If you’ve been craving something light, fresh, and just a little fancy without a whole lot of work, let me introduce you to your new go-to, this Refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad. It’s the kind of salad that looks impressive on the table but comes together in under 15 minutes—yes, really!

I don’t know about you, but once the weather starts warming up, I’m all about salads that feel like a mini celebration of spring and summer. And this one? Oh, it’s the ultimate ode to sunny days. We’re talking sweet, juicy strawberries, peppery fresh baby spinach, bright pops of citrus, tangy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a simple, zippy balsamic dressing that pulls it all together.

If that doesn’t make you want to grab a fork, I don’t know what will!

More Strawberry Recipes:

What Makes This Strawberry Spinach Salad So Special?

There’s something magical about the way sweet strawberries pair with tender spinach. Add in the citrusy punch from fresh orange slices, the mellow bite of thinly sliced red onion, and a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper, and you’ve got a salad that hits every note: sweet, savory, tart, and tangy.

But we’re not stopping there—because toppings matter! Crunchy walnuts add texture (plus a little boost of healthy fats), while creamy goat cheese adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth moment we all love.

And the homemade dressing? Chef’s kiss. It’s a simple balsamic vinaigrette—made with pantry staples like balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, a touch of local honey, and a little Dijon mustard. It’s bright, balanced, and just sweet enough to complement those strawberries.

How To Make This Strawberry Spinach Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to pull this salad together:

Ingredients For Strawberry Spinach Salad

For The Salad:
4 cups baby spinach, rinsed and patted dry
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 large orange, peeled and sliced
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
For The Dressing:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons honey (local if you can swing it!)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
For The Toppings:
1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

Step-By-Step Guide:

Ready to throw this deliciousness together? Here’s how:

Step 1: Start by layering the spinach, red onion, orange slices, and strawberries in a large salad bowl. Sprinkle a little sea salt and black pepper over the top to bring out the flavors.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth and emulsified. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Drizzle that gorgeous dressing over your salad and toss gently until everything is nicely coated.

Step 4: Transfer the salad to a large serving platter or portion it into individual bowls or plates if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 5: Top each serving with a handful of chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese.

Step 6: Serve immediately while the spinach is still crisp and the dressing is fresh.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad

Use fresh, ripe strawberries. This might seem obvious, but it really does make all the difference. If you can get your hands on local berries—do it!
Don’t skip the orange. The bright citrus balances the sweet strawberries and cuts through the richness of the goat cheese.
Toast your walnuts. If you have a few extra minutes, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. It deepens their flavor and makes them even crunchier.
Try a different cheese. Not a fan of goat cheese? Feta or even blue cheese crumbles work beautifully here, too.
Add a protein. Want to make this salad a meal? Top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
Make it ahead. You can prep the ingredients a few hours in advance (except for the dressing and toppings) and store them in the fridge. Wait to dress and top the salad until just before serving so it stays crisp.

There’s something about a fresh salad that makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body and your tastebuds at the same time. This one is simple enough for a quick weekday lunch but pretty enough to impress guests at brunch or a summer dinner party.

It’s light but satisfying, sweet but savory, healthy but not boring—and I guarantee you’ll come back to it all season long.

Whether you’re serving it up as a starter, a side, or a main course with a protein boost, this Strawberry Spinach Salad deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

So there you have it—an easy, vibrant, and absolutely delicious salad you can whip up any day of the week. If you make this, I’d love to know! Snap a photo, share it with your friends, or just savor it all to yourself. You earned it!