Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, (grated); 1 tablespoon shallots, (finely minced); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon poppy seeds; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1 (12-ounce) bag baby spinach; 1 1/2 quarts strawberries, (hulled and quartered); 1 cup sugared pecans; 1/2 cup red onion, (thinly sliced ); 4 ounces feta or bleu cheese, (crumbled); 1 ripe avocado (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)

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This strawberry spinach salad is fresh, colorful, and packed with sweet, savory flavor — the kind of salad that works just as well for a quick lunch as it does for a holiday table.

With juicy strawberries, tender spinach, creamy avocado, crunchy candied pecans, and a tangy homemade poppy seed dressing, every bite is perfectly balanced.

It’s one of the most popular ways to make a classic strawberry salad, and it’s easy to customize with different cheeses, nuts, or dressings depending on what you have on hand. If you love a bolder, more savory version, my Strawberry Blue Cheese Salad is a great option too.

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad (Quick Answer)

Here’s a quick look at how to make this easy strawberry spinach salad (full instructions in the recipe card below).

Add fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and toppings to a large bowl.
Shake together a simple poppy seed dressing in a jar.
Toss gently to combine without bruising the spinach or berries.
Add cheese and avocado last.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Strawberry Salad Variations

This strawberry spinach salad is one of the most popular ways to make a classic strawberry salad, but there are plenty of easy ways to switch things up depending on your taste and what you have on hand.

Classic spinach + strawberries: Fresh, simple, and the version most people know and love.

Arugula + goat cheese: A slightly more peppery, tangy option with a little more bite.

Blue cheese version: Bold, savory, and full of contrast — try my Strawberry Blue Cheese Salad for that variation.

Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon turns this into a satisfying main dish.

Add crunch: Candied pecans, walnuts, sliced almonds, or sunflower seeds bring texture and a little extra contrast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh, balanced flavor: Sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, tangy poppy seed dressing, and candied pecans make every bite feel balanced and flavorful.

Perfect for spring and summer: This is the kind of salad that feels right at home at brunches, showers, cookouts, and holiday meals.

Easy to serve: It works beautifully as a fresh side dish, but you can add protein and turn it into a light meal.

Feels special without much work: It looks gorgeous on the table but comes together with simple ingredients.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredients

Spinach: Baby spinach works best for a tender, mild base. Wash and dry thoroughly so the salad doesn’t get watery.

Strawberries: Use ripe, sweet berries for the best flavor. Slice just before serving.

Red onion: Thinly sliced for a little bite. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor if needed.

Candied pecans: Add crunch and sweetness. Store-bought works great, or use toasted nuts for a less sweet option.

Cheese: Feta, blue cheese, or chèvre all work—choose based on how tangy or creamy you want the salad.

Poppy seed dressing: Sweet and tangy, it ties everything together. Adjust the sweetness to taste.

Best Dressing for Strawberry Spinach Salad

A classic strawberry spinach salad is most often paired with a sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing, which balances the strawberries and savory toppings beautifully.

You can also switch things up depending on your taste:

Poppy seed dressing: Sweet, tangy, and the most traditional choice for this salad.

Balsamic vinaigrette: Richer and a little deeper in flavor, with more tang.

Honey vinaigrette: Light, sweet, and a great option if you want something milder.

Strawberry vinaigrette: Bright, fruity, and perfect if you want even more berry flavor.

How To Make Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

This fresh, vibrant salad comes together quickly. You’ll make a simple dressing, prep your ingredients, then toss everything together right before serving so it stays crisp and beautiful.

Make the dressing: Add all dressing ingredients to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously until well combined. Set aside.

Prep the ingredients: Hull and quarter the strawberries, thinly slice the red onion, and dice the avocado just before assembling so it stays fresh.

Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, add the spinach, strawberries, pecans, and red onion. Toss gently with the dressing to coat.

Finish and serve: Transfer the dressed salad to a serving platter, then top with the cheese and avocado. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

What to Serve With Strawberry Spinach Salad

This fresh, slightly sweet salad pairs beautifully with savory mains and simple proteins.

Perfect with Pork

Pork and fruit are a natural match. Try it with Stuffed Pork Chops, or Crockpot Pork Tenderloin,

Chicken Favorites

This salad is especially good with Buttermilk Roasted Chicken or Honey Garlic Chicken.

Seafood Pairings

Keep things light and summery with Grilled Shrimp or Honey Glazed Salmon.

Cozy Breads

Round out the meal with Homemade Crescent Rolls or Cheddar Biscuits.

Storing + Freezing + Make-Ahead

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that once the salad is dressed, the spinach will start to soften and the texture won’t be quite as crisp.

Freezing

This salad does not freeze well.

Make-Ahead

You can make the dressing up to 4 days ahead and keep it in the fridge. You can also prep the strawberries and onion ahead of time, but wait to add the avocado, cheese, and dressing until just before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

◆ Can I make strawberry spinach salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving so the spinach stays fresh and crisp.

◆ What dressing goes best with strawberry spinach salad?
Poppyseed dressing is the classic choice, but a light balsamic vinaigrette or citrus dressing also works beautifully.

◆ How do you keep spinach salad from getting soggy?
Make sure the spinach is completely dry and only add dressing right before serving.

◆ Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon turn this into a satisfying main dish.

◆ What cheese works best in strawberry spinach salad?
Feta, blue cheese, or goat cheese all work well—each adds a slightly different flavor depending on your preference.

More Delicious Green Leafy Salads

House Salad – Crisp, classic, and goes with everything.
Mediterranean Salad – Fresh veggies, herbs, and bright lemony flavor.
1905 Salad – Famous garlicky dressing with ham, cheese, and olives.
Pizza Salad – All your favorite pizza flavors in a fresh, crunchy salad.
Grinder Salad – Bold deli flavors with a creamy, tangy dressing.

Tried This Recipe?

If you gave this strawberry spinach salad a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a comment below—it really helps other readers and means so much to me.

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Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! ❤️ Kathleen