SPINACH SALAD WITH STRAWBERRIES AND SPICY TOASTED NUTS

two forks on a bowl of salad with spinach, sliced strawberries, goat cheese, red onions and pecans, bowl of sliced strawberries in the background
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This Spinach Salad with Strawberries Recipe is perfect for those summer months when it’s too hot to turn on the oven or you don’t feel like cooking! It’s fast, fresh, flavourful, and the perfect homemade poppy seed dressing sends it over the top!

We all have those summer days. You know, the ones? When it’s too dang hot and sticky to even think about turning on the oven. Heck, it’s too hot and sticky to even remotely feel like cooking and just the thought of it makes you want to jump in an ice bath. Yeah. *Those* days.

Well it’s time to say hellllllo to this perfect-for-summer spinach salad with strawberries. I mean, just that alone sounds so fresh, refreshing and just screams summer. Am I right? Add some spicy toasted pecans and slivered almonds, crumbled goat cheese, crisp red onion, and fresh chopped basil and you know we’ve got a winner on our hands. I don’t even have to mention the quick and easy homemade lemon poppy seed dressing, now do I?

two bowls of salad with spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, pecans and red onions, bowl of sliced strawberries in the background

You guys already knnnnow I’m a self-proclaimed salad queen. Not only do I love eating salads but I love making them (on the reg!). It’s not rare for me to serve a salad and only a salad for lunch or dinner. And for the record, my grown man of a boyfriend never has a single complaint.

I’m not even lying when I tell you that my favourite food as a kid growing up was legitimately salad. Ok, and maybe tacos. But salad has always had a special place in my heart… even since the beginning of time!

Yes, this spinach salad with strawberries might have summer written all over it. But that doesn’t mean I don’t gulp it down any time of year! It’s hard not to when something is as quick to make and delicious as this! 😉 And did I mention that it just so happens to be Keto friendly. Now we’re talkin’…

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS SPINACH SALAD WITH STRAWBERRIES RECIPE

ingredients for spinach salad with strawberries recipe - spinach, strawberries, pecans, goat cheese, slivered almonds, basil, butter, salt, cayenne, cinnamon, poppy seed dressing, red onion
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

This delicious strawberry spinach salad is packed and loaded with fresh, healthy, and wholesome ingredients! Let’s get into them in a little bit more detail down below:

  • Spinach: The base of this fresh, summer salad. Fresh baby spinach works best in this recipe. However, if you don’t like spinach or don’t have any on hand, feel free to switch it up. Arugula, kale, lettuce, or mixed baby greens all make great alternatives.

  • Strawberries: The star of the show in this spinach salad recipe! They add a natural sweetness and juicy freshness to the salad that is perfect for those hot summer months. For best results, make sure your strawberries are ripe, fresh and juicy! If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, try replacing the strawberries with blueberries, mandarin oranges, mango, or dried cranberries.

  • Goat Cheese: Adds a soft, tangy creaminess to this spinach salad with strawberries. IMHO, it’s the perfect pairing for the pecans and strawberries. However, if you don’t have any goat cheese on hand, try using a different kind of cheese. Blue cheese or gorgonzola, parmesan, and feta all make great options for this spinach strawberry salad.

  • Red Onion: Adds crispness, freshness, and the perfect oniony bite to the salad. White onion will also work great in this recipe. If you’re sensitive to the flavour of onions or are worried about it overpowering the salad, simply soak the slices in water beforehand or omit them from your salad completely.

  • Pecans and Slivered Almonds: Add a nice crunchy texture and spicy bite to the salad. They’re coated in butter and doused in cayenne, cinnamon, and salt for an extra boost of flavour. Trust me, toasting the pecans makes all the difference! You can always switch up the type of nut, if you prefer. Walnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or pistachios are great alternatives. But whatever you do, be sure to toast them!

  • Basil: Adds a herby freshness to the salad that balances out the flavour of the rest of the ingredients. Basil and strawberries are like a match made in heaven (IYKYK). Therefore, fresh basil is best in this recipe.

side view of a spinach salad with strawberries, goat cheese, red onions and pecans with a poppy seed dressing

HOW TO MAKE SPINACH SALAD WITH STRAWBERRIES (KEY TIPS)

hand holding a bowl of spinach salad with strawberries, nuts, onions and goat cheese

You can find full instructions for how to make this healthy spinach salad with strawberries in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind for this recipe:

  • Use fresh ingredients. Freshness definitely matters when it comes to salads as most of the time the ingredients are kept raw. Fresh is best and will absolutely make a difference in your overall salad!

  • Keep a close eye on the nuts while they’re toasting to ensure they don’t burn. Nuts can go from good to burnt in no time at all so keep stirring and check on them frequently. Once they start to brown, remove them from the heat.

  • Spread the ingredients out over top of the spinach for best results. I like to sprinkle them on in layers, so to speak. That way, you have a better chance of getting all of the ingredients in one bite. EXTRA TIP: When eating the salad, be sure to give it a thorough mix so all the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated in the dressing before enjoying.

  • Don’t put the dressing on too soon or you’ll run the risk of the salad losing it’s freshness and wilting. Instead, top the salad with the lemon poppy seed dressing just before serving or eating. EXTRA TIP: If you anticipate leftovers, don’t dress the entire salad all at once and store the dressing and salad in separate containers until ready to eat again.
salad with spinach, sliced strawberries, goat cheese, red onions and pecans, next to serving utensils, bowl of dressing and lemon
FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DRESSING SHOULD I USE FOR SPINACH STRAWBERRY SALAD?

This homemade lemon poppy seed dressing is honestly the perfect pairing for this spinach strawberry salad! It adds the perfect citrusy notes, freshness, and texture to the salad. It’s so easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand and it’s ready in just 10 minutes!

However, if you’re feeling something a little different try it with this creamy roasted sesame dressing, creamy blue cheese dressing or this healthy Greek yogurt ranch dressing instead!

WHAT SHOULD I SERVE WITH THIS SPINACH STRAWBERRY SALAD?

If you’re looking to make this salad an even more hearty meal, try adding some protein on top before serving. Grilled chicken or air fried chicken breasts, chickpeas, quinoa, parmesan crusted fish, pork skewers, or hard boiled eggs are always great additions to any meal. A light soup such as this Keto cauliflower soup or 5 minute egg drop soup also pair really well with this salad.

HOW LONG DOES SPINACH SALAD WITH STRAWBERRIES LAST IN THE FRIDGE?

Because we’re using fresh ingredients, this salad is best if consumed immediately. However, if you have leftovers store them in an airtight container separate from the dressing. Keep them in the fridge and eat within a day as the juiciness of the strawberries and creaminess of the goat cheese will also contribute to the salad turning soggy over time.

PRO TIP: If you anticipate leftovers, don’t dress the entire salad at once as the dressing will make the salad soggy the longer it sits. Instead, only dress what you’re going to eat and then store the leftover dressing and salad in separate containers to preserve freshness.

side view of a spinach salad with strawberries, goat cheese, red onions and pecans

LOVE SPINACH SALADS? Then you have to try my spinach salad with pears, walnuts, and blue cheese next!

MORE TASTY SUMMER SALAD RECIPES

KETO FRIENDLY CAULIFLOWER “POTATO” SALAD

LOADED BROCCOLI AND BACON SALAD

HOMEMADE CAESAR SALAD FROM SCRATCH

PF CHANG’S CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAP SALAD

FRESH CUCUMBER SALAD WITH DILL

EASY GRILLED CHICKEN SALADS (TWO WAYS)

TANGY PASTA SALAD WITH TUNA

NO MAYO POTATO SALAD

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PIN FOR SPINACH SALAD WITH STRAWBERRIES RECIPE
two forks on a bowl of salad with spinach, sliced strawberries, goat cheese, red onions and pecans, bowl of sliced strawberries in the background

SPINACH SALAD WITH STRAWBERRIES RECIPE

Andrea Lagana
This Spinach Salad with Strawberries Recipe is perfect for those Summer months when it's too hot to turn on the oven or you don't feel like cooking! It's fast, fresh, flavourful and the perfect homemade poppy seed dressing sends it over the top!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, main meal, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 2 Servings
Calories 429 kcal

Ingredients
  

FOR THE SALAD

FOR THE SPICY TOASTED NUTS

  • â…“ cup Pecans
  • ¼ cup Slivered Almonds
  • 1 tbsp Butter
  • ¼ tsp Cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp Cayenne
  • ¼ Salt

Instructions
 

  • Wash, dry, hull, and thinly slice your strawberries.
    bowl of sliced strawberries
  • In a small pan over medium heat, add the butter.
    butter melting in a cast iron skillet on a burner
  • Once frothy and melted, add the pecans, slivered almonds, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt.
    melted butter frothing in a cast iron skillet on a burner
  • Stir to combine.
    pecans and slivered almonds in a cast iron skillet on a burner with spices and melted butter
  • Cook, stirring frequently, until nice and toasted, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool until ready to use.
    pecans and slivered almonds in a cast iron skillet on a burner
  • Divide the spinach amongst two large bowls. Top with sliced strawberries, spicy toasted nuts, goat cheese, red onions, basil, and desired amount of homemade lemon poppy seed dressing. Serve immediately.
    salad with spinach, sliced strawberries, goat cheese, red onions, pecans and poppy seed dressing

Video

Notes

The nutritional information for this spinach strawberry salad does not include the dressing. For the nutritional details on the lemon poppy seed dressing, check the recipe card on that post.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 429kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 16gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 259mgPotassium: 372mgFiber: 6gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1471IUVitamin C: 47mgCalcium: 161mgIron: 3mg
Keyword lemon poppy seed dressing, lunch, poppy seed dressing, Salad, salad recipe, Spinach, spinach salad, spinach salad with strawberries, strawberry salad with spinach, strawberry spinach salad, summer salad
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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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