Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

This recipe for strawberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing is one I make on repeat all through strawberry season—it’s fresh, colorful, and comes together in no time.

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This is one of those recipes I look forward to every spring when the strawberries are ripe and juicy. It starts with a base of fresh spinach or any baby leafy greens (I really love the Power Greens mix) then gets piled high with fragrant strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, crunchy almonds, and salty feta cheese. The sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing pulls everything together and makes each bite feel bright and balanced.

It’s definitely a classic combination that I keep coming back to because it’s just so simple and fresh. The strawberries add the prettiest pop of color and sweetness, making it feel a little extra special—perfect for a summer party menu or a quick family dinner.

That said, it’s easy enough to throw together for a quick spring side, which is exactly why I make it on repeat this time of year.

5 Reasons Why This Spinach Salad Is a Favorite

1. Perfect balance—The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy poppy seed vinaigrette, sharp red onion hits every note.
2. Make-ahead friendly—prep components in advance
3. Great for entertaining, but easy enough for a casual family dinner
4. Versatile! Serve it as a side dish, or add rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken to turn it into a healthy meal or main course
5. Big flavor, minimal effort—simple ingredients + quick prep time
   

What’s in This Strawberry Spinach Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this fresh, flavorful spinach strawberry salad:

• Fresh strawberries – The star of the show! Adds juicy texture, vibrant color, and natural sweetness.
• Base of fresh spinach – Baby spinach is my go-to here because it’s tender and mild, but mature spinach works too. If you’re using larger leaves, just give them a quick chop.
• Red onions – Adds a sharp, savory bite that balances the sweetness of the strawberries. Slice the red onions thinly so it doesn’t overpower the salad.
• Crunchy almonds (or toasty pecans) – For that perfect extra crunch and a warm, nutty flavor that makes this salad feel a little more special.
• Feta cheese (or creamy feta / goat cheese) – This is what ties everything together. The tangy feta adds a salty contrast that pairs perfectly with the sweet strawberries and bright poppy seed dressing
• Sunflower seeds or sesame seeds are a great addition (optional) 

My Easy Poppy Seed Dressing

With just a handful of simple ingredients from the grocery store, you can skip the store-bought versions and make a homemade poppyseed dressing that’s fresh, flavorful, and especially perfect during strawberry season.

• Olive oil
• White wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• Lemon juice for extra freshness
• Dijon mustard
• Honey or sugar
• Poppy seeds
• A pinch of salt

To make it, just add everything to a mason jar and shake until mixed well. You can also whisk it in a small bowl, but I love the jar method because it’s quick and easy (and perfect for storing any extra salad dressing).

Assemble the Salad

Once your dressing is ready, the salad comes together quickly in a large bowl.

1. Toss the base of fresh spinach with the sliced red onion.
2. Add the sliced fresh strawberries.
3. Drizzle with the poppy seed dressing recipe just before serving.
4. Top with feta cheese and nuts, then toss gently.
   

Possible Swaps

This spinach strawberry salad is really easy to adapt, depending on what you have on hand.

• Switch up the fruit: Instead of fresh strawberries, try blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, mandarin oranges, or even thinly sliced apples or pears
• Change the greens: Swap the base of fresh spinach for spring mix or butter lettuce for a softer, more delicate texture—you may want to take a look at my 12 Green Leaf Lettuce Recipes for inspiration.
• Try a different crunch: Use toasted walnuts or pine nuts like in my Crunchy Romaine Salad.
• Mix up the creamy element: Replace feta cheese with blue cheese, or use diced avocado for a dairy-free option.

Want to try another dressing on this salad? Swap with My Maple Mustard Salad Dressing or Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Keep the salad and poppy seed dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

• Make ahead: You can assemble the salad (without the salad dressing) up to 1 day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge so the leafy greens stay fresh.
• Dressing: The homemade poppyseed dressing can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in a mason jar or airtight container. If the olive oil solidifies, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and give it a shake.
• Leftovers: Undressed salad keeps well for up to 3 days. Once tossed with the dressing, this fresh salad is best enjoyed within a few hours.

Light & Fresh Pairings

This strawberry and spinach salad with poppy seed dressing pairs easily with a range of mains. For something light, try it with this shrimp tofu broccoli recipe.

Or for an all plant-based meal, serve with potato and eggplant curry or alongside my orzo-stuffed vegetables (this one has ham, but you could totally leave it out).