If you’re looking for a vibrant, refreshing, and delightfully sweet-and-savory salad that feels like a celebration in every bite, this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Packed with tender baby spinach leaves, juicy strawberries, crispy bacon, and a luscious honey-balsamic dressing, this salad strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a show-stopping side for dinner, or a festive dish for a gathering, the Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe will brighten your table and your mood every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and provide a delightful variety of textures. From the fresh, leafy spinach to the sweet strawberries, tangy onions, and crunchy candied pecans, each component adds its own magic to the mix.
- Baby spinach (12 ounces): The tender greens create a fresh, mild base that holds up beautifully to the sweet and savory toppings.
- Strawberries (8 ounces, hulled and sliced): Gorgeous red slices add natural sweetness and juicy bursts of flavor.
- Red onion (1/2 small, thinly sliced): Its sharpness adds a subtle bite and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (1/2 cup): Crispy, smoky goodness brings an irresistible savory crunch.
- Candied pecans (1/2 cup): Sweet and crunchy, these nuts add texture and festive flair (see notes below for making your own!).
- Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): The tangy and creamy cheese rounds out the flavor profile wonderfully.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1 cup): Creates a smooth base for the dressing that coats every ingredient deliciously.
- Balsamic vinegar (1/2 cup): Adds vibrant acidity and a hint of sweetness to the dressing.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Natural sweetness that ties the dressing flavors together beautifully.
- Red onion (1/2 small, minced for dressing): Adds subtle sharpness and depth to the dressing.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Provides a gentle kick and emulsifies the dressing.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all flavors in the salad and dressing.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild spice to keep things interesting.
- Poppy seeds (2 tablespoons): Gives the dressing a delightful texture and a touch of nuttiness.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Start by washing and drying the baby spinach leaves thoroughly—no one wants a soggy salad. Next, hull and slice the strawberries into even pieces so that each bite includes that gorgeous fruity sweetness. Thinly slice the red onion and crumble the cooked bacon to sprinkle throughout the salad later on. Having everything prepped and ready will make assembly quick and effortless.
Step 2: Make the Candied Pecans
If you want to elevate this salad even further, homemade candied pecans are the way to go. Simply sauté pecans in a pan with a touch of sugar and butter until they’re golden and irresistible. Let them cool and use them to add the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness. Store-bought pecans can work, but the homemade version really shines.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
The dressing is where the magic of the Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe truly happens. In a bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced red onion, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and poppy seeds. Keep whisking until the dressing emulsifies and looks silky smooth. The combination of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes will make your taste buds dance.
Step 4: Toss and Combine
Place the baby spinach in a large salad bowl. Add the sliced strawberries, red onion, crumbled bacon, candied pecans, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the entire salad and gently toss everything together. Be careful not to bruise the spinach leaves or mash the strawberries—just a light toss will get the job done.
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe truly pop, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper or a few extra candied pecans sprinkled on top. You could also add a few fresh strawberry slices or even edible flowers for a festive touch that makes every serving feel special.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or even a hearty sandwich for a complete meal. Its light and fresh qualities complement richer dishes beautifully, making it a versatile side that elevates any menu.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving this salad in individual clear glass bowls or mason jars to showcase the vibrant colors. Layer the ingredients slightly for a beautiful visual effect before tossing. You could also use larger serving platters and arrange the ingredients artistically for a rustic, family-style feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because of the fresh strawberries and spinach, this salad is best enjoyed the same day it’s made. However, if you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers to keep everything fresh and crisp. The salad should be good for about 1 day in the refrigerator.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for the Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe because the fresh ingredients and dressing will lose their texture and flavor quality upon thawing, especially the spinach and strawberries.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold and fresh so reheating isn’t necessary or advised. The crispness of the spinach and brightness of the strawberries are what make it so enjoyable, and warming it would diminish these qualities.
FAQs
Can I substitute the spinach with another green?
Absolutely! Baby kale, arugula, or mixed greens can make wonderful alternatives and will bring their own unique flavors and textures to the salad.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this vegan by swapping the bacon for smoky tempeh or roasted chickpeas and using a dairy-free cheese or omitting it altogether.
How should I wash and dry spinach for salads?
Rinse the spinach thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit, then pat dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner to avoid sogginess.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! The dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
What are some variations for the candied pecans?
You can substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or pecans toasted with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar for extra flavor twists.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe a try because it’s such a joy to make and eat. Every bite brings together fresh, sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements that naturally satisfy your palate. It’s the kind of salad that makes you look forward to healthy eating and brightens any meal with its beautiful colors and irresistible flavors. Once you make it, it just might become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for candied pecans)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad combining fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, tangy red onion, savory bacon, crunchy candied pecans, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a luscious honey-balsamic vinaigrette with a hint of Dijon mustard and poppy seeds.
Ingredients
Salad
- 12 ounces baby spinach
- 8 ounces strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup candied pecans
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the candied pecans: Heat a small pan over medium heat and toast pecans with a tablespoon of sugar until caramelized. Let cool completely.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, chopped red onion, salt, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Stir in poppy seeds.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add baby spinach, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled bacon, candied pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss the salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately: Divide the salad among plates and enjoy fresh for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To make candied pecans: toss pecans in sugar and toast in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until caramelized. Cool before adding to salad.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetarian-friendly cheese or extra nuts.
- The salad is best served fresh to keep spinach crisp and pecans crunchy.
- Adjust sweetness of the vinaigrette by adding more or less honey based on taste.
