Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese is a fresh and colorful mix that's perfect for spring or summer. The sweet, juicy strawberries pair wonderfully with the peppery spinach leaves, while…

By Willow • February 1, 2026 • Reading time: 5 min

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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese is a fresh and colorful mix that’s perfect for spring or summer. The sweet, juicy strawberries pair wonderfully with the peppery spinach leaves, while creamy goat cheese adds a smooth, tangy touch. A handful of crunchy nuts or seeds often finishes it off, making every bite a little different and exciting.

I love making this salad when I want something light but still satisfying. The combination of textures and flavors always feels special, even if it’s just a simple meal. I usually add a bit of balsamic vinaigrette to tie everything together—it’s just the right amount of tang and sweetness. Plus, goat cheese always makes me feel like I’m treating myself.

This salad is great on its own or as a side alongside grilled chicken or fish. Whenever I bring it to a picnic or dinner party, it’s one of those dishes that everyone asks for again. It’s easy to put together but looks bright and festive, making it a favorite in my house. I find that fresh, ripe strawberries really make all the difference, so I try to pick the best ones I can find.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Baby Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is tender and mild, making it perfect for this salad. If you can’t find baby spinach, baby kale or mixed spring greens can work too. Just pick something soft and not too bitter.

Strawberries: Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen (thawed) can work, but fresh is always better for texture and taste.

Goat Cheese: The tangy, creamy goat cheese adds a nice contrast to the sweet berries. If you don’t like goat cheese, feta or ricotta salata are good alternatives.

Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and a bit of earthiness. You can swap in almonds or toasted pumpkin seeds if you prefer.

Dressing: Balsamic vinegar and honey create a simple, sweet-tart dressing that ties the salad together. If you want, you can add a little Dijon mustard to the dressing for extra zing.

How Do I Keep Strawberries Fresh and Prevent the Salad from Getting Soggy?

Strawberries release juice that can make the salad soggy if not handled carefully. Here’s how to keep everything fresh:

• Wash the strawberries just before making the salad, not in advance.
• Dry them thoroughly to avoid extra moisture.
• Slice strawberries and add them to the salad right before serving.
• Toss the salad gently with dressing at the last moment to prevent wilting.

This way, your salad stays crisp, colorful, and tasty until the very last bite.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large salad bowl – big enough to toss spinach and strawberries without spilling.
• Sharp knife – makes slicing strawberries easy and clean.
• Cutting board – to slice the strawberries safely.
• Small whisk or jar with lid – perfect for mixing the dressing quickly.
• Skillet (optional) – for toasting nuts to bring out their flavor.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Add grilled chicken or sliced turkey for a protein boost that makes the salad a full meal.
• Use crumbled feta or blue cheese instead of goat cheese for a sharper flavor.
• Swap pecans for toasted almonds or sunflower seeds to change the crunch and taste.
• Add sliced avocado or cucumber for extra creaminess and freshness.

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This fresh salad takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare, including washing, slicing, and assembling. If you choose to toast the nuts, add an extra 5 minutes. It’s a quick, easy salad you can toss together anytime!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spinach and Strawberries:

Start by washing and drying your baby spinach leaves thoroughly. Place them in a large salad bowl. Then wash, hull (remove green tops), and slice your strawberries. Add the sliced strawberries to the spinach.

2. Add Goat Cheese and Nuts:

Crumble the goat cheese evenly over the salad. If you’re using nuts, toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until you can smell their nutty aroma. Let them cool slightly and then sprinkle over the salad.

3. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl or jar, combine balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is smooth and well mixed.

4. Dress and Toss the Salad:

Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to mix everything well but take care not to crush the strawberries. Serve immediately for the freshest flavors.

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for This Salad?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid making the salad soggy. Fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, though!

How Should I Store Leftover Salad?

It’s best to store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The prepared salad is freshest when eaten within a day as the spinach and strawberries can wilt quickly.

Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! The dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using to recombine the ingredients.

What Can I Substitute for Goat Cheese?

If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, feta cheese or ricotta salata make delicious alternatives that still add a lovely tangy creaminess to the salad.