Ultimate 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe – Irresistibly Fresh & Delicious

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Last updated: April 28, 2025

Are you looking for a quick, nutritious, and refreshingly delicious salad that can be prepared in just 15 minutes?

This 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is exactly what you need!

Perfect for busy weeknights, light lunches, or as an impressive side dish for guests, this vibrant salad combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the earthy flavor of spinach, all brought together with a tangy homemade balsamic dressing.

This recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also packed with essential nutrients that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized, thanks to the health benefits of leafy greens. <div class=”wp-block-rank-math-toc-block rank-math-toc-block”> <div class=”rank-math-toc-title”>Table of Contents</div> <nav class=”rank-math-toc”> <ul> <li><a href=”#why-youll-love”>Why You’ll Love This Salad</a></li> <li><a href=”#ingredients”>Ingredients</a></li> <li><a href=”#step-by-step”>Step-by-Step Instructions</a> <ul> <li><a href=”#prep-ingredients”>Preparing Ingredients</a></li> <li><a href=”#make-dressing”>Making the Dressing</a></li> <li><a href=”#assemble-salad”>Assembling the Salad</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href=”#pro-tips”>Pro Tips</a></li> <li><a href=”#serving-suggestions”>How to Serve</a></li> <li><a href=”#nutrition”>Nutritional Information</a></li> <li><a href=”#storage”>Storage & Leftovers</a></li> <li><a href=”#faqs”>Frequently Asked Questions</a></li> <li><a href=”#related-recipes”>Related Recipes</a></li> </ul> </nav> </div>

Why You’ll Love This 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad {#why-youll-love}

• Ready in just 15 minutes – perfect for quick meals when you’re short on time!
• Nutrient-dense – loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh strawberries and spinach
• Versatile – works as a side dish, light main course, or party appetizer
• Customizable – easily adapt with seasonal fruits and your favorite proteins
• Perfect balance of flavors – sweet, tangy, and savory components create a delightful taste experience
• Visually stunning – the vibrant red strawberries against the green spinach makes for a beautiful presentation
• Kid-friendly – even picky eaters love the sweet strawberries in this salad!
• No cooking required – ideal for hot summer days when you don’t want to use the stove

Ingredients for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad {#ingredients}

For the Salad Base:

• 6 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried (about 6-8 ounces)
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (substitute with goat cheese or vegan feta for dairy-free option)
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted (substitute with walnuts or pecans for variety)
• Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries or blueberries for additional sweetness

For the Balsamic Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (use maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small clove garlic, minced (about 1/2 teaspoon)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad – Step by Step {#step-by-step}

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients {#prep-ingredients}

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the spinach leaves using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels.
2. Hull and slice the fresh strawberries into thin, even pieces.
3. Thinly slice the red onion (soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you prefer a milder flavor).
4. If using raw nuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 2: Make the Balsamic Dressing {#make-dressing}

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard following the perfect homemade salad dressing ratios for a balanced flavor.
2. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the dressing and whisk until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – add more honey for sweetness or more vinegar for tanginess.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad {#assemble-salad}

1. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
2. Add the sliced strawberries, red onion, and dried cranberries (if using).
3. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts over the top.
4. Drizzle with half of the prepared dressing just before serving.
5. Toss gently to combine all ingredients without bruising the delicate spinach leaves.
6. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.

Pro Tips for Making the Best 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad {#pro-tips}

• Use fresh, in-season strawberries for the sweetest flavor and best texture. Local farmers’ markets are ideal sources during strawberry season. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that boost immunity and skin health.
• Massage your spinach gently with a tiny bit of olive oil and salt if using mature spinach to tenderize the leaves.
• Toast your nuts for enhanced flavor – learn about properly toasting nuts for salads to dramatically improve taste and texture.
• Make the dressing ahead of time and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week for even quicker preparation.
• Add protein like grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas to transform this side salad into a satisfying main course.
• Balance the sweetness by adding a pinch of salt to the strawberries to enhance their natural flavor.
• Don’t dress until serving to prevent the spinach from wilting – keep dressing separate if preparing in advance.
• Try different vinegars like white balsamic or raspberry vinegar for unique flavor variations.

Best Ways to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad {#serving-suggestions}

This versatile 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad can be served in numerous delicious ways:

• As a light lunch paired with a slice of whole grain bread or artisan crackers
• Alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a complete dinner
• At brunches or holiday meals as a refreshing side dish
• As an appetizer before a heavier main course
• In individual portions for elegant dinner parties
• In a mason jar for a perfectly portable work or picnic lunch
• As part of a buffet spread for gatherings and celebrations
• Topped with grilled halloumi cheese for a vegetarian main dish

For a complete meal, pair this 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with our [Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon] or [Herb Roasted Chicken Breast] for a nutritionally balanced plate.

Nutritional Information for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad {#nutrition}

Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings):

• Calories: 225 kcal
• Carbs: 15g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 17g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and nuts)
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 9g
• Vitamin C: 85% of daily value
• Vitamin A: 65% of daily value
• Iron: 15% of daily value
• Calcium: 18% of daily value

This 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is particularly high in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support overall health. It’s also a low-carb option that’s suitable for most healthy eating plans.

Storage & Leftovers {#storage}

For best results with your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad:

• Undressed salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Store components separately when possible – keep spinach, strawberries, and toppings in different containers to maintain freshness.
• Dressing can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week – shake well before using.
• Not suitable for freezing as the texture of the ingredients will deteriorate.
• Revive wilted spinach by soaking in ice water for 10 minutes, then dry thoroughly.
• Add fresh strawberries to leftovers if possible, as they tend to release moisture when stored.

FAQs for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad {#faqs}

Can I make this 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all the components ahead of time, but keep them separate. Wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries and onions, and make the dressing up to a day in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and prevent the spinach from wilting.

What can I use instead of feta cheese in this strawberry spinach salad?

If you don’t enjoy feta or need a substitute, try crumbled goat cheese, blue cheese, or even fresh mozzarella pearls. For a dairy-free or vegan option, use a plant-based feta alternative, or skip the cheese and add extra nuts or avocado for creaminess.

How can I turn this salad into a complete meal?

To transform this 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad into a satisfying main course, add a protein source like grilled chicken, seared salmon, hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, quinoa, or tofu. You can also increase the portion size and serve with a slice of whole grain bread on the side.

What other fruits can I add to this strawberry spinach salad?

This salad is wonderfully adaptable! Try adding blueberries, raspberries, mandarin oranges, sliced peaches, or diced apples. You can use a single fruit or create a mix based on what’s in season. For a tropical twist, add mango or kiwi slices.

Related Recipes {#related-recipes}

If you love this 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, try these other delicious recipes:

• [Summer Berry and Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette]
• [Classic Greek Salad with Homemade Dressing]
• [Spinach and Quinoa Power Bowl]
• [Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Spinach]
• [Fresh Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing]

Conclusion & Call to Action

Now you know how to make the ultimate 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad at home!

This quick and nutritious dish is perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or anytime you want to enjoy a burst of fresh flavors.

The combination of sweet strawberries, tender spinach, crunchy nuts, and tangy dressing creates a salad that’s both satisfying and healthy.

Have you tried making this 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad? What’s your favorite addition or variation? Share your experiences in the comments below or tag us in your salad creations on social media!

Don’t forget to save this recipe for later and share it with friends and family who might enjoy this perfect balance of flavors and nutrition in just 15 minutes of preparation time.

This recipe was inspired by the classic strawberry spinach salad from Julia’s Album.

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