Strawberry Basil Salad Recipe with Spinach and Feta Cheese
This strawberry basil salad with spinach and feta is a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors. Juicy strawberries, fragrant basil, and creamy feta blend beautifully with a light dressing—perfect for any meal or gathering!
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I’ve always been a fan of green salads, but with my sweet tooth, I love a classic combination of sweet and savory flavors.
That’s why this strawberry basil salad with spinach and feta cheese is one of my absolute favorites!
The sweetness of strawberries, the crunch of candied walnuts, and the creamy tang of feta cheese (or goat cheese if you prefer) create a beautiful drizzle of flavors that make every bite delicious.
But the subtle star of the show is the basil…adding just the right savory, peppery note to the salad!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Basil Salad
So many reasons! But here are just a few…
- Perfect for strawberry season, when ripe strawberries are at their peak.
- A fresh twist on a classic Caprese salad with a mix of greens and fresh herbs.
- The main ingredient, fresh strawberries, adds a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with cheese and nuts.
- The dressing, made with white balsamic vinegar, enhances the flavors with just the right balance of acidity and sweetness.
- Ideal for summer salads, whether as a side salad for barbecues or a refreshing light meal.
Ingredient List
For the Salad:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and quartered
- 6 cups baby spinach and arugula mix, washed and dried
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese or blue cheese for variation)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 cup walnuts
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp. butter
For the Strawberry Honey Vinaigrette:
- 3–4 ripe strawberries
- 2–3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp grain mustard
- 2–3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
How to Make Candied Walnuts
Candied walnuts add the perfect crunch to this strawberry spinach salad. Here’s how to make them:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add 1 cup of walnuts and stir continuously until they are coated and caramelized, about 3–5 minutes.
- Transfer the nuts to a parchment-lined surface, spreading them out to cool completely.
- Once cooled, chop them into smaller pieces if desired.
How to Make a Strawberry Basil Salad
Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- Wash and quarter the fresh strawberries.
- Wash and dry the baby spinach and arugula mix.
- Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces.
Make the Vinaigrette
- Blend together the ripe strawberries, white balsamic vinegar, grain mustard, honey, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, layer the spinach and arugula mix.
- Top with sweet strawberries, torn fresh basil, crumbled feta cheese, and candied walnuts.
- Drizzle with the homemade dressing and finish with a few grinds of black pepper.
Not only is this a delicious salad…it is also so pretty!
Strawberry Basil Salad with Spinach and Feta Cheese
Equipment
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- 1 small saucepan
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- Parchment Paper
- 1 blender or food processor A lidded glass jar will work as well.
- measuring spoons and cups
- 1 salad serving bowl or plate
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, quartered
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups arugula mix lettuce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup walnuts
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp butter
Strawberry Honey Vinaigrette Dressing
- 4-5 strawberries
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp grain mustard
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash and quarter the strawberries. Wash and dry the spinach and arugula mix.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar and butter with the walnuts until it caramelizes. Stir to coat them evenly. Continue stirring for five minutes until the sugar dissoves. Transfer tthewalnuts quickly to a parchment-lined surface to cool, then chop into smaller pieces.
- In a blender, combine strawberries, balsamic vinegar, grain mustard, honey, black pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed. (I have also made this by shaking the ingredients vigorously in a glass jar.)
- Arrange the spinach and arugula on a serving plate.Top with strawberries, torn basil, caramelized walnuts, and crumbled feta.Drizzle with the strawberry honey vinaigrette and finish with a few grinds of black pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry salad recipe is incredibly versatile!
Serve it as a side salad for grilled meats, a light lunch, or a stunning dish for brunch gatherings. The mix of fresh herbs, sweet strawberries, and tangy cheese makes it a go-to during strawberry season!
For those keeping track of daily values, this summer salad recipe is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. You can also swap feta cheese for goat cheese or blue cheese for a fun variation.
Give this strawberry basil salad a try and let me know how you like it! Enjoy your next bite of summer freshness!
Cheers!
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“Decorate with Joy! Live with Happiness!”
I truly believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space where you feel free to express yourself and create a sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.
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This salad looks perfect for the warmer weather! I love any salad that combines greens with fruit, nuts, and crumbled cheese, and this has all of those things! I might even add some grilled chicken pieces on top to make it a main course.
I think adding chicken is a great idea, Julie!