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There’s something about this Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad that always draws me in. Maybe it’s the burst of sweetness from the fresh strawberries or the way the toasted walnuts add just the right amount of crunch. Whatever it is, this salad has become a favorite when I’m craving something light but full of flavor. And with a homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette, it feels like a little indulgence in every bite.
Gone are the days when salads were an afterthought, drenched in heavy dressings. Now, salads like this one are often the highlight of the meal. Whether you serve it as a bright side to heartier dishes or let it stand alone with a glass of chilled white wine or rosé, this strawberry salad brings the perfect balance of flavor to any meal.
“Delicious dressing! Unique recipe that tastes like summer!”
Drew Padgett
Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad Ingredients
- Baby Spinach: Pre-washed baby spinach saves time and adds a tender, fresh base to the salad.
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, sweet strawberries with a deep red color. (Remember, they won’t ripen after being picked.) If strawberries aren’t at their peak, I often swap in fresh blueberries and blueberry preserves for a different but equally delicious twist.
- Walnuts: Raw or lightly toasted walnut halves or pieces add the perfect crunch. Toasting them really brings out their natural richness, so I never skip this step if I have a few extra minutes.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, feta adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries. Goat cheese works beautifully too.
- Vinegar: Red wine vinegar is your best bet for vibrant color, but apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar also bring wonderful depth to the dressing.
- Strawberry Preserves: Use strawberry preserves or jam where the first ingredient is strawberries (not sugar) to enhance the fresh berries in the salad with just the right amount of sweetness. Or use my simple Strawberry Compote.
- Shallot: A minced shallot adds a mild, delicate onion flavor. If you don’t have one on hand, a small wedge of sweet red onion works as a good alternative.
- Honey: A touch of honey balances the acidity in the vinaigrette. Maple syrup is a great substitute if you prefer.
- Olive Oil: Use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil to round out the dressing with richness and depth.
- Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season to taste with these kitchen essentials to bring out all the flavors.
4 Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can make the strawberry vinaigrette a day in advance to save time, just store it in the fridge and give it a quick whisk before serving.
- Cool the Nuts: If you toast the walnuts, be sure to let them cool before adding them to the salad to keep the spinach from wilting.
- Add Protein: For a heartier version, add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this salad into a main course.
- Dress Lightly: Toss the salad with just enough vinaigrette to coat the leaves—adding too much can make the spinach soggy.
In just fifteen minutes, you’ll have a vibrant salad full of sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts, all brought together with a fresh Strawberry Vinaigrette. Whether as a side or a light main dish, this spinach salad offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a simple yet impressive addition to any meal.
Makes a Perfect Complement to
More Must Try Salad Recipes
- Strawberry Spinach Salad (with pecans and a Balsamic Vinaigrette)
- Arugula Salad (or, heartier Arugula Apple Salad)
- Caesar Salad with the most amazing homemade Caesar Dressing
Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
For the Salad:
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 2 ounces walnuts coarsely chopped
- 3 ounces crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 8 ounces strawberries quartered
Instructions
For the Dressing:
- Add red wine vinegar, shallot, strawberries, strawberry preserves and honey to a blender pitcher; blend until smooth. With blender running, add olive oil in a steady stream; blend until emulsified. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
For the Salad:
- Add spinach to a large salad bowl and drizzle with just enough dressing to coat lightly (see recipe note); gently toss to coat. Sprinkle dressed spinach evenly with strawberries, walnuts, and goat cheese; drizzle with desired amount of dressing and serve.
Notes
- Dressing the spinach and toppings separately mean that the toppings don’t end up on the bottom of the salad bowl. Take care not to overdress the spinach since you’ll be drizzling the salad with dressing after you add the toppings.
- This recipe makes ample dressing and you’ll likely have some leftover. Enjoy within one week.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
So delicious! This is my favorite spring/summer salad recipe.
This is so wonderful to hear, Celine! I’m so happy you’re enjoying the recipe.
This was SO good! I left out the honey and used balsamic vinegar instead, but it got rave reviews by all. Will definitely put this in the rotation, frequently!
I love to hear this, Alis! Thanks for letting me know.
I do not have cheese readily available. Do you think this would work well if I substituted avocado instead?
Hi Nichole! Sure, I think avocado would be a nice substitute.
I didn’t add the olive oil gradually, I pored it all in do I need to start over?
Hi Leslie! No, you don’t need to start over. Just whisk it until the dressing is emulsified – it will just take a little longer than when you add the oil slowly.
Delicious dressing! Unique recipe that tastes like summer!
Thanks so much, Drew! I love that – it really does taste like summer.
Everything about this looks like just what I need right now. I love the simple dressing and the combination of strawberries with nuts too. This is tonight’s dinner!
This is basically the perfect summer salad, Marissa! Strawberries, spinach, goat cheese and nuts. The BEST together! Your dressing sounds refreshing too!
Thank you, Katherine!
I agree! It is hard to beat a Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad! Love the color, love the crunch! You’ve nailed it, my friend!!
aww…thank you, Annie! xo
This recipe just screams spring to me! I love the fresh strawberries in there, and walnuts bring such a fun flavor profile. Add a piece of grilled chicken or salmon, and I could see turning this into a full meal!
Yes, absolutely! Eaten on the patio with a glass of white wine, right?
While we often enjoy more hearty and filling salads during the cold months, our perfect summer salads looks like this one – packed with flavour and texture yet light and fresh! This one would be the best either locally grown strawberries as they’re super aromatic!
I agree, Ben! Thanks so much.
Fruity, nutty and salty…wonderful flavour and colour combo! My husband love his salad with seasonal fruit and nuts…so this is definitely something for him!
That’s so great to hear, Angie. Thank you!