Print: classic spinach strawberry salad

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

□ 1 Here’s what I use to make this vibrant, flavorful salad:
□ 5 ounces 5 ounces fresh spinach
□ 1 cup 1 cup thinly sliced strawberries
□ 1 cup ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
□ 1 1 recipe Poppy Seed Dressing
□ 1 cup ½ cup toasted pecans
□ 2 ounces 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
□ 1 Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
□ 1 Having these fresh ingredients on hand makes the salad not just tasty, but visually stunning—perfect for Instagram-worthy meals or a simple weeknight treat.

Main Ingredients

□ 1 Before tossing everything together, I like to prep my ingredients carefully to enhance both flavor and presentation:
□ 1 Spinach: I wash the fresh spinach thoroughly and pat it dry. Excess water can dilute the dressing, so I make sure the leaves are crisp.
□ 1 Strawberries: I slice them thinly so they mix evenly with the spinach, giving a pop of color in every bite.
□ 1 Red Onion: Thinly slicing the onion ensures it adds a mild bite without overpowering the other flavors.
□ 1 Pecans: I toast them lightly in a skillet or oven until golden brown. The toasting enhances their nuttiness and adds a perfect crunch to the salad.
□ 1 Feta Cheese: I crumble the feta cheese evenly to distribute its creamy, tangy flavor throughout the salad.
□ 1 With these ingredients prepped, I’m ready to move on to the fun part—assembling the salad so it looks as good as it tastes.

Instructions

If you have leftovers (though it rarely happens in my house!), here’s how to keep them fresh:
Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To prevent the spinach from wilting, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
Pecans and Feta: Toasted pecans are best stored separately as well, so they maintain their crunch. Feta can also be stored in a small container until you’re ready to enjoy the salad again.

Why This Recipe Works: Craving a fresh, vibrant salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? My classic spinach strawberry salad is a perfect choice for any meal. Bursting with sweet, juicy strawberries, tender baby spinach, and a hint of tang from feta cheese, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. Topped with crunchy toasted pecans and a luscious poppy seed dressing, it’s the kind of dish that turns any lunch or dinner into something special. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a stunning side for dinner, or a dish to impress at a gathering, this spinach strawberry salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make, using fresh ingredients you probably already love.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.