Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta & Poppy Seed Dressing (Fresh, Easy Spring Salad)

Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is everything you want in a spring salad recipe. Sweet, juicy strawberries pair beautifully with crisp spinach, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a light, tangy poppy seed dressing. It’s refreshing, colorful, and perfectly balanced between sweet and savory.

This easy strawberry spinach salad fits seamlessly into your spring rotation alongside light meals like Lemon Herb Chicken & Asparagus, Mediterranean Lentil Salad, or Salmon Rice Bowl. It also works as a beautiful side dish for cozy dinners, making it one of those versatile recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This

• Fresh, seasonal strawberries for peak spring flavor

• Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy

• Quick and easy—ready in 15 minutes

• Great for meal prep or entertaining

• Pairs with a wide variety of main dishes

Recipe Card

Servings: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 280

• Protein: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Fat: 22g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 12g

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 6 cups fresh spinach (about 180 g)

• 1½ cups strawberries, sliced (225 g)

• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (75 g)

• ½ cup pecans, toasted (60 g)

• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced

For the Poppy Seed Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (45 ml)

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)

• 1 tablespoon honey (15 ml)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, feta, pecans, and red onion.

2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper.

3. Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving.

4. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Add grilled chicken for a high-protein strawberry spinach salad

• Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier texture

• Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans

• Add avocado for extra richness

• Try a balsamic vinaigrette instead of poppy-seed dressing

Make-Ahead & Storage

Store salad ingredients separately from the dressing for the best freshness. The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated. Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately to maintain texture and prevent wilting.

FAQ

Can I make this strawberry spinach salad ahead of time? Yes, prep all ingredients ahead, but wait to add dressing until serving.

What protein goes well with this salad? Grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp pair perfectly.

Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with feta and poppy seed dressing is the perfect way to celebrate fresh spring flavors. It’s light, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for everything from quick lunches to elegant dinners. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple in your spring and summer recipe rotation.