Why You’ll Love This Salad
Hey there! Did you know most Americans eat about 8 pounds of strawberries each year? Yet many miss out on this amazing combo – juicy berries paired with fresh spinach!
I first tried this salad at a friend’s cookout years ago. One bite, and I was hooked! I chased down the host for the recipe before leaving. It’s been my go-to ever since.
The best part? It takes just 20 minutes to make! Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
What makes this salad special is the homemade poppy seed dressing. Don’t worry – it’s super simple to make. The creamy, slightly sweet dressing ties everything together perfectly.
Let me show you how to make this summer stunner that everyone will ask about!
What Makes This Salad Special
This isn’t your ordinary salad. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Amazing flavor combo – Sweet berries, fresh spinach, and tangy dressing create perfect balance
- Super quick – Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
- Works for any occasion – Perfect as a side or add protein for a main dish
- Easy to customize – Swap ingredients based on what you have or dietary needs
- Beautiful on the table – Bright red berries against deep green spinach look stunning
- Packed with nutrients – Loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats
I often make a big batch on Sunday. I keep all parts separate and assemble quick salads throughout the week!
What You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 8 cups baby spinach (one 8-oz bag)
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 1/2 small red onion
- 1 ripe avocado
- 3/4 cup candied pecans
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Optional: 2 cups cooked chicken, salmon, or chickpeas
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot (about 1 small)
Shopping Tips:
Look for bright red strawberries with no white shoulders. They should smell sweet! If they don’t smell like anything, they probably won’t taste like much.
Baby spinach works better than regular spinach here. It’s more tender and has a milder flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet berries.
If you find red onions too strong, grab a sweet onion instead. Or I’ll show you a quick trick to mellow the flavor in the next section!
Tools You’ll Need
Nothing fancy required! Just grab:
- Salad spinner (or clean kitchen towels)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large bowl for salad
- Small bowl or jar for dressing
- Measuring cups and spoons
Pro tip: Make your dressing in a mason jar! Add all ingredients, seal tightly, and shake. Any leftovers store perfectly in the same jar.
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients:
- Wash your spinach well and dry thoroughly. Extra moisture waters down your dressing! Place in a large bowl.
- Clean and slice strawberries. Cut off the tops and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice red onion very thinly. Too strong? Soak slices in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
- Prep your avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Cut it in half, remove the pit, slice in the skin, then scoop out with a spoon.
- Measure out nuts and cheese so they’re ready to add.
Put It All Together:
- Layer in this order for the prettiest presentation:
- Spinach on the bottom
- Strawberry slices
- Red onion
- Diced avocado
- Candied pecans
- Crumbled cheese
- Protein (if using)
- Add dressing right before serving, or serve it on the side to keep the salad fresh longer.
The Magic Dressing (Ready in 2 Minutes!)
This dressing turns a simple salad into something special! It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and has the perfect tang.
Quick Dressing Steps:
- Put all these ingredients in a bowl or jar:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot
- Whisk well or shake jar until mixed.
- Taste and adjust to your liking. Want it sweeter? Add a touch more honey. Need more tang? Add a splash of vinegar.
This dressing keeps for 5 days in the fridge. It will separate naturally – just shake before using.
Easy Candied Pecans (10-Minute Recipe)
Store-bought works great, but homemade is even better:
- In a skillet over medium heat, mix:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Pinch of salt
- Stir constantly for 4-5 minutes until sugar melts and coats the nuts.
- Spread on parchment paper to cool, then break apart any clumps.
These keep for 2 weeks in a sealed container and make great snacks too!
Mix It Up: Tasty Variations
The basic recipe is delicious, but feel free to switch things up:
Try Different Fruits:
- Add blueberries and blackberries for a triple-berry treat
- Swap in sliced peaches or nectarines in summer
- Use sliced apples and dried cranberries in fall
Change Your Greens:
- Mix in some arugula for a peppery kick
- Try spring mix for variety
- Add a bit of kale for extra nutrition (massage it first to soften)
Nut Options:
- Candied walnuts or almonds work great
- For nut allergies, try roasted sunflower seeds
- Honey-cinnamon chickpeas add protein and crunch
Cheese Choices:
- Tangy blue cheese adds bold flavor
- Shaved parmesan brings subtle saltiness
- Skip cheese or use plant-based versions for dairy-free
Protein Add-ins:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Seared salmon
- Boiled eggs
- Crispy tofu
- Chickpeas or white beans
Make It a Complete Meal
Turn this salad into a full dinner with these perfect pairings:
Protein Partners:
Simple grilled chicken works beautifully. Just season with salt and pepper to let the salad flavors shine! Herb-roasted salmon is another favorite.
Side Ideas:
- Crusty whole grain bread
- Chilled cucumber soup
- Quinoa salad
Drink Pairings:
- Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
- Sparkling water with muddled berries
- Unsweetened iced tea with mint
Menu Inspiration:
- Summer Dinner: Our salad + lemon herb chicken + crusty bread
- Light Lunch: Our salad with chickpeas + fresh fruit for dessert
- Picnic Perfect: Individual salads in jars + mini sandwiches
Make-Ahead Tips & Storage
Prep ahead for easy meals! Here’s how:
Prep Components Separately:
- Washed spinach: Store with paper towels to absorb moisture
- Sliced strawberries: Keep in their own container
- Sliced onions: Store in cold water in the fridge
- Dressing: Keep in a sealed jar
- Wait to cut avocado until serving time
When ready to eat, just toss everything together!
Packing for Lunch or Picnics:
Layer in a container with dressing at the bottom, then hearty ingredients, with spinach on top. Or pack dressing separately in a small container.
For individual servings, use mason jars! Add dressing first, then hearty ingredients, with greens on top. Shake when ready to eat.
Common Questions Answered
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prep all components separately and assemble just before eating.
How long does the dressing last?
Up to 5 days in the fridge in a sealed container.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh works best. Frozen berries get too soft and may make your salad watery.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
For keto: Use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey in the dressing.
How about vegan options?
Swap honey for maple syrup and skip cheese or use plant-based alternatives.
What if I don’t have poppy seeds?
Sesame seeds work in a pinch, or just leave them out. The dressing is still delicious!
How do I keep avocados from turning brown?
Add them right before serving, or toss with a bit of lemon juice if prepping ahead.
Health Benefits You’ll Love
This salad isn’t just tasty – it’s good for you too!
- Strawberries: Packed with vitamin C (more than oranges!) and antioxidants
- Spinach: Full of iron, vitamin K, and folate
- Avocado: Loaded with healthy fats and fiber
- Nuts: Provide protein and heart-healthy fats
- Olive oil: Contains anti-inflammatory compounds
One serving provides:
- About 250 calories (without added protein)
- 5-7g protein
- 6-8g fiber
- Loads of vitamins and minerals
Adding chicken or beans makes this a complete meal with extra protein!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about this strawberry spinach salad. The juicy berries, fresh greens, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts all come together with that slightly sweet dressing.
I love how simple ingredients create something so amazing. No fancy techniques needed – just fresh food at its best!
Make this recipe your own! Try my suggested swaps or create your own version. If you make it, let me know in the comments how it turned out!
Remember, strawberries peak from late spring through summer. That’s when this salad really shines! Though I’ve been known to make it year-round when I need a taste of summer.
Happy salad making, friends!
