How to Make the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad with Honey Dressing

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strawberry spinach salad

Introduction
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is the perfect way to celebrate summer's freshest flavors. A delightful blend of sweet strawberries, crunchy almonds, creamy feta, and a perfectly balanced honey vinaigrette – it’s a dish that’s sure to become your new warm-weather favorite. With just 15 minutes of prep, this gorgeous salad is as quick and easy as it is delicious!

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

✔ Bursting with fresh flavors – The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy feta creates a delightful contrast.
✔ Perfect texture balance – Enjoy the creamy, crunchy, and crisp elements in every bite.
✔ Easy homemade dressing – Made with just 5 simple ingredients, the honey vinaigrette is a crowd-pleaser.
✔ Beautiful presentation – A stunning dish ideal for entertaining or special occasions.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Salad:

  • 5 oz spring mix or baby spinach (about 5 cups)

  • 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

  • ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted

  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Honey Vinaigrette:

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toast the Almonds
In a dry skillet over medium heat:

  • Add sliced almonds.

  • Toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.

  • Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

2. Make the Dressing
In a mason jar or small bowl:

  • Combine olive oil, vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.

  • Add salt and pepper.

  • Shake (or whisk) vigorously until well-emulsified.

3. Assemble the Salad
In a large shallow bowl:

  • Layer the spring greens as the base.

  • Artfully arrange strawberry slices on top.

  • Sprinkle with red onion and toasted almonds.

  • Finish with crumbled feta cheese.

4. Serve & Enjoy

  • Drizzle the honey vinaigrette just before serving.

  • Gently toss if you prefer, or leave as is for a beautiful presentation.

  • Serve immediately for the best texture.

Pro Tips for Perfection

  • 🍓 Berry Selection: Choose ripe, but firm strawberries for easy slicing.

  • 🧅 Onion Trick: Soak sliced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the flavor.

  • 🥜 Nut Variation: Switch things up by using pecans or walnuts instead of almonds.

  • 🧀 Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese in place of feta for a tangy twist.

  • 🍯 Dressing Tip: Make extra vinaigrette – it keeps for up to a week in the fridge!

Why This Recipe Works

This salad brings a harmonious balance of flavors and textures:

  • Sweet strawberries pair beautifully with tangy feta.

  • Toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch.

  • The honey vinaigrette ties everything together with just the right amount of sweetness.

  • Red onion provides a mild bite without overpowering the dish.

Serving Suggestions

  • Brunch Star: Serve alongside a fluffy quiche or savory frittata.

  • Dinner Side: Pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal.

  • Meal Prep: Keep the salad components separate and assemble fresh for a quick and easy meal.

  • Special Occasions: Double the recipe for potlucks, bridal showers, or family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just any salad – it’s an experience. The combination of vibrant textures and refreshing flavors makes every bite a joy. Plus, its beautiful presentation will make it look like you spent hours preparing it, even though it only takes 15 minutes!

Tried this recipe?
I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Drop a comment below and share your experience. For more vibrant and delicious summer salads, check out our other favorite warm-weather recipes.

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