Name: Spinach & Strawberry Meal-Prep Salad
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: Fresh spinach (6 cups): This is the base of your salad. Spinach is sturdy, so it holds up well for meal prepping. It’s full of iron and other essential nutrients.; Fresh strawberries (1 ½ cups, sliced): The star of the show! Sweet, juicy strawberries bring a refreshing burst of flavor to every bite.; Feta cheese (½ cup, crumbled): This creamy, tangy cheese adds richness to the salad. If you’re not a fan of feta, feel free to swap it out for goat cheese or even leave it out for a dairy-free version.; Almonds or walnuts (¼ cup, chopped): These nuts add crunch and healthy fats. Walnuts work beautifully, but almonds are a great option if you prefer a milder flavor.; Red onion (1 small, thinly sliced): A bit of red onion adds a sharp bite, balancing out the sweetness of the strawberries.; Balsamic vinaigrette (⅓ cup): The dressing is everything! It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and ties all the flavors together beautifully. You can use store-bought or make your own.; Honey (optional): A drizzle of honey in the dressing can add just a bit of sweetness if you like your vinaigrette a little more on the sweet side.

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Introduction

When it comes to meal prep, I’m always on the lookout for salads that can last the week without losing flavor or texture. And this Spinach & Strawberry Meal-Prep Salad? It’s an absolute winner. I mean, who can resist the combination of juicy, sweet strawberries with fresh spinach, creamy feta, crunchy nuts, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette? It’s simple, refreshing, and—best of all—can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect lunch or dinner for busy days.

I stumbled upon this salad when I was looking for something that felt light yet satisfying. I wanted something that would hold up in the fridge without turning soggy or wilted by midweek. Spinach, being hearty enough, was the perfect base, and strawberries add that sweet, summery flavor that pairs so well with the savory elements like feta and nuts. It’s a delightful contrast of textures and flavors—crispy, creamy, tangy, and sweet in every bite.

I’ve been making this salad for weeks now, and it’s honestly become one of my go-to staples. It’s not only super customizable but also packed with nutrients to keep you feeling energized throughout the day. Plus, it’s one of those meals you can put together in no time and still feel like a chef. It’s great for meal prepping because you can make a big batch, portion it out, and have a delicious and healthy meal ready whenever you need it. Trust me, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you need to make this Spinach & Strawberry Meal-Prep Salad ASAP:

Meal prep friendly: The salad holds up well for several days in the fridge, making it ideal for prepping in advance. No more soggy lunches!
Bursting with flavor: The sweetness of the strawberries, paired with the tangy balsamic vinaigrette, is the perfect balance. Add in the creamy feta and crunchy nuts, and you’ve got a salad that’s full of texture and taste.
Nutrient-packed: Spinach is loaded with vitamins and minerals, while strawberries give you a good dose of antioxidants and vitamin C. Feta adds a touch of calcium and protein, and the nuts provide healthy fats to keep you full longer.
Customizable: Not a fan of feta? Try goat cheese or skip the cheese altogether. Want more crunch? Add sunflower seeds or croutons. You can easily make this salad your own!
Easy to make: This recipe requires only a handful of ingredients, and the prep time is minimal. It’s the perfect quick fix for a busy week.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a healthy snack, or a light dinner, this salad is the way to go. Plus, the vibrant colors and flavors make it so much fun to eat!

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Calories per serving: 250-300 (depending on portions and dressing)

Let’s dive into what you’ll need for this delicious Spinach & Strawberry Meal-Prep Salad:

Fresh spinach (6 cups): This is the base of your salad. Spinach is sturdy, so it holds up well for meal prepping. It’s full of iron and other essential nutrients.
Fresh strawberries (1 ½ cups, sliced): The star of the show! Sweet, juicy strawberries bring a refreshing burst of flavor to every bite.
Feta cheese (½ cup, crumbled): This creamy, tangy cheese adds richness to the salad. If you’re not a fan of feta, feel free to swap it out for goat cheese or even leave it out for a dairy-free version.
Almonds or walnuts (¼ cup, chopped): These nuts add crunch and healthy fats. Walnuts work beautifully, but almonds are a great option if you prefer a milder flavor.
Red onion (1 small, thinly sliced): A bit of red onion adds a sharp bite, balancing out the sweetness of the strawberries.
Balsamic vinaigrette (⅓ cup): The dressing is everything! It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and ties all the flavors together beautifully. You can use store-bought or make your own.
Honey (optional): A drizzle of honey in the dressing can add just a bit of sweetness if you like your vinaigrette a little more on the sweet side.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now let’s break down how to put this salad together. It’s so simple, but the end result is absolutely delicious!

Prepare the spinach:
Start by washing and drying your spinach. I usually use a salad spinner to get rid of any excess water, but you can also gently pat it dry with paper towels. It’s important to make sure your spinach is dry so it doesn’t make the salad soggy. Once that’s done, add the spinach to a large bowl.
Slice the strawberries:
Hull the strawberries (cut off the green tops) and slice them thinly. I like to cut mine into thin, even slices so they’re easy to eat with each bite. After slicing, add them to the spinach in the bowl.
Add the red onion:
Thinly slice the red onion into strips. You don’t need much—just a few slices will add a nice zing to balance out the sweetness of the strawberries. If you’re sensitive to raw onion, you can soak the slices in water for 5-10 minutes to mellow out the sharpness.
Crumbled feta and nuts:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad, followed by your chopped almonds or walnuts. The feta adds a creamy tang that pairs perfectly with the fruit, while the nuts give the salad a satisfying crunch. Don’t skip this step—the texture contrast is everything!
Prepare the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette and a teaspoon of honey (if you like your dressing sweeter). Taste and adjust as needed. If you prefer a more acidic flavor, add an extra splash of balsamic vinegar. The honey adds just the right balance of sweetness to complement the strawberries.
Assemble the salad:
Once all your ingredients are prepped and ready, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss everything gently to combine. You want every leaf of spinach to be lightly coated with the dressing, but don’t overdo it—too much dressing can make the salad soggy, especially if you’re meal prepping for later.
Portion for meal prep:
If you’re prepping this salad for the week, divide it into meal prep containers. I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the spinach from wilting. Just add the dressing right before serving.

How to Serve

This Spinach & Strawberry Meal-Prep Salad is super versatile and can be served in a few different ways:

As a light lunch or dinner: Serve it as is, and enjoy the fresh, crisp flavors.
Add protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a more filling meal.
With extra carbs: Serve it with some whole-grain crackers, a slice of sourdough, or even over quinoa for a heartier meal.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make this salad even better:

Keep the dressing separate: If you’re meal prepping, store the dressing in a separate container and only add it when you’re ready to eat. This will prevent the spinach from wilting and keep the salad fresh for days.
Add grilled chicken or salmon: Want to turn this salad into a more substantial meal? Grilled chicken or salmon works beautifully with the strawberries and spinach. You can also use roasted tofu for a vegetarian option.
Switch up the nuts: If almonds or walnuts aren’t your thing, try pecans, sunflower seeds, or even pistachios for a fun twist. Each nut adds its own unique flavor and texture to the salad.
Add some citrus: A squeeze of fresh orange or lemon juice over the salad can brighten up the flavors and add a zesty note.
Use fresh, in-season strawberries: Since strawberries are the star of the show, using fresh, in-season berries will make all the difference. They’re sweeter and juicier, which enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this salad with these fun variations:

Vegan Option: Skip the feta and add some avocado for creaminess or top with roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed alternative.
Spicy Kick: Add a handful of sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat. It pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the strawberries!
Cheese-Free: If you’re not a fan of feta, you can swap it out for goat cheese or leave it out entirely for a lighter option. The salad is still delicious without cheese.
Sweet and Savory: Add some crispy bacon or turkey bacon for a savory contrast to the sweet strawberries. It’s a delightful combo of flavors!
Noodle Salad: Toss the salad with some cooked pasta or quinoa to make it a more filling meal. It’s like a pasta salad but healthier!

Freezing and Storage

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’ve added the dressing already, try to eat it within 1-2 days to keep the spinach fresh. Otherwise, store the dressing separately, and it will last for up to a week.

Freezing:
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad, as the fresh ingredients (especially the spinach and strawberries) don’t freeze well. However, if you want to prep the individual components ahead of time, you can portion out the spinach, strawberries, and other toppings in separate containers, and then just assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat.

Special Equipment

While you don’t need much special equipment for this recipe, here are a few tools that can make it easier:

Salad spinner: For drying the spinach thoroughly. This helps keep your salad from getting soggy!
Meal prep containers: If you’re prepping this salad for the week, invest in some good meal prep containers that can hold the ingredients separately until you’re ready to eat.
Sharp knife: For slicing the strawberries and onions perfectly thin.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought balsamic vinaigrette?
Yes, absolutely! If you don’t want to make your own dressing, feel free to use a store-bought version. Just make sure to check the ingredients for any added sugars or preservatives.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prepping. Just be sure to store the dressing separately and toss the salad when you’re ready to eat. The spinach will hold up well for a few days.

What can I use instead of feta?
If feta isn’t your thing, goat cheese, blue cheese, or even parmesan are great alternatives. You could also leave the cheese out entirely for a vegan version.

How can I make this salad more filling?
Add grilled chicken, quinoa, or roasted chickpeas for extra protein. A hard-boiled egg also makes a great addition if you’re looking for something easy.