Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing {A Perfect Summer Salad!}

Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a refreshing salad that balances the sweetness of fresh strawberries with leafy greens, tangy feta cheese and candied pecans. This salad has a fantastic flavor combo and crunch. It’s a perfect choice for a light lunch or a stunning side dish at any gathering.

Originally shared June 2012, updated March 2025

Jump to:

• Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
• Why You'll Love Spinach Strawberry Feta Salad
• Ingredients
• Substitutions
• How to Make Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad
• Pro Tips
• Variations/Toppings
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage Directions
• More Favorite Salads and Dressings
• Recipe

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

One of our local restaurants has a salad that I can not get enough of, it has candied pecans, mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, and ranch dressing. 

Another lunch spot that I love to go to on girls' nights has the BEST chopped salad I've ever had - with chickpeas, cucumbers, banana peppers and more.

My point is, I love a unique, delicious salad - especially one that has not-your-typical salad ingredients like sweet strawberries and candied pecans This salad checks all the boxes.

Why You'll Love Spinach Strawberry Feta Salad

There are so many reasons to love this delicious strawberry spinach salad. 

• 🌿 Vibrant Fresh Salad: The combination of fresh spinach and juicy strawberries makes it look and taste super fresh.
• 🧀 Sweet and Salty: The creamy feta perfectly balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
• 🥗 Nutty Crunch: Adding candied pecans, walnuts, or almonds gives it a satisfying crunch and a touch of sweetness.
• 🍓 Versatile Dressing: Homemade poppyseed dressing is my favorite but even a light vinaigrette would complement the flavors without overpowering them.
• 💪 Nutrient-Packed: Spinach is rich in iron and vitamins, strawberries add antioxidants, and feta provides a creamy protein boost making this a healthy meal.
• 🌞 Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a light lunch, a side dish, or part of a potluck, it always impresses.
• ⏱️ Quick and Easy: Takes just a few minutes to assemble but looks and tastes gourmet.

Ingredients

The fresh ingredients for this fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe can be found at your local grocery store.

Salad Ingredients:

• Baby spinach
• Strawberries, washed and sliced
• Tangy Red Onions, thinly sliced
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Candied pecans (skip if anyone has a nut allergy)

Dressing Ingredients:

• Apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or lemon juice
• Honey
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Poppy Seeds
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Pepper

Find the Poppy Seed Dressing recipe here.

Find the complete recipe with ingredients measurements in the recipe card below.

Substitutions

This Spinach Strawberry Pecan Salad has simple ingredients, but there may be a reason you need or want to make some changes. Here are my suggestions:

Spinach. ​If you can't get tender baby spinach, other mixed salad greens would also be great in this Strawberry Feta Salad.

Strawberries. While strawberries are the star of the show, because this is a Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad, if it's not strawberry season, you could use other fresh berries or fruits in this salad (apples, mandarin oranges, etc.)

Red Onion. Red onions have a milder and sweeter flavor, white onions could also be used. 

Feta Cheese. Other strong cheeses that would work in this Feta Spinach Salad are blue cheese or goat cheese.

How to Make Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad

This is such an easy spinach salad that you don't even need process photos... just toss and go!

Sweet Poppyseed Dressing

1. Begin by preparing your homemade poppy seed dressing. In a medium bowl combine the apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), olive oil, poppy seeds, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper and whisk until fully combined. 
2. You can also place the ingredients in a mason jar with a tight lid and shake to combine if you’d like. 
3. Need photosand more details for the Poppy Seed Salad Dressing? Find them here. This really is the best dressing!

Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe

1. Assemble your salad by placing the spinach, strawberries, sliced onion, feta, and crunchy pecans in a large bowl. 
2. Pour about half of the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
3. Taste and add more dressing if desired. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Pro Tips

• Tip: the poppyseed dressing goes well with many different salads, not just this specific one.
• Tip: a few variations to this salad could include substituting the feta with goat cheese, adding arugula or blueberries, or substituting the pecans with any of your favorite nuts.
• Tip: If strawberries are not in season, mandarin oranges, pineapple cubes, or roasted pumpkin cubes would all work well depending on the time of year.

Variations/Toppings

This is one of the best summer salads I've ever had, but the best part of it is that you can add to it or change things up to suit your tastes.

• Sunflower Seeds - Added texture and a nice crunch
• Different Nuts, such as crunchy almonds or walnuts (candied or not)
• Artichoke Hearts
• Rotisserie Chicken or Grilled Chicken is a great addition for extra flavor and protein
• Creamy Avocado - this healthy fat is popular on salads

Serving Suggestions

Spinach Feta Strawberry Salad is a versatile dish that works well in various settings. It can stand alone as a healthy lunch or be a side salad that complements a main dish. 

Here are some serving suggestions:

When to Serve Strawberry Feta Salad

1. Spring and Summer Gatherings: The fresh flavors make it one of my favorite summer salads, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a fancy dinner party.
2. Holiday Meals: This perfect salad is a great side dish for Easter or Mother’s Day brunch.
3. Weeknight Dinners: Pairs well with a simple protein for a quick and fresh meal.
4. Potlucks and Casual Lunches: The vibrant colors make it a visually appealing dish.

What to Serve With Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Homemade Dressing is perfect as it is, but here are some things you can serve with it:

• Grilled Meats: Chicken, pork tenderloin, or steak complement the salad's sweet and savory flavors.
• Seafood: Grilled salmon or shrimp add a touch of elegance.
• Quiche or Savory Tart: Ideal for brunch or a light dinner.
• Crusty Bread: A fresh baguette or garlic bread enhances the meal.

Storage Directions

To store Strawberry Spinach Feta Salad, keep the ingredients separate to maintain freshness:

1. Salad Base (Spinach and Strawberries): Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
2. Feta and Nuts: Keep in separate containers to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
3. Dressing: Store in a small jar or container and add just before serving.

The assembled Spinach and Feta Salad tossed with dressing will only stay fresh for about a day, as the spinach can wilt and the strawberries can get mushy.

More Favorite Salads and Dressings

• Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe
• Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
• Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Homemade Sweet & Sour Dressing
• Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing
• Strawberry Chia Seed Jam (Only 4 Ingredients)

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