Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic (Sweet, Tangy & Fresh)

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If you’re looking for a salad that’s equal parts stunning and delicious, this strawberry spinach salad with balsamic is about to become your new obsession. It’s light, refreshing, packed with nutrients, and — best of all — it comes together in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re prepping a quick weekday lunch or impressing guests at a summer dinner party, this recipe delivers every single time.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Salad

delicious strawberry spinach salad with balsamic

There’s something almost magical about the combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and tender baby spinach. Toss in a drizzle of tangy balsamic vinaigrette, some creamy cheese, and a handful of crunchy nuts, and you’ve got a salad that hits every flavor note — sweet, savory, tangy, and earthy — all at once.

This balsamic strawberry spinach salad is also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish, bulk it up with grilled chicken for a full meal, or bring it to potlucks where it’s guaranteed to disappear fast. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for different dietary needs.

Ingredients

Serves 4

For the salad:

5 oz (about 5 cups) fresh baby spinach
1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
⅓ cup candied pecans or toasted walnuts
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, torn (optional but recommended)

For the balsamic dressing:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Wash and dry your greens — rinse the baby spinach thoroughly and pat dry or use a salad spinner. Wet leaves will dilute your dressing, so don’t skip this step.
Prep the strawberries — hull and slice them about ¼ inch thick. Try to keep them uniform so every bite gets a little fruit.
Make the balsamic dressing — in a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until fully emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the salad — add the spinach to a large salad bowl. Layer on the sliced strawberries, red onion, candied pecans, and feta cheese.
Dress and toss — drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad right before serving. Toss gently so everything is lightly coated without bruising the delicate spinach.
Garnish and serve — finish with a few torn basil leaves and an optional extra drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gorgeous presentation.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic

Getting this fresh strawberry spinach salad just right is all about a few small details that make a big difference:

Use ripe strawberries. This is non-negotiable. The sweeter and more fragrant your berries, the better your salad will taste. Farmers’ market strawberries in peak season are unbeatable.
Don’t dress too early. The balsamic dressing will wilt the spinach quickly, so always add it right before you serve. If you’re meal prepping, store the dressing separately.
Balance your toppings. The feta adds saltiness, the nuts add crunch, and the onion adds a little bite. Don’t skip any of them — they all play a role in making this salad taste complex and satisfying.
Add protein if needed. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even hard-boiled eggs turn this into a complete, filling meal. This spinach salad with strawberries is a great base for whatever you have on hand.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to keep things exciting:

Swap the cheese — not a feta fan? Try fresh mozzarella, gorgonzola, or shaved parmesan. Each brings a totally different vibe to the balsamic strawberry spinach salad.
Add avocado — creamy avocado slices pair beautifully with the tangy balsamic and sweet strawberries.
Use a balsamic glaze — if you want something a little richer and sweeter than a classic vinaigrette, drizzle a store-bought or homemade balsamic glaze over the top instead.
Go seasonal — in fall, try swapping strawberries for sliced pears or apples and keep the balsamic dressing. It’s just as delicious.

Save This Recipe & Share the Love!

If this strawberry spinach salad with balsamic made your taste buds happy, don’t keep it to yourself! Save it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it again for your next summer gathering, potluck, or quick weeknight dinner. Share it with friends and family who love fresh, vibrant salads — they’ll thank you for it.