Strawberry Spinach Salad

This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a vibrant and refreshing blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. With juicy strawberries, crisp spinach, creamy feta, and crunchy almonds, it’s all brought together by a luscious homemade creamy poppyseed dressing. It’s the perfect salad for spring and summer, and it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad hits every note—sweet strawberries, tart craisins, salty feta, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together. It comes together in just 10 minutes and is ideal for any occasion, whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a colorful side, or a potluck favorite. It’s fresh, flavorful, and full of texture with every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

• 1 (6-ounce) package spinach

• 1 (16-ounce) package strawberries, sliced

• ½ cup sliced almonds

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup feta cheese

• 1 cup craisins

For the Creamy Poppyseed Dressing:

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup milk

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

• 2 teaspoons poppyseeds

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, almonds, red onion, feta cheese, and craisins. Toss gently to mix.

2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and poppyseeds until smooth and well combined.

3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss lightly to coat. Use as much or as little dressing as you prefer.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas for a more filling meal.

• Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for the almonds.

• No Dairy: Use a dairy-free feta or omit the cheese altogether.

• Low-Sugar Dressing: Swap sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute.

• Add Avocado: Sliced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.

• Seasonal Fruit Swap: Use blueberries, raspberries, or peaches instead of strawberries.

• Different Greens: Mix spinach with arugula or spring mix for variety.

• Toasted Almonds: Toast the almonds for added depth and crunch.

• Balsamic Twist: Use a balsamic vinaigrette instead of poppyseed for a tangier flavor.

• No Mayo: Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best served fresh, as the spinach will wilt once dressed. If preparing in advance, store the salad ingredients and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss them together just before serving.

Leftovers that have already been dressed should be eaten within 24 hours for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare all the components and store them separately. Add the dressing right before serving to keep the spinach crisp.

What type of spinach should I use?

Baby spinach is ideal for its tender leaves and mild flavor.

Is there a substitute for poppyseeds?

You can omit them or substitute with chia seeds for a similar texture.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, goat cheese or blue cheese crumbles also work well in place of feta.

How do I toast almonds?

Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant.

What fruit pairs best if I don’t have strawberries?

Blueberries, mandarin oranges, or sliced apples are all great alternatives.

Is the dressing sweet?

Yes, the poppyseed dressing is lightly sweet to complement the strawberries and craisins.

Can I use low-fat mayo or milk?

Absolutely, but the dressing may be slightly less creamy.

What’s the best way to slice the red onion thinly?

Use a sharp knife or mandoline for even, thin slices.

Can I double the dressing for future use?

Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Just give it a quick whisk before using.

Conclusion

Strawberry Spinach Salad is a bright, flavorful dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. With fresh, wholesome ingredients and a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether you serve it as a side or add protein to make it a main, this salad is sure to impress with its balance of taste and texture in every forkful.

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