This Strawberry Spinach Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and crisp. Juicy strawberries, tender baby spinach, salty feta, crispy bacon, and thin red onion all come together in a simple homemade balsamic dressing.
If you need a quick side dish for spring gatherings, summer BBQs, or an easy weeknight salad, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is ready in just 10 minutes and always disappears fast.
It’s light but satisfying, simple but impressive.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Ready in 10 minutes
- Perfect for spring and summer
- Great for BBQs and potlucks
- Sweet + savory flavor combo
- Easy homemade dressing
- Crowd-pleasing
The contrast between sweet strawberries and tangy balsamic dressing makes this Strawberry Spinach Salad incredibly craveable.
Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad
Salad:
- 5 cups baby spinach
- 1 pint strawberries, sliced (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Maple syrup or honey
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Black pepper
Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine:
- Baby spinach
- Sliced strawberries
- Red onion
- Feta cheese
- Bacon
Step 3: Toss & Serve
Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving.
Gently toss to coat.
Serve immediately for best freshness.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad
✔ Add dressing right before serving to prevent soggy spinach.
✔ Slice strawberries evenly for balanced bites.
✔ Soak red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow sharpness.
✔ Use fresh spinach, not pre-wilted leaves.
Delicious Variations
- Add candied pecans for crunch
- Add grilled chicken for a full meal
- Swap feta for goat cheese
- Add avocado slices for creaminess
- Use poppy seed dressing instead
When to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad
This salad is perfect for:
- Easter brunch
- Mother’s Day
- Summer BBQ
- Picnic lunches
- Light dinner side
- Holiday gatherings
It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or pasta dishes.
FAQs About Strawberry Spinach Salad
Can I make strawberry spinach salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
What cheese goes best with strawberry spinach salad?
Feta and goat cheese both work beautifully.
Can I make this salad without bacon?
Absolutely. It’s still delicious and works great as a vegetarian salad.
What protein can I add to make it a full meal?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even quinoa make excellent additions.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With sweet strawberries, creamy feta, crispy bacon, and a bright balsamic dressing, it’s a recipe you’ll return to all season long.
Save it for your next gathering — or make it tonight.
Print
Strawberry Spinach Salad (Easy 10-Minute Summer Salad)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Strawberry Spinach Salad with feta, bacon and balsamic dressing. A fresh and easy 10-minute spring or summer salad.
Ingredients
5 cups baby spinach
1 pint strawberries, sliced
1 cup thinly sliced red onion
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/4 cup olive oil
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp maple syrup or honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Combine spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta and bacon in large bowl.
3. Drizzle dressing over salad just before serving.
4. Gently toss and serve immediately.