If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant and refreshing salad that bursts with flavor and color, this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Basil Vinaigrette Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a perfect balance of tender baby spinach, juicy strawberries, tangy feta, and crunchy almonds, all tied together beautifully by a homemade basil vinaigrette that’s bright, fresh, and absolutely irresistible. This salad feels like a celebration on your plate and is so simple to whip up your taste buds will thank you every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface, each bowl containing different ingredients. One large bowl on the right is filled with fresh green spinach leaves, while smaller bowls hold bright red strawberries, green fresh basil leaves, and white crumbled cheese. There is also a small bowl with sliced almonds, and an even smaller bowl with salt and black pepper. Above the bowls, there is a transparent bottle filled with yellow olive oil and one whole yellow lemon nearby. The arrangement is clean and bright, highlighting the natural colors and textures of each ingredient. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this salad plays a starring role, coming together to create a harmony of textures and tastes that’s both satisfying and light. From the herbaceous punch of fresh basil to the sweet pop of strawberries, these ingredients are as essential as they are delightful.

Fresh basil leaves: These provide the key aromatic note in the vinaigrette, offering a wonderful herbal freshness.
Lemon (juiced): The bright acidity from lemon juice balances the sweetness of the strawberries and freshness of the basil.
Olive oil: A silky base for the dressing that ties all flavors together with a smooth mouthfeel.
Salt: Enhances all ingredients’ flavors and perfectly seasons the vinaigrette.
Pepper: Adds a gentle peppery hint to the dressing, elevating the salad’s complexity.
Baby spinach: The fresh, tender greens provide a mild canvas for the vibrant toppings.
Strawberries (quartered): Juicy and sweet, strawberries bring natural sweetness and a pop of color.
Feta cheese (crumbled): Creamy and slightly salty, feta adds a luxurious tangy note.
Sliced almonds: These add toasted crunch and a subtle nutty flavor for texture contrast.

How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Basil Vinaigrette Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Basil Vinaigrette

Begin by gathering your fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss all these ingredients into a food processor or blender. Pulse it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the mixture blends into a smooth, bright green dressing. This basil vinaigrette is the heart of the salad, lending it vibrancy and a fresh herbaceous zing that ties every bite together beautifully.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Lay out a bed of baby spinach in a large salad bowl or on a serving platter. Scatter the quartered strawberries evenly over the spinach for bursts of natural sweetness and visual appeal. Then sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds over the top. Each element here contributes unique textures and flavors — from creamy feta to crunchy almonds — enhancing every forkful wonderfully.

Step 3: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the freshly made basil vinaigrette generously over the salad right before serving. This ensures that all the delicate greens stay crisp while being kissed lightly by the herb-infused dressing. Toss gently if desired, or leave it beautifully layered for an elegant presentation. Your Spinach Strawberry Salad with Basil Vinaigrette Recipe is now ready to delight!

How to Serve Spinach Strawberry Salad with Basil Vinaigrette Recipe

An oval white plate filled with fresh spinach leaves piled high, showing many different shades of green and smooth textured leaves with visible veins and stems. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this salad even more, consider adding a few fresh basil leaves on top or a handful of microgreens. A light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few more toasted almonds can also give an attractive finishing touch. These simple garnishes make every serving feel special and enhance the salad’s fresh, natural flavors.

Side Dishes

This salad shines on its own or pairs beautifully with light poultry dishes like grilled chicken or turkey. It also complements seafood such as seared salmon or shrimp. For a vegetarian feast, serve it alongside hearty quinoa or a warm grain bowl to keep the meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve individual portions of this salad in chilled glass bowls or mason jars for a rustic-chic vibe. Layer the ingredients so the greens stay fresh on the bottom, with strawberries, feta, and almonds artfully visible. Alternatively, create a colorful platter with the salad components arranged side by side for a stunning, interactive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the basil vinaigrette separate in a small jar or container to prevent the greens from wilting. This way, your salad stays crisp and fresh for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Because of the delicate textures in the spinach and strawberries, freezing this salad or its components is not recommended. The ingredients will become mushy once thawed and lose their fresh appeal.

Reheating

Since this salad is best served fresh and chilled, it does not require reheating. Enjoy it straight from the fridge with the vinaigrette freshly mixed in for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use other greens instead of baby spinach?

Absolutely! Baby spinach works wonderfully here thanks to its tender texture and mild flavor, but you can try baby kale, arugula, or mixed spring greens for a slightly different bite and taste. Just keep in mind that sturdier greens may need smaller pieces or a lighter hand with the dressing.

How long can I keep the basil vinaigrette in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, the basil vinaigrette will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Give it a good shake or stir before using, as separation naturally occurs.

Can I substitute feta with another cheese?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of feta or want a milder flavor, goat cheese or ricotta salata work beautifully and offer a creamy, tangy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the strawberries and spinach.

Are the almonds essential in this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Basil Vinaigrette Recipe?

While not absolutely essential, almonds provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that balance the soft textures and sweet flavors in the salad. You can replace them with walnuts or pecans if you prefer, or omit nuts altogether if you have allergies.

Can I prepare this salad for a party?

Definitely! This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Basil Vinaigrette Recipe is a fantastic crowd-pleaser and easy to scale up. Just prepare the dressing and salad components separately and combine them close to serving time to keep everything crisp and fresh.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the combination of fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, tangy feta, crunchy almonds, and that luscious homemade basil vinaigrette. This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Basil Vinaigrette Recipe is not only incredibly easy to make, but it also brightens up any meal with its irresistible mix of flavors and textures. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your absolute favorite go-to salads to share with friends and family. Give it a whirl and watch it disappear from the bowl in no time!

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Basil Vinaigrette Recipe