Strawberry spinach salad with strawberry vinaigrette is fresh, vibrant, and tossed in a homemade dressing that brings out the best in every bite. With sweet berries, crunchy almonds, and a tangy-smooth vinaigrette, it’s a simple yet flavorful salad that’s always a hit.

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
Strawberry spinach salad is one of those simple recipes that always delivers on flavor. The mix of fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, and crunchy almonds is already a great start, but the homemade strawberry vinaigrette really ties everything together. It’s a quick blend of fresh berries, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and oil, making it tangy, slightly sweet, and just the right consistency to coat every bite.
I like to keep the salad itself pretty simple—no extra ingredients that distract from the fresh flavors. The red onion adds just enough bite to balance the sweetness, and the almonds bring a little crunch. Once everything is tossed together, the dressing soaks into the spinach just enough without making it soggy, keeping every bite crisp and flavorful.
This salad is best served right away while everything is at its freshest. It’s great on its own, but it also pairs well with grilled chicken or as a side for a bigger meal. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a light, refreshing dish for dinner, it’s easy to throw together and always satisfying.
Why I Love This Recipe
- The vinaigrette is made with real strawberries. No artificial flavors just fresh berries blended into a smooth, tangy dressing that makes every bite taste like summer.
- It comes together fast. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this salad is ready to go in no time.
- It’s easy to customize. Sometimes I swap the almonds for pecans, add some feta, or toss in grilled chicken to make it a meal.

Ingredients
Every ingredient adds to the sweet, tang or crunch. It all matters.
- Strawberries – in both the salad and vinaigrette for sweetness and color.
- Fresh lemon juice – brightens everything up.
- Apple cider vinegar – adds a clean tang that balances the fruit.
- Avocado oil or light olive oil – keeps the vinaigrette smooth and light.
- Black pepper – gives a little edge to all that sweetness.
- Fresh spinach – soft, earthy, and perfect with fruit.
- Sliced almonds – bring crunch and a light nuttiness.
- Red onion – adds sharpness that keeps things from tasting one-note.
This salad has its own strawberry vinaigrette, but it also pairs nicely with my honey champagne vinaigrette if you want something a little more classic with a spark of acidity.

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
Find the complete printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the BOTTOM OF THE POST.
- Step One (blend the vinaigrette)
Add all the vinaigrette ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. That’s it. Quick, simple, and it smells amazing. Set it aside while you build the salad. - Step Two (mix the salad)
Grab a big bowl and add all the salad ingredients. Toss everything together until it looks evenly mixed and every piece of spinach gets a little shine from the dressing. - Step Three (serve and enjoy)
Serve it up right away, this one’s best fresh.

Recipe Tips
If you want to make this salad even better, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use the freshest strawberries. Since they’re the star of both the salad and the vinaigrette, ripe, sweet berries make all the difference.
- Slice the onions thin. A little red onion goes a long way, so cutting it into super-thin slices keeps the flavor balanced.
- Toast the almonds for extra crunch. A quick toast in a dry pan brings out their nutty flavor and adds even more texture.

Storage and Leftovers
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- Keep the dressing separate. If you plan on saving some for later, store the vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Store the salad without dressing. Leftover spinach and strawberries can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for about a day, but they’ll start to soften.
- Revive before serving. If the spinach looks a little wilted, give it a quick toss with fresh greens before adding the dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a good shake before using. - What can I use instead of almonds?
Pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds all work well if you need a nut-free option. - Can I use frozen strawberries for the dressing?
Yes, but let them thaw first so they blend smoothly. Fresh strawberries will give the best flavor. - How can I make this a full meal?
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some crumbled feta for extra protein and flavor. - What’s the best way to slice the strawberries?
Thin slices work best so they mix easily with the spinach and soak up the vinaigrette. - Can I Use Store-Bought Lemon Juice In Place of Freshly Squeezed?
The brightness and freshness of freshly squeezed lemon juice is incomparable. You can surely use store-bought lemon juice, but the vinaigrette will not be as zingy as it could. - Can I Use Store-Bought Dressing?
You can absolutely use a store-bought vinaigrette or other salad dressing to make this dish even faster and easier, but hopefully you make the fresh version since it’s so simple to put together and tastes amazing!

More Salad Recipes
- Orange and Avocado Salad
- Cucumber Edamame Salad
- Avocado and Three Bean Salad
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Beet Salad with Feta
- Spinach Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
Equipment
- measuring cups and spoons Helpful for getting the right balance of ingredients in the vinaigrette.
- mixing bowls For tossing the salad ingredients together.
- Knife To slice the strawberries and red onion cleanly.
- Blender Needed to blend the vinaigrette until smooth and well combined.
Ingredients
Vinaigrette:
- 1-1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 2 tbsps. fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsps. apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsps. avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp. finely ground black pepper
Salad:
- 16 oz. fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced
- 10 oz. fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 3/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Add all the vinaigrette ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.1-1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries, 2 tbsps. fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsps. apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsps. avocado oil , 1/4 tsp. finely ground black pepper
- In a large bowl, combine the salad ingredients and toss well.16 oz. fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced, 10 oz. fresh spinach, washed and dried, 3/4 cup sliced almonds, 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know how it turned out.
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Betsy Carney says
Perfect summer salad! Love the dressing so much!
Cathy says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Krystle says
This is one of my favorite salads. So fresh and flavorful.
Toni says
This was really amazing! That vinaigrette is truly a must-make!
wilhelmina says
Great salad! This dressing is out of this world delicious!