Strawberry Spinach Salad: Fresh Summer Food Ideas You’ll Actually Love

Ever had a strawberry so fresh, juicy, and sweet it practically melts in your mouth? Imagine walking outside, picking fresh berries from your garden, and turning them into a vibrant strawberry spinach salad minutes later. Sounds dreamy, right?

That’s my ideal, but reality? My garden isn’t exactly sprawling enough for rows of strawberries. I’m giving a go at a couple of strawberry towers this year—fingers crossed I’ll have good news on that later this summer!

Today, though, let’s talk about my absolute favorite summer food idea: strawberry spinach salad. It’s the kind of dish that makes your guest feel like you REALLY put in the special effort for them, but in reality it is SO simple!

Why Strawberry Spinach Salad Deserves Your Attention

First, let’s chat about why this particular strawberry spinach salad is special. I’ve made plenty of salads in my life, but this one hits different. It’s not just pretty—though trust me, it looks incredible—but it’s packed with flavors and textures you actually crave.

You get crisp spinach leaves, ripe strawberries (the fresher, the better—remember?), tangy feta cheese, buttery avocado, and sweet candied pecans, all tossed in a homemade honey-balsamic vinaigrette that’s honestly so good you might be tempted to drink it. Don’t worry, no judgment here!

The secret sauce here (literally!) is in the balance. The sweetness from strawberries and honey perfectly complements the sharpness of the balsamic vinegar, creating a flavor that’s bright but not overwhelming.

Plus, candied pecans add just the right amount of crunch. I know what you’re thinking: “Candying pecans? Sounds complicated.” But trust me, it’s quick and easy—definitely worth the extra five minutes.

Easy Tricks to Make This Salad Even Better

Let’s keep it real: salads are great, but sometimes they can feel repetitive. That’s why I’m all about variations. Here’s a few to keep things interesting:

• Add Blueberries: Toss in a handful of fresh blueberries. It not only ups the color factor but adds another layer of sweetness and antioxidants. Plus, strawberries and blueberries just feel like summer in a bowl.
• Protein Boost: Want this salad as a full meal? Grilled chicken or shrimp are amazing additions. They absorb the dressing beautifully, making each bite hearty and satisfying.
• Swap the Cheese: Feta is my go-to, but goat cheese or even little mozzarella pearls can give you a delicious twist.

The Recipe: Making This Strawberry Spinach Salad

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach​
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced​
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced​
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese​
• 1/3 cup candied pecans (see instructions below)​
• 1 ripe avocado, diced​
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn​

For the candied pecans:

• 1/2 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar​
• 1/2 cup pecan halves​
• Pinch of salt​

For the honey-balsamic vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil​
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey​
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard​
• 1 small garlic clove, minced​
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste​

Instructions

1. Candy the pecans:
   • In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring until smooth.​
   • Add the pecan halves and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat.​
   • Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pecans are toasted and caramelized.​
   • Transfer the pecans to a sheet of parchment paper to cool.​
2. Prepare the vinaigrette:
   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.​
   • Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until emulsified.​
   • Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.​
3. Assemble the salad:
   • In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, avocado, and mint leaves.​
   • Drizzle the honey-balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, tossing gently to coat.​
   • Top with crumbled feta cheese and the candied pecans.​
4. Serve:
   • Divide the salad among plates and serve immediately.​

Note: For added protein, consider topping the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp.

Why Freshness Matters (and What to Do If You Can’t Grow Your Own)

Okay, I already admitted my strawberry-growing struggles. But fresh produce really makes a difference. The salad’s flavor peaks when strawberries are fresh and in season, usually late spring through summer. If you’re not picking them yourself (yet!), try hitting up local farmers’ markets or roadside stands. You’ll taste the difference, and you’re supporting local growers—win-win!

If your berries aren’t super sweet, here’s a trick: sprinkle them lightly with a bit of sugar or drizzle with a tiny bit of extra honey. Let them sit for a few minutes, and you’ll magically have sweeter berries for your salad.

Bonus Tips for Serving and Storing Your Salad

This salad tastes best fresh, but if you’re prepping ahead:

• Keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent sogginess.
• Sprinkle avocado slices with lemon juice to keep them from browning.
• Candied pecans can be made in advance—just keep them in a sealed container so they stay crunchy.

Serve the salad chilled and enjoy the crisp, refreshing flavors at their best. Your guests will appreciate how vibrant it looks and tastes.

Get Creative with Your Summer Food Ideas

Summer cooking should feel easy, relaxed, and full of possibilities. That’s why I love recipes like this strawberry spinach salad. It’s versatile enough for casual family dinners or elegant enough for entertaining. Don’t be afraid to experiment—try raspberries instead of strawberries, toss in almonds instead of pecans, or use kale instead of spinach.

The beauty of summer food ideas like this salad is how easily they adapt to your tastes. And if your garden or strawberry towers give you a bumper crop, you’ll be ready to showcase those berries in style!

So tell me, are you ready to whip up this strawberry spinach salad? Drop your favorite summer salad hacks or what berries you’d toss in next time. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts—and fingers crossed, later this summer I’ll have some great strawberry-growing stories to share with you!

Looking for more summer food ideas? Check out this list of 27 Irresistible Summer Salad Recipes to Try Now