a menu, peek at my easy guide to spring salad ideas for more pairings. For a crunchy topper, I sometimes swap nuts for crisp homemade croutons. They soak up the dressing in the best way. Here is my go to method for homemade croutons that stay crunchy and golden.
When I bring this to a cookout, I keep the dressing in a jar and toss right before serving. It stays fresh and the spinach keeps its pretty color. If you want to stretch it, add cooked farro or quinoa to make it heartier without losing the spirit of the salad. 
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
This salad is a great make ahead option with a couple simple steps. Wash and dry your spinach, then store it in a container lined with a paper towel to catch moisture. Slice strawberries up to a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge, uncovered or lightly covered, so they do not get soggy. Toast your nuts and store them at room temperature in a sealed jar so they stay crisp.
The dressing can be made up to five days in advance. Store it in a jar and shake it before using. If you are prepping for lunches, portion the dressing into small containers and pack the salad dry, then toss at mealtime. That way your spinach stays lively and the cheese keeps its shape.
Leftovers hold up surprisingly well for a day if you go light on the dressing. If it is already tossed and you have leftovers, add a handful of fresh spinach to the next serving to revive it. For busy weeks, I like to build four containers of dry salad on Sunday. That gives me a fresh lunch base I can dress in seconds. If you love prepping ahead, you might also like these ideas for meal prep salads that do not taste like leftovers.
One more small tip. If your strawberries are not super sweet, drizzle them with a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of salt before adding them to the bowl. The flavor pops and they taste like peak season.
My Easy Poppy Seed Dressing
This is the heart of the salad. It is creamy without being heavy, sweet without being sugary, and bright with a little tang. I shake it in a jar so cleanup is fast and I can store it right away.
In a jar, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon, a generous pinch of salt, pepper to taste, and 1 teaspoon poppy seeds. Shake until smooth. Taste and adjust. If it is too sharp, add a tiny splash of water or a touch more honey. If it tastes flat, add a pinch more salt or another splash of vinegar.
Swaps and Extras
No yogurt at home? Use all mayo and add a teaspoon of water to loosen. No poppy seeds? Try sesame seeds for a different vibe. Balsamic fan? Swap the cider vinegar for balsamic and reduce the honey a bit. You can also zest a lemon right into the jar for a sunny flavor. If you want to dive deeper into dressings, I have a simple tutorial here: poppy seed dressing from scratch. The method is the same every time, and it always tastes better than bottled.
Whats In This Strawberry Spinach Salad
Here is what I put in my everyday bowl. You can mix and match depending on what you have. The key is to hit creamy, crunchy, juicy, and a little sweet.
- Spinach: Baby spinach is tender and easy to eat.
- Strawberries: Ripe and sliced. If they are pale, macerate with a pinch of sugar.
- Cheese: Feta or goat cheese for tang and creaminess.
- Nuts or seeds: Toasted pecans, almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for bite. Rinse in cold water if you want it milder.
- Avocado: Optional, but it adds richness and makes the salad extra satisfying.
- Poppy seed dressing: The silky, sweet tangy finish that ties it all together.
- Herbs: A little basil or mint balances the sweetness.
Ingredient Spotlight
Strawberries and spinach are a classic pair for a reason. The sweet fruit brings out the gentle flavor of the greens, and the greens keep the berries from feeling like dessert. Feta gives the salad a salty kick that keeps every bite interesting. If you prefer a milder cheese, ricotta salata crumbles nicely too. The poppy seed dressing adds a smooth finish with just enough sweetness to let the fruit shine.
If you are new to this combo, the spinach strawberry salad is a gentle way to start. It tastes familiar and fresh at the same time.
Common Questions
Can I use a different green instead of spinach?
Yes. Baby kale, spring mix, or arugula work. If using arugula, go a little lighter on the dressing since it has more bite.
What nuts are best?
Pecans are my favorite, but almonds and walnuts both work. Toasting makes a big difference, so do not skip it if you can help it.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Dry the spinach well and dress right before serving. If making ahead, pack the dressing separately.
Can I make it dairy free?
Absolutely. Skip the cheese or use a dairy free feta style crumble, and swap Greek yogurt in the dressing for a bit more mayo and water.
How can I make this a full meal?
Add protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or cooked quinoa. A few avocado slices also make it more filling.
A Fresh Little Happy Ending
There are days when you just need something quick, colorful, and uplifting. This spinach strawberry salad does that for me every time. The sweet twist comes from that poppy seed dressing and the lemon kissed berries, and the textures make it feel restaurant level without any stress. If you want more inspiration or another take, I love this version from Spinach Strawberry Salad {With Poppy Seed Dressing!} – WellPlated …, this classic Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe, this bright and herby Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe – Love and Lemons, and this friendly guide from Spinach Strawberry Salad. Now go grab those berries, whisk that dressing, and make something fresh that will make you smile. 
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse and dry the baby spinach thoroughly. If no spinner is available, dry on a towel.
- Slice the strawberries to increase surface area for the dressing.
- Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for creaminess and toasted nuts or seeds for a crunchy texture.
- Macerate sliced strawberries with a sprinkle of sugar and squeeze of lemon for two minutes before adding them to the salad.
- Whisk together the poppy seed dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving.
- Add a pinch of salt to the spinach before dressing.
- Serve immediately for freshness, keeping dressing on the side if serving later.
