Strawberry Spinach Salad: A Fresh, Flavorful Spring Classic
Sweet berries, crunchy pecans, and zesty dressing combine for a satisfying bite.
Strawberry Spinach Salad: Bursting with Color & Flavor
Welcome to the vibrant world of strawberry spinach salad—a dish that perfectly captures the essence of spring and early summer. With its medley of fresh berries, greens, citrus, toasted nuts, and creamy cheese, all unified by a zingy lemon poppy seed dressing, this salad is an eye-catching centerpiece for any meal. Whether you’re planning an elegant brunch, a festive family gathering, or a light lunch, this salad strikes just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. Dive into the fresh flavors and learn step-by-step how to make your own beautiful strawberry spinach salad!
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Vibrant and visually stunning: The fresh berries, leafy greens, and citrus slices make a beautiful presentation.
- Easy to prepare: The salad comes together in minutes and the dressing can be prepared in advance.
- Full of texture: Crunchy toasted pecans, creamy goat cheese, tender spinach, and juicy fruit create a satisfying bite.
- Versatile for any occasion: Ideal for spring holidays like Easter, Mother’s Day, or as a simple weeknight side.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the toppings, greens, or cheese to your tastes.
What Makes Strawberry Spinach Salad So Special?
This salad is more than a side—it’s a celebration of the season. Berries and citrus add juicy sweetness, while spinach lends freshness and nutrition. Toasted pecans provide a nutty crunch, and crumbled goat cheese brings tangy, creamy contrasts. The real secret is the homemade lemon poppy seed dressing: sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible, it ties all the flavors together.
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Freshness
| For the Dressing | For the Salad |
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Ingredient Spotlight
- Baby spinach: Tender, slightly sweet leaves perfect for raw salads. If unavailable, regular spinach can be used, though its texture is a bit sturdier.
- Strawberries: Choose firm, fragrant berries for maximum flavor. Slice or halve them as preferred.
- Oranges: Segmenting oranges adds juicy bursts of citrus—perfect against the sweet and savory notes.
- Pecans: Toasted for depth and crunch. Try candied pecans for extra sweetness!
- Goat cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy element. Feta or blue cheese are good alternatives.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Make The Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
Add olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to a small jar. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until well mixed. Set aside. Pro tip: The dressing can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for several days.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly, using a salad spinner if possible for crisp leaves.
- Hull and slice the strawberries.
- Peel and segment the oranges, removing pith and membranes for clean, juicy pieces. See tips below for precise segmenting.
- Toast the pecans (see detailed instructions below) for added flavor and crunch.
- Crumbled goat cheese: Chill before crumbling for neater pieces.
- Assemble the Salad
Just before serving, place spinach into a large bowl or arrange on a platter. Top with half of the strawberries and orange segments. Drizzle with half of the dressing and gently toss to coat.
Scatter the remaining berries, orange slices, toasted pecans, and goat cheese over the top. Drizzle with more dressing to taste, or serve remaining dressing on the side.
- Serve and Enjoy!
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. For gatherings, keep components separate until ready to serve—mixing preserves the crispness and vibrancy.
How to Toast Pecans Properly
Toasting pecans intensifies their flavor and makes them wonderfully crunchy. Here’s how:
- Oven method: Spread pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until fragrant and golden. Stir halfway through to ensure even browning. Let cool before chopping.
- Stovetop method: Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast, stirring frequently, until lightly browned and aromatic (about 4–5 minutes).
Pro tip: Try swapping in candied pecans for an extra sweet-and-crunchy twist.
Tips, Tricks, and Customizations
- Make ahead: Dressing can be made up to a week in advance. Store washed and dried spinach and chopped fruit separately for easy last-minute assembly.
- Other cheeses: Use crumbled feta or blue cheese for a different tang.
- Different greens: Baby arugula, mixed spring greens, or even kale (massaged for tenderness) work well too.
- Add protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to make it a complete meal.
- Change up the fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or segmented grapefruit are all delicious alternatives or additions.
- Nut alternatives: Walnuts, slivered almonds, or pistachios can be used in place of pecans.
What others are reading
FAQs About Strawberry Spinach Salad
What’s the difference between spinach and baby spinach, and which is better for salad?
Baby spinach is harvested from younger plants, has a sweeter flavor, and is more tender—perfect for fresh salads. Regular spinach is sturdier, slightly more robust in flavor, and often preferred cooked, but both work well in salads if well-washed and stems are removed.
How do you segment oranges neatly for salad?
Use a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom of the orange. Stand it on end and slice away the peel and pith in strips, following the fruit’s contour. Holding the peeled orange over a bowl, carefully cut between membranes to release clean, juicy segments.
Can you prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep ingredients ahead and refrigerate them separately. For the best texture and flavor, assemble and dress the salad just before serving.
How do you keep the pecans crunchy?
Let toasted pecans cool completely before adding them to the salad. Only add them right before serving to prevent them from becoming soft.
What other dressings would work with this salad?
Balsamic vinaigrette, raspberry vinaigrette, or a honey-lime dressing are all tasty alternatives. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
Serving Suggestions & Occasions
- Easter lunch or brunch: The fresh, springtime flavors and striking appearance make this salad a holiday favorite.
- Mother’s Day: Light and festive, it’s a wonderful dish to brighten a special day.
- Potlucks & picnics: Prepare components in advance for easy, show-stopping assembly at your destination.
- Everyday meals: Serve alongside grilled chicken, quiche, or even a hearty sandwich for a refreshing side.
Creative Salad Variations
- Berry medley: Add blueberries or raspberries for extra color and flavor.
- More crunch: Swap pecans for candied walnuts or spiced nuts for a unique twist.
- Hearty greens: Mix spinach with baby kale or romaine for a texture medley.
- Vegan-friendly: Omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives, and substitute agave for honey in the dressing.
Sourcing and Prepping the Ingredients
- Freshness matters: Use just-picked or market-fresh strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Wash greens thoroughly: Remove grit or sand by soaking and spinning spinach leaves dry.
- Juicy oranges: Navel oranges or Cara Cara oranges provide a gorgeous color contrast. Blood oranges add dramatic flair.
Nutritional Benefits
This salad packs a nutritious punch while remaining light and satisfying. Spinach is rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, and iron. Strawberries deliver vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Toasted pecans add healthy fats, while goat cheese brings protein and calcium.
Storage and Leftovers
- Undressed salad keeps well covered and refrigerated for up to one day.
- Dressed salad should be enjoyed promptly, as spinach wilts quickly once dressed.
- Dressing stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week; shake or whisk before using.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assembling too early: Wait until right before serving to combine the ingredients and dressing, preserving the salad’s crispness.
- Insufficiently dried spinach: Water left on leaves will dilute flavor and make the salad soggy. Use a spinner or pat leaves dry.
- Burning the pecans: Watch them closely while toasting—they go from golden to burnt quickly!
Recipe Card: Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 10 oz baby spinach
- 1 lb strawberries, sliced or halved
- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
Directions
- Combine dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well.
- Arrange spinach in a large bowl. Add half the berries and oranges.
- Drizzle with half the dressing, toss gently.
- Add remaining fruit, pecans, and goat cheese. Drizzle more dressing on top or serve on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I substitute other leafy greens for spinach?
A: Yes, baby arugula, spring mix, or even kale can be used. Each will bring a different texture and flavor to the salad.
Q: Is it possible to make the salad dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Leave off the goat cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative to accommodate dietary needs.
Q: What proteins work well if I want to make this a main course?
A: Grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or pan-seared salmon pair excellently with these flavors.
Q: Does the salad hold up for picnics or lunchboxes?
A: It does, provided you keep dressing separate until ready to eat and store pecans separately to keep them crispy.
In Summary: The Perfect Spring Salad
Fresh, light, and full of seasonal color, strawberry spinach salad is the quintessential spring dish. Whether hosting a celebration or simply seeking a refreshing lunch, this salad is effortlessly elegant and crowd-pleasing. Savor the fresh flavors—and customize to your heart’s content!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a39360125/strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe/
- https://www.pioneermarketlehi.com/posts/recipes/strawberry-spinach-salad
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11942/the-best-spinach-salad-ever/
- https://marrykitchen.com/pioneer-woman-spinach-strawberry-salad-recipe/
- https://cns-cares.org/images/pdfs-doc/Recipe-Summer2025.pdf
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g32238072/spinach-salad-recipes/
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