Strawberry Spinach Salad with Bacon Blueberries and Feta
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Bacon Blueberries and Feta is full of flavor from sweet strawberries and blueberries, sharp feta cheese, savory bacon, and drizzled with a sweet tangy balsamic vinaigrette. A refreshing salad to compliment any meal!
Strawberry Spinach Salad is one of the best flavors of spring and summer. Fresh strawberries and blueberries remind me that winter is coming to an end and fresh fruits are finally in season. But I still need some comfort flavor so that’s where the bacon comes in. It tastes so amazing with the balsamic vinaigrette to make that ultimate salty and sweet combination.
This salad is definitely a crowd favorite and is always popular at potlucks and get-togethers. It also tastes fantastic as a side dish with Poppy Seed Chicken Salad.
HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD
Start by making the dressing first. The longer the dressing is able to sit and meld together, the better the taste. The dressing includes olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, onion, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Combine all these ingredients together and whisk well. If you are in a hurry, you can pour all the ingredients in a small blender and pulse together to evenly mix.
For the salad, combine spinach, strawberries, blueberries, feta cheese, almonds, and bacon. The bacon can be cold or warm but it does add a nice extra flavor if it’s warm.
When you’re ready to serve, pour the dressing and toss well to thoroughly coat. This salad is best served immediately once it has dressing since spinach has a tendency to wilt quickly.
VARIATION OPTIONS
If fresh fruit is not in season, easily swap out the strawberries and blueberries for dried cranberries.
Walnuts and almonds are a good substitution for almonds.
Add some grilled chicken to make this a main dish.
Omit bacon if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
TIPS AND TRICKS
- Whisk the dressing together one more time right before adding to the salad. This helps the oil and vinegar to disperse more evenly.
- The longer the dressing sits, the better the flavor.
- Serve immediately after adding the dressing to prevent the spinach from wilting.
MAKE AHEAD AND STORAGE OPTIONS
The salad and dressing can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
*Once the dressing is poured onto the salad, I suggest serving immediately to prevent the spinach from wilting.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Bacon Blueberries and Feta
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp onion minced
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Salad
- 10 oz fresh baby spinach
- 1 lb strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1 pt blueberries
- 5 oz feta cheese crumbled
- 1/2 cup almonds sliced or slivered
- 4-6 slices bacon cooked and chopped into bite sized pieces
Instructions
Dressing
- Whisk together oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, onion, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Salad
- Combine spinach, strawberries, blueberries, feta cheese, almonds, and bacon in a large bowl. When ready to serve, pour dressing over salad and toss.
Notes
- Whisk the dressing together on more time right before adding to the salad. This helps the oil and vinegar to disperse more evenly.
- The longer the dressing sits, the better the flavor.
- Serve immediately after adding the dressing to prevent the spinach from wilting.
- Walnuts or pecans can be used in place of almonds.
- Dried cranberries are delicious if strawberries or blueberries are not available.
