If you’re on the lookout for a bright, refreshing salad that feels like a celebration in every bite, you’ve just found your new favorite with this Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad Recipe. This delightful combination of tender baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy walnuts, and tangy feta cheese is beautifully brought together by a homemade honey-Dijon dressing that dances on your tongue. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or whenever you want to add a splash of color and flavor to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad Recipe keeps things refreshingly simple but packs layers of texture and flavor with every ingredient. Each element has its role, from the peppery spinach leaves and sweet strawberries to the crunchy walnuts and creamy feta cheese, creating a perfectly balanced bite.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth, rich base for the dressing that helps bring all flavors together.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar: Adds a gentle acidity that brightens the dressing.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Injects a fresh, zesty kick to elevate the dressing’s tang.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey: Balances the acidity with natural sweetness for a harmonious dressing.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (half smooth, half whole grain): Gives the dressing a subtle bite and a wonderful texture contrast.
- 1/8 teaspoon dried garlic powder: Adds just a hint of savory depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the fresh flavors without overpowering them.
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste: Adds a mild spiciness that rounds out the dressing.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts: Brings an irresistible crunch and a toasty nuttiness.
- 10 oz bag baby spinach: The vibrant, tender base loaded with nutrients and earthiness.
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced: Offers juicy sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- 1 red onion, sliced: Adds a sharp bite and pops of red for visual appeal.
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese: Contributes creamy saltiness that complements the fruit perfectly.
How to Make Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing
Start by combining olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, both types of Dijon mustard, garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk them vigorously until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and perfectly emulsified. Setting this aside allows those flavors to marry beautifully while you prepare the rest of the salad.
Step 2: Toss the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add your fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss everything together to ensure each leaf and morsel is coated with that luscious, tangy dressing. Serve right away for the freshest taste and best texture.
How to Serve Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop and a tasty finish, sprinkle some additional chopped walnuts or a few whole strawberry slices on top. A little extra crumbled feta also adds a lovely creamy touch. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can elevate the salad even further with their aromatic freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it an excellent accompaniment for a light but satisfying meal. You can also serve it alongside a warm baguette or some crusty artisan bread to round out the flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual glass jars or clear bowls to showcase the beautiful layers of vibrant greens, red strawberries, and white feta. For a fun twist, place it atop a bed of quinoa or couscous to turn it into a heartier lunch bowl. Presentation clarity really makes this salad shine and invites everyone to dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate to maintain the freshest texture. Store the salad components in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and keep the dressing chilled separately. Toss them together just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because the fresh spinach and strawberries will become mushy once thawed. For best results, consume it within the day or prepare just enough to avoid waste.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad intended to be served cold, reheating is not recommended. If you want to warm it up, consider removing the strawberries and spinach first, or simply enjoy the leftovers cold for a refreshing snack or side.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully too, each adding their own unique crunch and flavor. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can deepen their taste.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese if I am lactose intolerant?
You can swap feta for a dairy-free cheese alternative, or try toasted pine nuts or avocado slices to add creaminess without the dairy.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and chop ingredients ahead, but it’s best to combine and toss everything right before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the strawberries fresh.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
A good-quality yellow mustard can provide a similar tangy base, though Dijon adds a bit more complexity and smoothness to the dressing.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
To make this salad vegan-friendly, simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative, and ensure your honey is substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad Recipe is a bright, simple, and satisfying way to enjoy fresh ingredients in a flavorful harmony that never fails to impress. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or to complement a weekend dinner, it’s sure to become one of those recipes you reach for again and again. Give it a try and enjoy every vibrant bite!
Print
Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad featuring a tangy honey-Dijon dressing, crisp walnuts, fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, red onion, and creamy feta cheese. Perfect for a light lunch or as a colorful side dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (half smooth, half whole grain)
- 1/8 teaspoon dried garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Salad
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 10 oz bag baby spinach
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, dried garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined. Set the dressing aside.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, gently toss together the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, sliced red onion, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour over the prepared dressing and toss delicately to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best sweetness and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the dressing if you prefer it more or less sweet.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before adding.
- This salad is best served fresh; the dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to substitute feta cheese with goat cheese if desired.
