Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package (5 ounces) organic spinach; 8 ounces strawberries, halved (about 2 cups halved strawberries); 1 large avocado, sliced; ½ small red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup feta crumbles; ⅓ cup raw sliced almonds; ¼ cup chopped shelled roasted pistachios; 3 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; ¼ cup olive oil; 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced; ½ teaspoon dijon mustard; ½ tablespoon strawberry jam (or jam of choice); Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste

There’s something wonderfully fresh and satisfying about a salad that pops with color and flavor — and that’s exactly what this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe delivers. Sweet strawberries meet creamy avocado and tangy feta, all tied together with a luscious homemade dressing, making it a perfect dish you’ll want to make again and again.

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad that has three main layers: the bottom layer is fresh green spinach leaves, the middle layer has bright red strawberries and sliced light green avocado, and the top layer is thin slices of red onion, white almond slivers, small green pistachios, and small white crumbled cheese. A dark brown dressing is drizzled over the top, and there is a silver fork resting on the left edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth napkin nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I made this strawberry spinach salad last summer, and honestly, it quickly became one of my go-to light lunches. It’s bright, refreshing, and the combo of textures keeps every bite interesting. Plus, it’s so easy to throw together with simple ingredients – no fuss, just pure deliciousness.

Bright and fresh: The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy feta creates a delightful flavor balance you’ll crave.
Crunchy and creamy textures: Toasted almonds and pistachios add a satisfying crunch, while avocado lends a luscious creaminess.
Homemade dressing: The strawberry balsamic vinaigrette is easy to whip up and elevates the whole salad with its vibrant and tangy notes.
Quick and nutritious: Ready in just 25 minutes, this salad is as wholesome as it is tasty — perfect for a quick lunch or side dish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this salad, look for the freshest produce you can find—the key to a truly delicious strawberry spinach salad lies in quality ingredients. Organic spinach with crisp leaves, ripe but firm avocados, and juicy, sweet strawberries will bring this dish to life.

Flat lay of fresh organic spinach leaves, halved ripe strawberries, a sliced ripe avocado with bright green flesh, thinly sliced half a small red onion, small crumbles of white feta cheese, raw sliced almonds, chopped shelled roasted pistachios, a small white ceramic bowl with dark balsamic vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a whole garlic clove, a small dollop of glossy red strawberry jam on white ceramic, a small white ceramic bowl with pale yellow Dijon mustard, all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Organic spinach: A tender, nutrient-rich base that’s mild enough to let the other flavors shine.
Straight-from-the-patch strawberries: Sweet and juicy, they add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Avocado: Creamy texture that balances the acidity of the dressing and the crunchier elements in the salad.
Red onion: Adds a sharp, tangy bite that cuts through the creaminess and sweetness.
Feta cheese crumbles: Briny, tangy notes that perfectly complement the fruit and nuts.
Raw sliced almonds: Toasted for a nutty crunch that’s simply irresistible.
Chopped shelled roasted pistachios: Adds another dimension of crunch and subtle earthiness.
Balsamic vinegar: The acidic backbone of the vinaigrette, bright and slightly sweet.
Olive oil: Smooth and fruity, it emulsifies the dressing and ties everything together.
Garlic clove: Provides a gentle, savory undertone in the vinaigrette.
Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing while adding a mild spicy depth.
Strawberry jam: A lovely touch of sweetness that enhances the fresh strawberries and the balsamic vinegar.
Salt & pepper: To taste—essential for balancing all the flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe is wonderfully versatile—feel free to customize it according to your taste buds or what’s seasonal. Whether you want to make it vegan, swap nuts, or add a twist, there’s something here for everyone!

Vegan Variation: I love swapping out the feta cheese for a dairy-free cheese or even marinated tofu cubes to keep that creamy texture without dairy. It’s still just as satisfying!
Nut-Free Option: For anyone with nut allergies, toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds make a great crunchy alternative that keeps the salad’s lovely texture intact.
Seasonal Twist: When strawberries aren’t in season, I've tried blueberries or sliced peaches. Both add a lovely freshness and sweetness that works brilliantly with the balsamic vinaigrette.
Dressing Swap: Using raspberry or blackberry jam instead of strawberry jam in the vinaigrette offers a bold berry flavor that’s equally delicious and gives the dressing a fun new spin!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

A white bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves as the base layer. On top, there are bright red whole and sliced strawberries placed on one side, a small pile of chopped pistachio nuts next to them, and thin slices of purple onion arranged nearby. In the center, there is a mound of white crumbly cheese, and next to it, thinly sliced light brown toasted almond flakes. On the opposite side, there is a half avocado with bright yellow-green flesh, slightly fanned out, sprinkled with black pepper. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk up that luscious dressing

Start by combining 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup olive oil, one grated garlic clove, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, and ½ tablespoon of strawberry jam in a mason jar or small bowl. Add a pinch of freshly ground salt and pepper to taste. Give it a vigorous shake or whisk until everything is perfectly emulsified—look for that smooth, glossy texture! Taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. This homemade strawberry balsamic vinaigrette really brings the salad to life with tangy-sweet goodness.

Step 2: Toast almonds for that irresistible crunch

Place ⅓ cup of raw sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally for 2 to 5 minutes until the almonds turn a beautiful light golden brown and start smelling nutty and fragrant. Keep an eye on them—they can go from toasted to burnt fast! Once toasted, remove from heat and let them cool completely to preserve their satisfying crunchiness.

Step 3: Layer the fresh and vibrant salad ingredients

Grab a large bowl and add 1 package (5 ounces) of fresh organic spinach evenly on the bottom. Next, arrange about 2 cups halved strawberries, the sliced avocado, and thinly sliced ½ small red onion over the spinach. Sprinkle ½ cup of feta crumbles evenly across the top. Then, scatter the cooled toasted almonds and ¼ cup chopped shelled roasted pistachios. The colors and textures layered here make this salad a feast for the eyes and palate alike.

Step 4: Dress and serve with love

Drizzle the strawberry balsamic vinaigrette over the salad right away or serve it on the side—whatever you prefer. I usually add about ¼ of the dressing per serving so every bite gets that balanced, refreshing zing. Finish by topping each bowl with extra toasted almonds for added crunch and flair. This recipe yields 4 generous servings, perfect for a light lunch or an elegant side dish. Enjoy it fresh for the best texture and flavor!

Top Tip

These tips will help you bring out the absolute best in your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe, making each bite pop with flavor and texture.

Careful Almond Toasting: Toast your almonds over medium heat and watch carefully—just a few minutes until they’re golden makes a huge flavor difference without bitterness.
Choose Firm Avocados: Using ripe but firm avocados ensures pretty slices that hold their shape instead of turning mushy in your salad.
Fresh Dressing Last Minute: Dress the salad right before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the vibrant colors intact.
Jam Substitutions: Don’t hesitate to swap strawberry jam for raspberry or another berry jam for a personalized touch to your vinaigrette.

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

A white bowl on a white marbled surface holds a colorful salad with a base of bright green spinach leaves. On top, there are fresh, whole and sliced red strawberries, creamy green avocado slices, small chunks of white cheese, thin purple onion slices, and scattered tan almond slices and green pistachios. A dark brown dressing is being poured in the center of the salad from a small white jug. The whole scene is bright and fresh, showing a close-up view of the salad layers and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra toasted sliced almonds or shelled pistachios on top for added crunch and a toasty aroma. A few fresh basil or mint leaves can also brighten the salad and complement the sweet-tangy vinaigrette wonderfully. If you like a bit more creaminess, add a swirl of Greek yogurt or drizzle a little honey over the top.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or a light quiche for a more substantial meal. On the lighter side, serve alongside crusty whole grain bread or a bowl of chilled gazpacho to keep your meal fresh and summery.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within one day for the freshest taste. Leftover dressing can be refrigerated in a sealed jar or container for up to one week—just give it a good shake before using again.

Freezing

Because this salad features fresh berries, spinach, avocado, and a delicate vinaigrette, freezing is not recommended—it will compromise texture and freshness.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Since it contains fresh spinach and avocado, reheating is not advisable as it will wilt the greens and soften the avocado.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The strawberry balsamic vinaigrette can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just remember to shake or whisk it well before serving.

What if I don’t have pistachios?

No worries! You can substitute with extra sliced almonds, walnuts, or pecans—whatever nuts you have on hand will add a lovely crunch.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative or some nut-based cheese for a vegan-friendly version.

Can I substitute fresh strawberries with frozen?

Fresh strawberries are highly recommended to keep the salad crisp and vibrant. Frozen strawberries tend to release moisture and can make the salad soggy.

Final Thoughts

Making this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe is like celebrating summer on a plate—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully colorful. Whether you're serving it for a casual lunch or as a stunning side dish at dinner, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to enjoy this salad as much as I do, bringing a little brightness and warmth to your table with every bite!