Strawberry Spinach Spring Salad (Print View)

Bright mix of strawberries, tender spinach, goat cheese and toasted nuts with a honey-balsamic dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad

01 - 6 cups baby spinach, washed and thoroughly dried
02 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 - 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta), for topping
04 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1/3 cup toasted pecans or sliced almonds

→ Balsamic dressing

06 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
08 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - Salt, to taste
11 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper in a small bowl or jar; whisk or shake until emulsified and set aside.
02 - Place the washed baby spinach in a large bowl and add the sliced strawberries and thinly sliced red onion.
03 - Scatter the toasted pecans or sliced almonds over the greens and fruit for crunch.
04 - Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently with salad tongs until evenly coated, taking care not to bruise the strawberries.
05 - Top with crumbled goat cheese just before serving and transfer to individual plates or serve from the bowl immediately to preserve texture.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • It feels like a secret shortcut to impressing anyone at your table without turning on the stove.
  • The combination of sweet strawberries, rich cheese, and tangy vinaigrette just never gets old in my house—there are zero leftovers every time.
02 -
  • If you overdress the salad, the spinach wilts before you even serve—keep a light hand and dress just before eating.
  • I once skipped toasting the nuts out of impatience, and everyone immediately noticed the missing toasty aroma.
03 -
  • Always dry your spinach thoroughly—the dressing clings better and the salad won’t get watery.
  • If you’re making it for a crowd, double the dressing and offer extra on the side; it disappears fast.
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