Strawberry Fennel Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

If you’re looking for a salad that’s anything but boring, say hello to this Strawberry Fennel Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette! It’s fresh, colorful, and just a little bit fancy — but don’t worry, it’s super easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight.

I love salads that feel like something special you’d order at a cute café, but that you can throw together in your own kitchen in about 10 minutes. This is that salad. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, peppery, and tangy — with juicy strawberries, crisp fennel, tender greens, salty Feta, and a zingy homemade dressing that you’ll want to drizzle on everything.

Let’s dive into how you can make this simple yet show-stopping salad at home.

More Arugula Salad Recipes To Try:

• Roasted Sweet Potato & Arugula Salad
• Lentil Salad with Cucumber, Feta, and Arugula
• Strawberry Arugula & Feta Salad with Balsamic Glaze

How To Make This Strawberry Fennel Salad

Step-By-Step Guide For The Strawberry Fennel Salad

No fancy techniques needed — this salad comes together in three quick steps:

Step 1: Make the vinaigrette. Grab a small glass bowl (or a jar with a lid if you prefer to shake it up). Whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a taste test — you can add more vinegar if you want it zingier, or a pinch more salt if you love it salty. Set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the salad. On a pretty platter or large salad bowl, layer the baby spinach and arugula first. Scatter the thinly sliced fennel on top, then add your sliced strawberries. Crumble the Feta over everything so you get a bit in every bite.

Step 3: Serve and enjoy! I love to serve this salad with the dressing on the side so everyone can drizzle to taste — plus, it keeps the greens nice and crisp. If you have fresh basil, tuck in a few sprigs for extra color and a hint of fresh herbal flavor. Serve immediately on chilled salad plates if you want to get extra fancy!

Why This Salad Works

First, let’s just appreciate how gorgeous this salad looks. It’s like springtime on a plate — deep green leaves, bright red berries, crisp white fennel, and creamy crumbles of Feta.

• The greens: Baby spinach and arugula make a lovely pair. Spinach is mild and tender, while arugula brings that peppery bite.
• The fennel: Fennel is the secret ingredient here — it’s super crisp with a subtle, slightly sweet anise flavor that pairs perfectly with fruit.
• The strawberries: They add sweetness and juiciness, which balances the salty Feta and sharp fennel.
• The Feta: Salty, tangy, and creamy — just enough richness to tie it all together.
• The vinaigrette: Quick to whisk together, and the Dijon mustard gives it a nice little kick. Rice wine vinegar keeps it light and bright.

Basically, every bite is balanced — a little sweet, a little savory, a little peppery, and totally refreshing.

This Strawberry Fennel Salad is perfect for a light lunch, a fancy brunch side, or as a starter for a spring or summer dinner party. It’s especially great for entertaining because you can prep all the ingredients in advance — just keep the greens and toppings separate, and toss it all together when you’re ready to serve.

Pair it with grilled chicken, salmon, or even a simple quiche for a complete meal that feels elegant but effortless.

So the next time you’re craving something light, fresh, and just a little bit special, grab some strawberries and fennel and toss this salad together. It’s proof that healthy food can be pretty, flavorful, and downright craveable — no sad desk salads here!

If you make this Strawberry Fennel Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette, let me know how you like it! I’d love to hear your tasty twists and see your pretty salad pics.