Spinach Salad with Strawberries & Feta
A fresh, vibrant salad that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Baby spinach leaves are tossed with juicy strawberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, then dressed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or as a beautiful side dish.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Toast the almonds.
Place sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Transfer immediately to a plate to cool.
TIPWatch the almonds closely; they burn in seconds. - mix · ~1 min
Make the dressing.
In a small jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Seal the lid tightly and shake vigorously until emulsified.
- prep · ~10 min
Prepare the salad ingredients.
Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach. Hull and slice the strawberries. Thinly slice the red onion. Crumble the feta cheese.
TIPMake sure the spinach is bone dry so the dressing clings, not slides off. - assemble · ~1 min
Assemble the salad.
In a large salad bowl, layer the spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and crumbled feta. Drizzle the dressing over the top.
- mix · ~1 min
Toss and finish the salad.
Gently toss the salad to coat everything evenly with the dressing. Sprinkle the cooled toasted almonds on top.
TIPAdd almonds last to keep them crunchy. - serve
Serve immediately.
Divide the salad among plates or serve in the bowl. This salad is best enjoyed fresh.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry spinach thoroughly with a salad spinner to prevent a watery dressing.
- 2Slice strawberries when fully ripe for the best natural sweetness.
- 3Toast almonds just until fragrant, then cool completely to keep them crunchy.
- 4Toss salad gently with your hands to avoid crushing the strawberries.
- 5Add the dressing and almonds only right before serving to prevent sogginess.
- 6Soak red onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their bite.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Add grilled chicken breast, sliced, or a handful of chickpeas to turn the salad into a satisfying main course with extra protein.
veganVegan
Omit the feta cheese and replace it with crumbled vegan feta or sliced avocado for creaminess, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
low oilLow-oil
Replace half the olive oil with a splash of water or orange juice in the dressing to reduce fat while keeping the balsamic tang intact.
nut freeNut-free
Swap the almonds with toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative that still delivers crunch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Strawberries and spinach are both packed with vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
Good Source of Calcium
Feta cheese provides calcium, important for strong bones and teeth, in a modest but notable amount.
High in Antioxidants
The balsamic vinaigrette and strawberries deliver antioxidants that help combat free radicals in the body.
Healthy Fats from Almonds
Sliced almonds offer unsaturated fats and vitamin E, which support heart health and provide a satisfying crunch.
Frequently asked questions
It is best assembled just before serving. You can prep the ingredients—wash spinach, slice strawberries, toast almonds, and make dressing—up to a day in advance and combine at serving time.
