This Strawberry Spinach Salad dazzles with a riot of flavors and textures highlighted by fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crisp red onion, creamy goat cheese, and toasted almonds. Drizzled with a tangy, homemade balsamic vinaigrette, its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements makes it irresistible for any occasion.

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Hi everyone, I’m excited to share my Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe that brings together some really fresh flavors in no time. I started with 6 cups of baby spinach, washed and dried perfectly, and tossed in 2 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced.

I added 1/2 of a small red onion, thinly sliced for a slight kick, and 1/3 cup of crumbled goat cheese for that creamy texture. I always love a bit of crunch, so I sprinkled in 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds.

For the dressing, I mixed 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar with 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. This Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette really elevates the salad.

It’s a twist on classic Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipes with balsamic dressing that offers great nutritional value and a burst of flavor every bite. Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it has a mix of flavors that makes every bite interesting. I honestly like how the baby spinach and fresh strawberries combine to give a sweet and light taste along with that slight tanginess from the balsamic vinegar dressing. I also enjoy how the crunchy toasted almonds and creamy goat cheese add different textures and a bit of richness, making the salad more fun to eat. Plus, it’s super quick and easy to put together which means I can whip it up even on those busy days when I dont feel like spending ages in the kitchen.

Ingredients

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Baby spinach is loaded with vitamins and fiber to help keep you fueled all day.
Fresh strawberries add a natural sweet tang with antioxidants and vitamins for a healthy boost.
Crumbled goat cheese offers a creamy texture while giving a good protein punch and rich flavor.
Balsamic vinegar brings a tangy edge that perfectly balances the sweetness, making every bite refreshing.
Sliced almonds introduce a crunchy bite full of healthy fats and extra fiber for energy.

Ingredient Quantities

6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta if you prefer)

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Start by prepping your greens – put the 6 cups of washed baby spinach in a big bowl.

2. Add the 2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries and the thinly sliced 1/2 small red onion to the bowl.

3. In a small mixing bowl, combine the 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard.

4. Whisk the dressing really well until it looks smooth then add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

5. Carefully pour the dressing over your spinach and strawberries, making sure everything gets a little love.

6. Give the salad a gentle toss so the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.

7. Sprinkle the 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta if you like) all over the salad.

8. In a small pan, toast the 1/4 cup sliced almonds over medium heat for a few minutes until they turn golden (keep an eye on them so they dont burn).

9. Top the salad with the toasted almonds and then serve immediately to enjoy its fresh flavor.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl for combining the greens, strawberries, and red onion
2. Small mixing bowl to mix together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard
3. Whisk to blend the salad dressing smoothly
4. Knife for slicing the strawberries and red onion
5. Cutting board to prep the fruits and veggies
6. Measuring cups and spoons to get the right amount of each ingredient
7. Small pan for toasting the almonds
8. Spatula or wooden spoon to stir the almonds in the pan

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different nut instead of almonds?
A: Yup, you can use walnuts or pecans. They give a slightly different flavor but make sure you toast them first for that extra crunch.

Q: Is it ok to swap goat cheese for another cheese?
A: Sure thing, you can use feta or even ricotta. The taste changes a bit but its still super tasty.

Q: Do I really have to use balsamic vinegar?
A: Not completely, if you dont like its vinegar taste you can try lemon juice. But balsamic brings a nice rich flavor that works well with the fruit.

Q: How long does the salad last in the fridge?
A: It tastes best fresh. If you need to store it, keep the dressing separate and mix it when ready to serve. Otherwise it can get a bit soggy after a day.

Q: Can I add some protein to make it a full meal?
A: Absolutely, adding grilled chicken or even some tofu makes it more filling and its a great way to boost the protein content.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Spinach: You can swap the baby spinach for kale or arugula if you’re looking for a different leafy flavor.
Strawberries: If you dont have strawberries handy, blueberries or raspberries work pretty well in its place.
Red onion: For a milder bite, try using shallots or green onions instead of the red onion.
Goat cheese: If goat cheese isn’t available, feta or even a bit of ricotta salata is a good alternative.
Sliced almonds: You could use walnuts or pecans as a substitute if you want a nutty crunch with a twist.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you dry your baby spinach real good before mixing it in the bowl because if it’s too wet the salad gets all soggy.
2. When you whip up the dressing, try shaking it in a jar instead of just whisking. It mixes up way better and its super easy to do.
3. Keep a close eye on those almonds while toasting them. They can go from golden to burnt pretty fast so don’t wander off.
4. Mix the dressing with the salad just before serving. Waiting too long lets the spinach get a little wilted, which kinda changes the texture you want.