Spinach Strawberry and Feta Salad

If you are a fan of strawberries, this strawberry feta salad is definitely for you! If you want to try something different than the normal sweet dessert like this Vegan almond cake with roasted strawberries, or breakfast recipes like this Strawberry banana baked oatmeal, this savory strawberry salad is a great choice.

This spinach strawberry balsamic salad is a great fresh side salad that is perfect for the spring and summer when the strawberries are sweet and in season. Just like this summer Caprese pesto pasta salad that is perfect for the bbq or picnic.

Ingredients

To make this easy spinach strawberry salad, all that’s needed are just a few simple ingredients listed below.

For the full recipe with the quantities, see the recipe card below.

• Baby spinach, washed and dried. You can also use regular spinach hat has been chopped or arugula is another great option.
• Strawberries, sliced or chopped. Use the ripest and sweetest strawberries you can find. They are best in the spring and early summer when in season.
• Red onion, thinly sliced. For a little bite to this salad. The sharpness of the red onion complements the sweetness of the strawberries to make this a great salad. For a milder taste, soak the onion slices in cold water 15 minutes before draining and adding to the salad.
• Feta cheese, crumbled. The salty and delicious feta cheese is such a deliciously complement to the sweet strawberries. For a vegan option, use vegan feta cheese. 
• Fresh basil, chopped. Some fragrant and delicious basil will bring all the flavours together.
• Pecans, toasted and roughly chopped. Ads a great crunch and so much flavor to this salad. For an allergy friendly alternative, substitute with sunflower seeds.

Balsamic vinaigrette dressing

• Olive oil, preferably extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar,
• Honey or maple syrup, a little sweetness will balance out the acidity from the vinegar. For a vegan vinaigrette, use maple syrup.
• Dijon mustard, just a little adds a lot of flavor. 
• Sea salt and Ground black pepper
• Optional: Garlic, minced. Gives this dressing a punch of flavour.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

This strawberry salad with spinach is really easy to make. Follow the instruction below with step-by-step photos. For the full written instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom.

Hint: Add the dressing right before ready to serve, toss and enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

• Spinach – Instead of baby spinach, chopped spinach also works great. Other greens can also be used, like a mix of baby greens or arugula are some great choices.
• Onion – The red onion adds a lot of flavor to this salad. They can also be replaced with some pickled red onion, spring onion or sliced shallot. If you don’t like onions, just leave them out.
• Nuts – The pecans can be replaced with other nuts of choice like walnuts or almonds. Some pumpkin seeds also tastes great.
• Cheese – This salad has crumbled feta cheese, the salty and delicious cheese is such a deliciously complement to the sweet strawberries.
• Grains – Add some quinoa, cooked rice, couscous, farro or barley to this strawberry salad with pecans.
• Vegan – To make this strawberry spinach salad vegan, use maple syrup in the vinaigrette and a vegan feta cheese alternative. 
• Herbs – Instead of fresh basil some cilantro or parsley can be used instead. Or use a mix or herbs of choice.
• Veggies – Add more veggies to this salad, some great options are chopped avocado, tomato or chopped cucumber. 
• Berries – Add some more berries like blueberries, raspberries or orange slices. For a great fruit salad, try this Fruit salad with honey dressing.

This salad makes a delicious side to any dish. Or serve as a light lunch with a slice of homemade bread like this No knead olive bread or this No Knead Whole Wheat Bread.

Storage

This spinach pecan strawberry salad is best eaten straight away. The dressing will start to wilt the strawberries and they will realise a lot of liquid.

Salad does not freeze well, so I don’t recommend that.

Salad recipes

Summer salads

I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! 

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment down below, and tagging me at @thedeliciousplate in your picture on Instagram. Your feedback is so helpful! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter to be sure not to miss my latest recipes!