This Strawberry Spinach Salad is fresh, flavorful, and packed with protein for a meal that's both light and satisfying. It's a 10-minute salad recipe loaded with sweet strawberries, crispy bacon, crumbled feta, and a homemade dressing.
If you're looking for a fresh, satisfying meal that feels a little elevated without requiring much effort, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is a great option. Baby spinach is topped with chicken, strawberries, bacon, feta cheese, and sliced almonds. Then it's finished with a simple homemade poppyseed dressing for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavor.
I'm always testing lighter salad recipes that still feel hearty enough to count as a real meal. After trying several combinations over the years, this version became one of my favorites because it balances fresh flavor, protein, and texture. It comes together in about 10 minutes and is easy to customize based on what you already have in the fridge!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Nutritious. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like baby spinach, strawberries, almonds, and grilled chicken, this salad provides a wholesome and satisfying meal.
- Simple & Elegant. It's surprisingly easy to prepare with a gourmet-quality flavor profile. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, whip up an impressive dish for any occasion!
- Customizable. Easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Add ingredients or omit ingredients to make this spinach chicken salad your own.
Key Ingredients
Below are the simple ingredients you need to make this strawberry spinach salad recipe. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page to see the exact amounts for each ingredient.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness to the salad dressing and balances the tanginess of the other ingredients.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy zing to the dressing that compliments the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken spinach salad.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Gives the dressing a rich, slightly sweet tang and enhances the flavor, especially of the strawberries and feta. Alternatively, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if preferred.
- Bacon: Use pre-cooked bacon of your choice and make it extra crispy for the best savory crunch.
- Strawberries: Fresh berries are the star of this salad and infuse the other ingredients with juicy sweetness and add a vibrant color.
- Crumbled Cheese: I used feta cheese for a creamy and tangy bite that perfectly pairs with the sweetness of the strawberries and dressing. Alternatively, you can use goat cheese, blue cheese, gorgonzola, or shaved parmesan.
- Grilled Chicken: Use leftover prepared chicken for the easiest preparation, or make your favorite chicken breast or thigh recipe ahead of time.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad
Below are photos and recipe steps to easily make this strawberry chicken salad recipe at home. You will also need a whisk, mixing bowl, cutting board, and a knife.
- Add all dressing ingredients to a jar or bowl and whisk until well combined. Set aside.
- Then assemble your salads in the salad bowls with spinach, bacon, strawberries, feta, almonds, and chicken.
- Drizzle with dressing, toss, and serve!
Tips and Tricks
- Toss the salad just before serving so the ingredients don’t get soggy. This will keep the spinach crisp and fresh for the most vibrant flavor and texture.
- Customize the toppings to your liking with additional ingredients like raspberries, avocado slices, chopped red onion, croutons, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
- Use the dressing as a chicken marinade to add even more flavor! Make extra dressing and cook the chicken in it. Then use the rest to top the finished salad!
Storage Instructions
This salad is best prepared fresh but you can also store the dressing and the salad ingredients separately if needed in two different airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Toss the salad ingredients with the dressing whenever you’re ready to serve!
Can I use frozen strawberries?
No, I don’t recommend using frozen berries as they will change the consistency and freshness of this spinach strawberry salad recipe. If you can’t find good fresh strawberries, you can substitute for another fresh berry like blueberries or blackberries. Figs or mandarin oranges would also be a tasty option!
Can I use a different salad dressing?
Yes, feel free to use whatever dressing you like instead of the recipe provided. A balsamic vinaigrette, raspberry vinaigrette, creamy poppy seed dressing, or plain balsamic vinegar would work great with this salad.
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Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients
Dressing:
- ¼ cup avocado or olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp mayo
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp poppyseeds
- ½ tsp white wine vinegar
- ¼ tsp salt
Salad:
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 4 slices crispy bacon chopped
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds
- 2 cups chopped grilled chicken
Nutrition Information
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