Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta

Imagine the crisp, refreshing crunch of fresh spinach leaves mingling with the sweet-tart burst of juicy strawberries and the creamy, tangy punch of crumbled feta cheese. This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta is summer’s perfect harmony in a bowl—a vibrant celebration of seasonal flavors that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. More than just a side dish, this gorgeous salad strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent, making it ideal for everything from casual lunches to elegant dinner parties. You’ll learn how to create a restaurant-worthy Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta with a homemade balsamic dressing that ties all these magnificent flavors together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta is about to become your new favorite for so many reasons. First, the textural symphony is absolutely captivating—tender spinach leaves provide a gentle foundation, while juicy strawberries offer bursts of sweetness with each bite. The crumbled feta adds a creamy yet crumbly contrast that melts slightly into the dressing, creating little pockets of tangy goodness throughout.

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity paired with impressive presentation. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you’ll create a colorful masterpiece that looks like it took hours to assemble. The vibrant red strawberries against the deep green spinach, dotted with white feta crumbles, create an Instagram-worthy dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

What’s more, this spinach berry salad with cheese comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. The homemade balsamic dressing elevates the entire experience, bringing a sophisticated touch that store-bought versions simply can’t match.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta:

• 8 cups (240g) fresh baby spinach, washed and dried thoroughly
• 2 cups (400g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup (60g) candied pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup (40g) dried cranberries (optional)

For the Balsamic Dressing:

• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon (5g) Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

The quality of your feta matters enormously in this strawberry feta salad with spinach—look for authentic Greek feta made from sheep’s milk for the creamiest, most flavorful experience. For the strawberries, choose bright red, fully ripe berries with no white shoulders for maximum sweetness.

Pro Tips

Properly Dress Your Greens
The key to a perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta is proper dressing technique. Rather than pouring dressing over the completed salad, place your spinach in a large bowl first and drizzle just enough dressing to lightly coat the leaves. Toss gently with clean hands or salad tongs before adding the remaining ingredients. This ensures every spinach leaf gets a perfect amount of dressing without weighing down your delicate ingredients.

Temperature Matters
For the most vibrant flavor contrast, chill your spinach and strawberries while letting your feta come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before assembling. Cold cheese has muted flavor, while slightly warmed feta releases its full tangy character that perfectly complements the sweet strawberries.

Balance Your Flavors
Taste as you go! The perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta has a balance of sweet (strawberries), salty (feta), tangy (dressing), and bitter (spinach). If your strawberries aren’t quite sweet enough, add an extra drizzle of honey to your dressing. If the feta is particularly salty, add a few more strawberries to balance it out.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. If using a jar, seal tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until emulsified. If using a bowl, whisk energetically until the mixture thickens slightly and ingredients are well incorporated. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the salad components.

Step 2: Prep Your Ingredients
Wash your spinach thoroughly and dry completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels—any excess moisture will dilute your dressing. Hull and slice your strawberries into thin, even slices that will distribute beautifully throughout the salad. Thinly slice the red onion and place in a small bowl of ice water for 5-10 minutes to remove some of the harsh bite if desired.

Step 3: Assemble the Base
In a large serving bowl, add your baby spinach leaves. Drizzle about two-thirds of the prepared dressing over the spinach and toss gently to coat every leaf. This pre-dressing technique ensures the perfect distribution of flavors throughout your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Drain the red onions if you soaked them. Now layer your prepared strawberries, crumbled feta, red onion slices, candied nuts, and dried cranberries (if using) over the dressed spinach. The key is to distribute these ingredients evenly rather than mixing them in, creating a gorgeous presentation where each component is visible.

Step 5: Finish and Serve
Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top of your arranged salad, focusing primarily on the strawberries to enhance their natural sweetness. Serve your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta immediately while the spinach is still crisp and the contrast between the cold strawberries and room-temperature feta is at its peak of perfection.

Variations

Mediterranean Twist
Transform your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta into a Mediterranean-inspired feast by adding thinly sliced cucumber, kalamata olives, and a handful of fresh mint leaves. Swap the candied nuts for toasted pine nuts and enhance the dressing with a teaspoon of dried oregano. This variation creates a more savory profile while still maintaining the sweet-tangy balance that makes this salad special.

Protein-Packed Meal Version
Turn this side salad into a complete meal by adding protein. Grilled chicken breast, sliced and fanned across the top, adds elegant presentation and satisfying substance. For a vegetarian option, add 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa and 1/4 cup of chickpeas to transform your spinach and strawberry feta salad into a protein-rich main course that will keep you full for hours.

Dairy-Free Adaptation
For those avoiding dairy, replace the feta with avocado cubes tossed in a squeeze of lemon juice (to prevent browning). The creamy texture of avocado provides a similar mouthfeel to cheese, while adding healthy fats and a mild flavor that allows the strawberries to shine even brighter.

Storage and Serving

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta is best enjoyed immediately after assembly, when the spinach is crisp and the strawberries are at their freshest. However, if you need to prepare components ahead of time, store the washed and dried spinach in a container lined with paper towels, the sliced strawberries in a separate container, and the dressing in a jar—all refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving.

For a stunning presentation, serve this vibrant salad on a large white platter rather than a bowl, allowing the colors to pop dramatically. Pair your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta with grilled protein like salmon or chicken for a complete dinner, or alongside a crusty baguette for a light lunch. This salad is particularly magnificent at summer gatherings when served on a bed of ice to keep it crisp in warm weather.

For an elegant dinner party, consider serving individual portions on chilled salad plates, with the components artfully arranged and the dressing drizzled tableside for maximum impact.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the components separately up to 24 hours ahead, but assemble just before serving. Store washed spinach with a paper towel to absorb moisture, keep sliced strawberries separate, and mix the dressing in advance (it actually improves with time). Combine everything just before serving to prevent wilting.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese makes an excellent substitute with its similar tangy flavor profile. For a milder option, try fresh mozzarella pearls. If avoiding dairy altogether, avocado provides a creamy texture that works beautifully in this Strawberry Spinach Salad.

How can I make my dressing thicker?
For a creamier, thicker dressing, add an extra teaspoon of Dijon mustard or blend in half an avocado. Another option is to reduce 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar over low heat until syrupy, then cool before adding to your dressing ingredients.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are strongly recommended for this salad. Frozen strawberries release too much moisture when thawed, resulting in a watery salad with diluted flavors and soggy spinach.

What other fruits work well in this salad?
Blueberries, blackberries, peaches, or mandarin orange segments all pair beautifully with the feta and spinach in this salad. For an autumn version, try sliced apples or pears with a maple-dijon dressing variation.

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