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  3. Strawberry Spinach Salad
Bowl of strawberry spinach salad with feta, pecans, and poppy seed dressing

Fresh spinach with strawberries, pecans, and poppy seed dressing

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Strawberry Spinach Salad

15 minEasy

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

0 min

Total Time

15 min

Servings

4

4 servings

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Strawberry Spinach Salad

Fresh spinach with strawberries, pecans, and poppy seed dressing

A bright spring salad of tender baby spinach, sliced strawberries, candied pecans, and crumbled feta tossed in a sweet poppy seed vinaigrette. Refreshing, colorful, and crowd-pleasing.

15m

Prep Time

0m

Cook Time

15m

Total Time

4

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

SaladSide DishGluten-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

December 17, 2023(Updated April 13, 2026)

This strawberry spinach salad is the quintessential spring salad—fresh, vibrant, and bursting with contrasting flavors and textures. The homemade poppy seed dressing ties everything together with sweet-tangy perfection.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of sweet berries, salty feta, crunchy pecans, and peppery spinach hits every flavor and texture note. The poppy seed dressing provides a creamy, sweet element that balances the savory components.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups baby spinach
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1/2 cup candied pecans
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 3 tbsp olive oil + 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (dressing)
  • 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp poppy seeds (dressing)
PrepDaily Use

Test Kitchen Pick

Chef Knife

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Why a sharp knife helps here

When the recipe is mostly prep, the tool that matters most is the one doing the cutting. A sharp chef’s knife makes the whole process faster and cleaner.

This recipe is won or lost in prep speed and cleaner cuts.

  • Speeds up chopping and slicing
  • Makes prep more consistent and less frustrating

A good chef’s knife is still the single most useful kitchen upgrade for prep-heavy cooking.

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Instructions

  1. 1

    Whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper until emulsified.

  2. 2

    Place baby spinach in a large salad bowl.

  3. 3

    Scatter sliced strawberries, candied pecans, and crumbled feta over the spinach.

  4. 4

    Drizzle with poppy seed dressing just before serving.

  5. 5

    Toss gently at the table and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve as a light main course or alongside grilled protein

  • Best enjoyed fresh -- prepare the dressing separately if making ahead

Substitutions

Feta cheeseGoat cheese

Creamier and tangier with the same salty contrast

StrawberriesRaspberries or blueberries

Any spring berry works beautifully in this salad

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach from wilting.

  • Add sliced red onion or avocado for extra flavor and substance.

Storage

Store undressed salad components separately for up to 1 day. Dressing keeps for 1 week.

Reheating

Not applicable. Serve cold and fresh.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (10mg) · 4 servings

Calories245
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein5g
Carbohydrates18g
Fat18g
Fiber210mg
Sugar4g
Sodium12g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular spinach?
Baby spinach is more tender, but chopped regular spinach works with a slightly more robust texture.
What are candied pecans?
Toss pecans with 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat until caramelized.

Explore More

More SaladMore Side DishGluten-Free RecipesNo-Cook Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

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