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This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing is a fresh, easy salad packed with sweet strawberries, salty bacon, creamy feta, and a homemade dressing that brings it all together.

It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to potlucks.

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing is a fresh, easy salad packed with flavor. This spinach strawberry salad is perfect when you want something light, quick, and satisfying.

large bowl of strawberry spinach salad with balsamic poppy seed dressing, bacon, feta, pecans, and sliced strawberries with serving utensils

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Table of Contents

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Ingredients

NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Spinach

Fresh spinach adds a tender base with a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory toppings.

Strawberries

Juicy, ripe strawberries bring natural sweetness and a pop of color to the salad.

Feta cheese

Crumbled feta adds a creamy, tangy contrast that balances the fruit’s sweetness.

Bacon

Crispy bacon adds a salty, savory bite and extra texture to this salad.

Pecans

Toasted pecans add crunch and a rich, nutty flavor, tying everything together.

Balsamic poppy seed dressing

This homemade dressing combines balsamic vinegar, oil, seeds, and seasonings for a sweet-and-tangy finish.

bowls of fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, cooked bacon pieces, and chopped pecans on a patterned surface for strawberry spinach salad
small bowls of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced onion, paprika, and black pepper for balsamic poppy seed dressing

Ingredients & Substitutions

NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

  • spinach leaves – substitute with mixed greens or romaine if needed
  • strawberries – substitute with blueberries, blackberries, or sliced peaches
  • feta cheese – substitute with goat cheese or blue cheese
  • bacon – substitute with turkey bacon or omit for a vegetarian option
  • pecans – substitute with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios
  • toasted sesame seeds – no substitution recommended
  • poppy seeds – optional, can be omitted
  • granulated sugar – substitute with honey or maple syrup
  • olive oil – substitute with avocado oil
  • balsamic vinegar – no substitution recommended
  • paprika – no substitution recommended
  • Worcestershire sauce – substitute with soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • minced onion – substitute with finely chopped shallots
  • black pepper – no substitution recommended

Variations

  • Swap strawberries for blueberries, blackberries, or mandarin oranges
  • Use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta
  • Add grilled chicken to turn this into a full meal
  • Try candied pecans for a sweeter twist
  • Add avocado or red onion for extra flavor and texture
  • Turn this into a strawberry salad with balsamic dressing using your favorite store-bought option
close-up of strawberry spinach salad with balsamic poppy seed dressing, bacon, feta, pecans, and sliced strawberries on a plate

Tips for Best Results

  • Use fresh, dry spinach to prevent a soggy salad
  • Add dressing right before serving
  • Toast nuts for a deeper flavor
  • Use ripe strawberries for the best taste

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but store the ingredients and dressing separately until ready to serve.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, but the homemade balsamic poppy seed dressing adds the best flavor.

What protein can I add to this salad?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even steak work well.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon or use a plant-based alternative.

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How to Store Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

Store the salad ingredients and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping them separate helps maintain the texture and freshness. Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately.

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

This fruit spinach salad comes together quickly with minimal prep. You’ll layer fresh ingredients, blend the dressing, and toss everything together just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Quick steps:

  1. Add spinach to a large bowl
  2. Top with strawberries, feta, bacon, and pecans
  3. Blend dressing ingredients until smooth
  4. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve

Serve this salad alongside your favorite mains or pair it with something hearty like a comforting pasta dish or a protein-packed dinner. If you’re planning a full meal, something like a creamy casserole or even a simple grilled chicken dish works beautifully with these fresh flavors. And if you’re finishing things off with dessert, something rich and chocolatey or a light citrus treat makes a great contrast.

This easy spinach salad is a go-to for a quick, fresh dish that works for any occasion.

plate of fresh spinach leaves with bowls of bacon and strawberries nearby for strawberry spinach salad preparation
spinach leaves on a plate topped with sliced strawberries for strawberry spinach salad
spinach and strawberries topped with crumbled feta cheese on a plate for strawberry spinach salad
spinach, strawberries, and feta topped with crispy bacon pieces for strawberry spinach salad
spinach, strawberries, feta, and bacon topped with chopped pecans for strawberry spinach salad
ingredients for balsamic poppy seed dressing in a food processor before blending
blended balsamic poppy seed dressing with sesame seeds and poppy seeds in a food processor
large bowl of strawberry spinach salad with balsamic poppy seed dressing, bacon, feta, pecans, and sliced strawberries with serving utensils
finished strawberry spinach salad with balsamic poppy seed dressing, bacon, feta, pecans, and strawberries on a plate

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close-up of strawberry spinach salad with balsamic poppy seed dressing, bacon, feta, pecans, and sliced strawberries with serving utensils
square image of strawberry spinach salad with balsamic poppy seed dressing, bacon, feta, pecans, and sliced strawberries on a plate
4.67 from 3 votes
Servings: 8 servings

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

By Jamie Sherman
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing is the perfect quick salad with fruit, feta, bacon, and homemade dressing.
Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients 

For the salad

  • 8 cups spinach leaves
  • 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup Feta cheese, crumbled
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • ½ cup pecans, lightly toasted

For the dressing

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon minced onion
  • pinch ground black pepper

Instructions 

  • Add spinach to a large serving bowl or platter.
    8 cups spinach leaves
  • Top with strawberries, feta cheese, bacon, and pecans.
    2 cups strawberries, ½ cup Feta cheese, 6 slices bacon, ½ cup pecans
  • In a blender or food processor, combine all dressing ingredients. Blend for 30-60 seconds until smooth and well combined.
    2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, ½ cup olive oil, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon minced onion, pinch ground black pepper
  • Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving.
  • Toss gently if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

  • Store salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
  • Keep dressing refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 1 week
  • Toss salad just before serving for the best texture

♨️ REHEATING

  • No reheating needed
  • If bacon is stored separately, reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm and crisp

❄️ FREEZING

  • Freezing not recommended due to texture changes in spinach and strawberries

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Use fresh, dry spinach to prevent a soggy salad
  • Add dressing right before serving to keep everything crisp
  • Toast nuts for extra flavor and crunch
  • Use ripe strawberries for the best sweetness

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

  • Air fryer bacon: cook at 350°F for 7-9 minutes until crispy
  • Oven bacon: bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes on a baking sheet
  • Stovetop bacon: cook over medium heat until crisp

♻️ LEFTOVERS

  • Add leftover salad to wraps or sandwiches
  • Toss with grilled chicken for a quick meal
  • Use extra dressing as a marinade or drizzle for roasted vegetables

📝 NOTES

  • Dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator
  • Shake or stir dressing well before using
  • This salad is easily customizable with your favorite fruits, nuts, or cheeses

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 28g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 16g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 19mg, Sodium: 245mg, Potassium: 326mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 2898IU, Vitamin C: 30mg, Calcium: 127mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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16 Comments

  1. Shirlene says:

    I’ve made this soooo many times now and absolutely love it!!! Just have one question though…do you need to refrigerate the left over dressing? Find it gets too thick in the fridge and hate to waste it lol

    Reply
    1. Jamie says:

      I usually refrigerate it and let it sit out for about 30 minutes or so before I need to use it – or run the bottle under warm water.

      Reply
  2. Carlee says:

    Oh my goodness, that looks absolutely perfect! I love fruit on salads ?

    Reply
  3. Paula Jones says:

    perfect combonation, I would love this, Jamie! Pinned to Saturday Dishes.

    Reply
  4. Miz Helen says:

    We will just love this salad. Your recipe is fabulous and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday. Have a great weekend and come back soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
  5. Randi@SowderingAbout says:

    Oh this looks so good!!! I might have to substitute the feta with blue cheese 🙂

    Thanks for posting!!!

    Reply