Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

This Spinach Strawberry Salad is a delightful summer favorite—bright, fresh, and simple to prepare. Tender baby spinach is tossed with ripe strawberries and blueberries, dressed in a sweet-tangy poppy seed dressing, and finished with creamy ricotta (or your choice of cheese) and crunchy candied pecans. Serve it as a refreshing side, or add grilled chicken or roasted salmon to make it a light main course. Naturally gluten-free and easy to customize.

This recipe has been a staple since 2013 for good reason: it balances sweet, salty, and savory flavors with contrasting textures—juicy fruit, crisp nuts, creamy cheese, and tender greens. It shines in spring and summer when strawberries are at their best.

The salad is very adaptable. Add avocado, cherry tomatoes, or your favorite protein—grilled lemon-herb chicken or balsamic-glazed salmon both pair beautifully. Make it as a side for a barbecue, an elegant starter, or bulk it up for an easy weeknight meal.

Once you try the combination of fresh berries, a poppy seed vinaigrette, and creamy cheese on a bed of spinach, this will likely become one of your go-to warm-weather salads.

Ingredients

For exact measurements and the printable recipe card, see the recipe section below.

• Spinach – about 8 cups of baby spinach leaves. For a peppery twist, substitute half the spinach with arugula (4 cups each).
• Strawberries – 1 cup, hulled and sliced, for bright sweetness.
• Blueberries – 1/2 cup, for extra berry flavor and color contrast.
• Red onion – 1/2 cup, thinly sliced. Swap in shallots if you prefer a milder, sweeter onion flavor.
• Poppy seed dressing – about 1/2 cup. A lightly sweet poppy-seed vinaigrette works best; you can use a homemade dressing or a good-quality store-bought variety.
• Candied pecans – 1/2 cup, chopped, for crunch and a touch of sweetness. If you want less sugar, use plain pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds instead.
• Ricotta cheese – 1/2 cup, dolloped on top. Creamy goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese are all tasty alternatives depending on the flavor profile you prefer.

Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing. Whisk together the poppy seed dressing ingredients or use a prepared dressing if you prefer. A homemade dressing brightens the salad, but a good bottled dressing saves time.
2. Toss the salad. In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle with the poppy seed dressing and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
3. Finish and serve. Transfer the dressed salad to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the chopped candied pecans over the top and add dollops of ricotta cheese. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired, and serve immediately.