10-Minute Easy Spinach Strawberry Salad: Fresh

No heading needs to be written for the introduction. Oh, summer salads—nothing beats them! I remember the first time I threw together spinach and strawberries on a whim during a hot afternoon picnic. One bite, and I was hooked. The crisp greens, juicy berries, and that tangy-sweet dressing? Absolute magic. After years of experimenting with quick, healthy recipes, this Easy Spinach Strawberry Salad remains my go-to when I need something refreshing FAST. It’s embarrassingly simple—just a handful of fresh ingredients, zero cooking, and bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s always on my table when the weather heats up.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Spinach Strawberry Salad

This salad isn’t just delicious—it’s practically a celebration in a bowl! Here’s why it’s my forever favorite:

• Crazy quick: 10 minutes, zero cooking, and boom—it’s ready. Perfect for when hunger strikes *now*.
• Refreshing crunch: Crisp spinach, juicy strawberries, and toasted walnuts? It’s like summer sings in every bite.
• Guilt-free goodness: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and just enough sweetness to feel like a treat.
• Endlessly adaptable: Swap nuts, cheese, or dressing—it’s foolproof. Even my picky nephew devours it!

Seriously, this salad’s magic lies in how effortlessly it wows everyone. Try it once, and you’ll see.

Ingredients for Easy Spinach Strawberry Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this vibrant salad:

• 6 cups fresh spinach (washed and dried thoroughly)
• 2 cups sliced strawberries (stems removed)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Don’t stress if you’re missing something—this salad is super flexible! Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different crunch. Not a fan of feta? Goat cheese or even a sprinkle of blue cheese works beautifully. For a vegan version, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. And if strawberries aren’t in season, toss in some raspberries or mandarin oranges for a fruity twist. The key is fresh, quality ingredients—your taste buds will thank you!

How to Make Easy Spinach Strawberry Salad

Okay, let’s get assembling—this salad practically makes itself! Here’s how I do it:

1. Prep the greens: Wash your spinach like your life depends on it (gritty salad = no thanks!). I spin mine dry in a salad spinner or pat gently with paper towels. Tear any large leaves into bite-sized pieces.
2. Slice the stars of the show: Hull those strawberries and slice them about 1/4-inch thick. Uniform pieces mean every forkful gets a pop of sweetness. Pro tip: save a few whole berries for garnish—it makes the salad look extra pretty!
3. Toss it all together: In your biggest, prettiest bowl (presentation matters!), combine the spinach, strawberries, walnuts, and feta. Gently mix with your hands—you don’t want to bruise those delicate greens.
4. Dress with confidence: Drizzle that glorious dressing (see below!) over the salad, then toss lightly until everything glistens. Taste and adjust with a pinch more salt if needed.
5. Serve immediately: This salad waits for no one! The spinach wilts fast once dressed, so plate it up right away for maximum crunch.

Dressing Preparation

The dressing is where the magic happens! In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey until it emulsifies into a smooth, glossy sauce. Dip a spinach leaf in to test—you want a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. (I often double this part—it’s that good!) Add a tiny pinch of salt and pepper, give it one last whisk, and boom—you’ve got liquid gold.

Tips for Perfect Easy Spinach Strawberry Salad

Want to nail this salad every time? Here are my go-to tricks:

• Dry your greens well: Wet spinach = soggy salad. Spend an extra minute spinning or patting it dry—it’s worth it!
• Add dressing last-minute: Dress right before serving to keep that spinach crisp and vibrant.
• Toss with care: Use your hands or salad tongs to gently mix—no aggressive stirring allowed!

Follow these, and you’ll have a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Variations for Easy Spinach Strawberry Salad

This Easy Spinach Strawberry Salad loves a good makeover! Try one of these tasty twists:

• Creamy avocado addition: Toss in diced avocado for extra richness—the buttery texture pairs perfectly with the sweet berries.
• Citrus swap: Replace balsamic with a lemon or orange vinaigrette for a brighter, zingier flavor that screams summer.
• Protein power: Add grilled chicken or candied pecans to turn this side into a satisfying main dish.

That’s the beauty of this salad—it’s just waiting for your personal touch!

Serving & Storing Easy Spinach Strawberry Salad

This salad shines brightest when served immediately—that crisp spinach and juicy strawberry combo won’t wait around! If you’ve got leftovers (rare in my house!), store them undressed in an airtight container for up to one day. Just add fresh dressing before serving again—no reheating needed (or recommended!). Trust me, nobody wants warm, wilted strawberries!

Nutritional Information for Easy Spinach Strawberry Salad

Nutritional estimates vary by ingredients, but here’s the general breakdown per serving (about 1/4 of the recipe):

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 14g (3g saturated)
• Carbs: 10g (3g fiber, 6g sugar)
• Protein: 5g

Not bad for a salad that tastes like dessert, right? The healthy fats and fiber will keep you full, while those strawberries pack a vitamin C punch!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about this Easy Spinach Strawberry Salad? I’ve got answers! Here’s what readers ask me most:

• Can I use frozen strawberries?
  Fresh is best for texture, but in a pinch, thaw frozen berries completely and pat them dry—just expect a softer bite. (P.S. Skip the syrup-packed ones!)
• Is this salad gluten-free?
  Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check labels if using pre-crumbled cheese or flavored nuts.
• How do I keep the spinach from wilting?
  Dry it thoroughly and wait to dress it until serving—even 10 minutes makes a difference. Need to prep ahead? Keep dressing and salad separate until the last second.
• Can I make this vegan?
  Absolutely! Swap honey for maple syrup and omit the feta (or use a dairy-free alternative). The walnuts add plenty of richness.
• What protein pairs well with this?
  Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas turn it into a meal. My husband loves it with seared salmon!

Still curious? Drop your question in the comments—I love helping tweak this salad to perfection!

Share Your Easy Spinach Strawberry Salad

I’d love to see your spin on this salad! Snap a pic, leave a rating, or share your favorite tweaks in the comments—nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen creations. Happy tossing!

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