Spring Strawberry Spinach Salad

Featured in: Everyday Food Choices

Brighten your table with this refreshing spring strawberry spinach salad. Baby spinach blends with sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and candied pecans, crowned by a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Quick to assemble, it's perfect for a festive Easter side or a light lunch. The sweet-savory balance fits vegetarian and gluten-free diets, and offers easy customization for alternative proteins or allergens. Serve immediately for best texture, and pair with your favorite chilled wine for an elegant touch.

Updated on Sun, 29 Mar 2026 03:41:55 GMT
Fresh spring strawberry spinach salad with creamy goat cheese, candied pecans, and tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Save
Fresh spring strawberry spinach salad with creamy goat cheese, candied pecans, and tangy balsamic vinaigrette. | ighirbites.com

Ingredients

  • The base of the salad—make sure it’s dry for a crisp bite and no sogginess.
  • Ripe and sweet berries add color and a juicy pop, slice them right before mixing.
  • Creamy and tangy; crumble it by hand for soft nuggets dispersed through the salad.
  • Balances the tang with a buttery crunch; rough chop keeps texture without overpowering.
  • A mild sharpness that cuts the sweetness—thin slices mellow quickly in the vinaigrette.
  • The silky backbone of your dressing, choose a fresh bottle for best results.
  • Rich and tart, it’s what lifts the salad; opt for a syrupy balsamic for more depth.
  • Adds a hint of floral sweetness, but maple syrup works beautifully for a plant-based option.
  • Brings everything together and helps emulsify the dressing so it doesn’t separate.
  • Adjustable to taste, but don’t skip the pepper—it sparkles on the strawberries.

Instructions

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Q&A About the Recipe

What can I use instead of goat cheese?

Swap goat cheese with plant-based cheese or omit entirely for a dairy-free option.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas make excellent additions for extra protein.

How do I make the vinaigrette smoother?

Whisk ingredients well to emulsify, ensuring a silky and uniform dressing consistency.

Is this salad suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free; always double-check product labels.

Can nuts be substituted?

Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds, or omit nuts if necessary for allergies.

What's the best wine pairing?

Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy flavors in this salad.

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Spring Strawberry Spinach Salad

Crisp spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, and pecans tossed with a balsamic vinaigrette for a light spring side.

Prep Time
15 min
0
Total Time
15 min
Created by Sebastian Cole


Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Info Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You Need

Salad

01 5 ounces baby spinach, washed and dried
02 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
04 1/2 cup candied pecans, roughly chopped
05 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced

Balsamic Vinaigrette

01 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
02 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
03 1 teaspoon honey
04 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
05 Salt, to taste
06 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 01

Combine Salad Ingredients: Place baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and candied pecans in a large salad bowl.

Step 02

Prepare Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper until fully emulsified.

Step 03

Dress and Toss: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently using salad tongs to coat evenly.

Step 04

Finish and Serve: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese atop the salad and serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

  • Large salad bowl
  • Small bowl or jar for dressing
  • Whisk or fork
  • Salad tongs

Allergy Warnings

Carefully review every ingredient to spot any allergens. If unsure, check with a healthcare worker.
  • Contains tree nuts (pecans or walnuts) and dairy (goat cheese). Omit or substitute ingredients for nut or dairy allergies, and always verify product labels.

Nutrition (per portion)

Nutritional info for reference—don’t use as medical advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Fat content: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Protein: 6 g

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