Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

This strawberry spinach salad is a fresh, easy spring recipe with sweet, savory flavors and a simple dressing that makes it feel special without extra work.

For more spring salad recipes, try our Roasted Broccoli salad with butter beans and lemon dressing, healthy coleslaw with Greek yogurt, Mediterranean chopped lentil salad.

Close up of strawberry spinach salad with juicy strawberries creamy feta and toasted almonds.

Why you’ll love this Strawberry Spinach Salad!

This strawberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing is the kind of recipe that makes a holiday table feel fresh, colorful, and easy 🌸🍓🥗

Louise and I are already planning to have this on our Easter table this year, here in our new home in Pesaro, Italy. It feels just right for the season—simple, beautiful, and full of bright flavors.

You get sweet strawberries, creamy feta, tender butter beans, and crunchy almonds in every bite. The balsamic honey mustard poppy seed dressing adds a sweet, tangy finish that ties everything together.

It’s also a nutritious, fiber-rich, and satisfying salad that fits well into a balanced, Mediterranean-style eating pattern. Perfect when you want something light, but still generous and comforting.

P.S. Love bean-based salads with Mediterranean flavors? Try our Antipasto Bean Salad, Butter Bean Caesar Salad, Mediterranean Bean Salad, and Greek Bean Salad.

Ingredients

Full ingredients and substitutions are in the recipe box below.

Baby spinach: tender and mild, perfect as a base. Substitute arugula, mixed greens, or chopped kale. If using kale, it’s a bit rough, so massage it with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice for a couple of minutes to soften it.
Fresh strawberries: sweet and juicy, they bring brightness. Substitute raspberries, blueberries, sliced peaches, or apple for a twist of this spring spinach salad with strawberries.
Butter beans: soft and creamy, they make the salad more filling. You can leave them out for a lighter salad, or substitute cannellini beans, chickpeas, lentils, or diced avocado for a fresh, creamy twist.
Feta cheese: adds a salty, creamy bite. Substitute goat cheese, or use torn burrata for extra creaminess, or small mozzarella balls for a milder flavor.
Slivered or shaved almonds: lightly toasted for crunch and a richer flavor. Substitute pine nuts, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture.
Extra virgin olive oil: gives richness to the dressing. Substitute avocado oil or a light neutral oil.
Balsamic vinegar: adds sweetness and depth. Substitute red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Honey: balances the dressing. Substitute maple syrup or agave.
Dijon mustard: adds a gentle tang. Substitute yellow mustard or whole grain mustard.
Poppy seeds: small and nutty, they give texture. You can skip or replace with sesame seeds.

Strawberry spinach salad with feta almonds and beans on platter in bright natural light.

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Step 1. Make the dressing

Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and a few twists of black pepper to a small jar or bowl.

Whisk well until the dressing looks smooth, glossy, and lightly thickened. You want the oil and vinegar to come together into a balsamic poppy seed dressing that tastes sweet, tangy, and balanced.

Step 1 Whisking balsamic poppy seed dressing in small bowl on marble surface near window.

Step 2. Marinate the beans

Drain and rinse the butter beans, then shake off as much water as you can. Add them to a bowl.

Pour in about half of the dressing and toss gently to coat. This small step gives the beans much more flavor and helps turn the salad into a more satisfying easy spring salad recipe.

Step 2 Butter beans tossed with dressing in bowl with glossy coating and natural light.

Step 3. Build the salad base

Spread the baby spinach on a large shallow platter or serving dish.

Spoon over half of the marinated butter beans and half of the sliced strawberries. Add another light layer of spinach, then finish with the remaining beans and strawberries.

Crumble the feta over the top and sprinkle with the toasted shaved almonds. This layering makes the salad look full and balanced in every bite.

Step 3 Layering spinach beans and strawberries on platter with soft window light.

Step 4. Add the final touches

Drizzle the remaining dressing evenly over the salad just before serving.

Serve right away while the spinach is fresh and the almonds stay crisp.

Step 4 Drizzling dressing over strawberry spinach salad with almonds and feta on top.

Tips

Dress just before serving: This keeps the spinach fresh and prevents it from wilting too early.
Dry the beans well: After rinsing, shake off excess water so the dressing sticks better.
Taste the dressing: Adjust salt, sweetness, or acidity to your liking before adding it to the salad.
Toast the almonds: A few minutes in a dry pan makes a big difference in flavor and crunch.
Layer, don’t toss: Building the salad in layers keeps it light and helps everything look beautiful on the table.
Use ripe but firm strawberries: They should be sweet but not too soft so they hold their shape.
If you are cooking for mixed diets: Serve the feta on the side so everyone can add it if they like.
Make it ahead (partially): Prep the dressing, beans, and toppings in advance, but assemble just before serving.
Balance the flavors: If your strawberries are very sweet, add a little extra vinegar to the dressing. If they aren’t add an extra teaspoon of honey.
Keep it flexible: This salad works well with whatever nuts, cheese, or beans you have on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep everything in advance, but keep the dressing separate and assemble just before serving to keep it fresh.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries work best here, as frozen ones turn soft and watery, so if they’re not in season it’s better to use pear, raspberries, or blueberries instead.

What can I use instead of butter beans?

Cannellini beans, chickpeas, or lentils all work well in this healthy strawberry spinach salad. Or you can skip them for a lighter salad.

How to store this strawberry spinach salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep in mind the spinach may soften after dressing.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, simply skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.

What protein can I add to make it a full meal?

Shredded rotisserie chicken, roasted chicken leftovers, or grilled shrimp all work really well here and pair nicely with the sweet and tangy flavors.

Can I use a different dressing?

Absolutely. A simple lemon vinaigrette or mustard dressing works well if you don’t have poppy seeds.

Do I have to toast the almonds?

You don’t have to, but it adds a deeper flavor and a nicer crunch.

More Fresh Mediterranean-style Salads and Potluck Ideas

If you try this Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it turned out in the comments—we love hearing from you.