Pin it This bright and refreshing dish features fresh baby spinach, sweet sliced strawberries, and toasted walnuts tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Optional crumbled feta adds a creamy contrast, while thinly sliced red onion gives a subtle bite. Easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, it offers a light, flavorful option ideal for lunches or starters. Customize by swapping nuts or adding protein options like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
My friend Sarah brought this salad to a picnic last summer and I've been obsessed ever since. The way sweet strawberries dance with tangy balsamic just works somehow. She told me she threw it together when she forgot to make a side dish. Sometimes the best discoveries happen completely by accident.
I made this for my sister's baby shower last spring because she was craving something fresh. Everyone kept asking for the recipe but honestly there's nothing to it. The secret is just not overthinking it and using really good strawberries.
Ingredients
- Fresh baby spinach: Use tender young leaves and dry them completely after washing so the dressing actually sticks
- Sweet strawberries: Pick berries that smell fragrant and give slightly when gently squeezed
- Toasted walnuts: Toasting them in a dry pan for three minutes deepens their nutty flavor incredibly
- Red onion: Thin slices add just the right sharp bite without overpowering everything
- Feta cheese: Completely optional but adds such a nice creamy salty element
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use a quality oil since this dressing is so simple
- Balsamic vinegar: The acid balance is crucial here so taste as you go
- Dijon mustard: This is what helps the vinaigrette emulsify into something velvety
- Honey or maple syrup: Just enough to mellow out the vinegar's sharp edges
Instructions
- Make the dressing first:
- Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until everything comes together into a smooth emulsion
- Build your salad base:
- Place the washed and dried spinach in your largest bowl then arrange the sliced strawberries, toasted walnuts, onion, and feta on top
- Bring it together:
- Drizzle that vinaigrette over everything and toss gently with your hands to coat every single leaf without bruising the spinach
- Serve it up:
- Get this on the table right away while the walnuts still have their crunch and the spinach hasn't started wilting from the dressing
Pin it This became my go-to for potlucks after I showed up with it three times in one month. People started expecting it and honestly I don't mind because it's so easy to throw together.
Make It Your Own
I've played around with different nuts and pecans work beautifully if you want something slightly sweeter. Sometimes when strawberries aren't in season I'll use sliced apples or pears instead. The key is keeping that fruit element to balance the balsamic.
Timing Matters
Learned the hard way that dressed spinach turns into mush pretty quickly. Now I always bring the dressing in a separate jar for potlucks. Toss everything tableside and people will think you're a genius for how fresh everything tastes.
Simple Upgrades
Grilled chicken or chickpeas can turn this from side dish into dinner. Sometimes I'll add avocado for extra creaminess. The basic formula works with so many additions.
- Warm the vinaigrette slightly for 20 seconds in the microwave to help it coat cold leaves better
- Add grilled peaches in summer when they're at their peak sweetness
- Sprinkle everything with fresh basil or mint leaves for an herbal surprise
Pin it There's something so satisfying about a salad that looks impressive but takes almost no time to make. This one never fails me.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What are good substitutions for walnuts in this dish?
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Pecans or almonds can be swapped in for walnuts to provide a similar crunch and flavor profile.
- → Can I make this salad vegan?
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Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
- → How is the balsamic vinaigrette prepared?
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Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- → What is the best way to serve this salad?
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Serve immediately after tossing the ingredients with vinaigrette to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.
- → What protein options complement this dish?
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Grilled chicken or chickpeas can be added for extra protein and heartiness.
- → How to store leftovers properly?
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Keep the salad and dressing separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator and combine just before serving.
