Every year I look forward to strawberry season and Strawberry Spinach Salad is the first thing I make. Fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, buttery pecans and goat cheese are tossed in a honey sweetened balsamic vinaigrette – it’s so simple to make and beyond delicious.
You might wonder how good Strawberry Spinach Salad can be with its short list of ingredients and easy instructions. But, I promise you, the flavor of this salad is nothing short of spectacular.
I thought that I’d never find an equal to the family favorite spinach salad I grew up with, but this one qualifies. It’s one of those salads that you and your family will crave, one that you can rely on when you want to impress lunch or dinner guests.
Perfect Pairings for Strawberry Spinach Salad
Although this salad is hearty enough to make a light meal on its own, it also makes a great side to these main dishes:
- Rosemary Garlic Chicken Kebabs (these are ALWAYS a crowd pleaser!)
- Grilled Shrimp (juicy, delicious and made in minutes!)
- Carne Asada (my authentic go-to recipe!)
- Grilled Lamb Chops (these melt in your mouth they’re so tender and juicy!)
More Inspiration for Salad Lovers!
- Caesar Salad (My tried and true version of the classic complete with homemade dressing!)
- Wedge Salad (Make the delicious steakhouse classic at home!)
- Greek Salad (When tomatoes are at their peak, we eat this salad on repeat!)
- Tabouli Salad (This one is always a hit at picnics!)
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad
Step 1: For dressing, add balsamic vinegar, shallot and honey to a blender pitcher; blend until smooth. With blender running add olive oil in a steady stream; continue blending until emulsified. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to pitcher for serving.
Step 2: In a large salad bowl, top spinach with strawberries, pecans and goat cheese. Drizzle with desired amount of dressing and gently toss to coat. Serve.
Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe Video
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 small shallot coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 8 ounces strawberries quartered
- 2 ounces pecans coarsely chopped
- 3 ounces crumbled goat cheese or feta
Instructions
For the Dressing:
- Add balsamic vinegar, shallot 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, strawberries, pecans, and goat cheese to a large salad bowl. Drizzle with desired amount of dressing; gently toss to coat. Serve.
mimi rippee says
May 12, 2019 at 6:37 amAh, I was reluctant to pop over, because I was (mostly) sure that I’d see a cup of white sugar in your poppy seed dressing. I should know you better by now!!! One tablespoon of honey – that’s more like it! Lovely salad.
Marissa says
May 13, 2019 at 4:07 pmLove this comment, Mimi – thank you! xo
Joanne Rappos says
May 10, 2019 at 9:05 amOne of my fav summer salads!! It’s always a hit at bbqs too!! Love it Marissa!!
Marissa says
May 10, 2019 at 10:10 amThank you, Joanne! Yes, always a crowd pleaser! 🙂
Kevin says
May 9, 2019 at 8:52 pmBerries are getting to their prime season so this salad is going to be tried very soon! Looks delicious!
Marissa says
May 10, 2019 at 10:11 amYou know I love to hear that, Kevin!
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
May 9, 2019 at 8:08 pmStrawberries, pecans, spinach…what more could you want from a salad!? It’s the perfect spring-time salad!!
Marissa says
May 10, 2019 at 10:11 amI agree!! Thank you, Katherine!
Liz says
May 9, 2019 at 11:44 amYUM! I need to try your recipe ASAP. I love my mom’s version but there’s SO much sugar in the dressing (maybe that’s why I like it???). So happy to find decent berries in the market on occasion…. but summer cannot arrive soon enough. So good to finally meet you in person—wish we had more time to chat, but hope we’ll get another chance!
Marissa says
May 10, 2019 at 10:12 amI’m excited for you to give this a try, Liz! Loved meeting you in person! Let’s make a point to spend more time together next year at EFC!
Kelly | Foodtasia says
May 9, 2019 at 4:42 amOh Marissa! What a lovely salad! I’m so loving the flavors – strawberry and goat cheese and that dressing – YUMMO!
Marissa says
May 10, 2019 at 10:12 amaww, thank you so much, Kelly!
Valentina says
May 8, 2019 at 10:07 pmMarissa, what a beautiful summery salad. Strawberries are my favorite summer fruit, and that dressing looks SO rich and creamy. I could drink it!
Marissa says
May 10, 2019 at 10:13 amThank you! I think you’ll love this, Valentina!
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
May 8, 2019 at 5:14 amYou’re speaking my language here. I LOVE strawberries in my salad, especially with some cheese to make it salty sweet. This sounds AWESOME!
Marissa says
May 10, 2019 at 10:13 amWe’re simpatico, Kelsie! I love salty sweet combinations too. 🙂
David @ Spiced says
May 8, 2019 at 4:58 amI saw this on Instagram, and it immediately made me want a salad! I love the strawberries + goat cheese combination here. Sign me up for this alongside any grilled summer meal! 🙂
Marissa says
May 10, 2019 at 10:14 amwoohoo! I hope you’ll give it a try, David!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
May 8, 2019 at 4:54 amSuch a classic and so so yummy! Pile on the goat cheese, I say 🙂 Lunch goals right there, my friend!
Marissa says
May 10, 2019 at 10:14 amThanks, Dawn! Pile on the goat cheese for me too!
angiesrecipes says
May 7, 2019 at 9:10 pmThis looks incredibly fresh and delicious!
Marissa says
May 10, 2019 at 10:14 amThank you, Angie!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
May 7, 2019 at 6:45 pmOne of my favorite salad combos Marissa! Love those sweet strawberries and pecans. Such an easy salad with such great flavor!
Marissa says
May 10, 2019 at 10:16 amIt doesn’t surprise me that you and I are on the same page about salads, Mary Ann! Thanks so much!
Ben|Havocinthekitchen says
May 7, 2019 at 4:31 pm100% agreed. Strawberry & spinach salad is such a simple yet delicious and hearty combo, and I make it at least once each summer, too. I also like adding of some prosciutto for a pronounced smoky flavour.
Marissa says
May 10, 2019 at 10:16 amThat’s a great addition, Ben! Thank you.