15 Strawberry Salad Recipes for Fresh and Tasty Meals

Strawberries are a vibrant taste of summer, but their versatility shines in refreshing salads that can be enjoyed throughout the season.

This collection of creative salad ideas goes beyond the basic fruit salad, showcasing how strawberries can elevate both sweet and savory dishes.

We’ll explore a variety of greens, cheeses, nuts, and dressings to create salads that are light, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

1. Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

This classic combination is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. Fresh spinach leaves get a sweet and tangy boost from juicy strawberries, crumbled feta cheese adds a salty bite, and the creamy poppy seed dressing ties everything together.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and almonds.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds, and honey until well combined.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Serve immediately.

Side: Grilled chicken or shrimp

Drink: A glass of chilled white wine or iced tea

2. Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Looking for a lighter option? This salad features a bed of mixed greens tossed with sliced strawberries, toasted almonds for crunch, and a bubbly champagne vinaigrette. It’s perfect for a summer lunch or appetizer.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup champagne vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, strawberries, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and goat cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together champagne vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Serve immediately.

Side: Crusty bread or a baguette

Drink: A glass of champagne or sparkling water

3. Arugula, Goat Cheese, and Balsamic Glazed Strawberry Salad

This salad takes things up a notch with peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and balsamic glazed strawberries. The sweet and savory flavors are a delightful contrast, and the balsamic glaze adds a touch of elegance.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups arugula
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup pecans, toasted
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Simmer over low heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine arugula, strawberries, goat cheese, and toasted pecans.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
4. Season with salt and pepper, toss gently, and serve.

Side: Grilled baguette slices

Drink: Rosé wine or sparkling water with lemon

4. Strawberry Caprese Salad

This twist on the classic Caprese salad incorporates fresh strawberries alongside sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Drizzle with a simple balsamic glaze for a light and refreshing meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Simmer over low heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine strawberries, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction.
4. Season with salt and pepper, toss gently, and serve.

Side: Fresh Italian bread

Drink: A glass of Prosecco or iced green tea

5. Quinoa Salad with Strawberries, Avocado, and Lime Vinaigrette

This protein-packed salad is a great main course option. Quinoa is tossed with chopped strawberries, creamy avocado, black beans, and a zesty lime vinaigrette. It’s a satisfying and healthy way to enjoy summer berries.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a pot, bring water to a boil, add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until water is absorbed. Let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, strawberries, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad, toss to combine, and serve.

Side: Grilled chicken or fish

Drink: Lime-infused sparkling water or a light white wine

6. Grilled Chicken and Strawberry Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

This salad is perfect for those who want a more substantial meal. Grilled chicken is served on a bed of greens with sliced strawberries, crumbled blue cheese, and a sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat until cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side. Let cool and slice.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and walnuts.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Add sliced chicken to the salad, drizzle with honey mustard dressing, and toss to coat.
5. Serve immediately.

Side: Whole grain bread

Drink: A crisp white wine or lemonade

7. Strawberry, Fennel, and Walnut Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

This salad offers a unique flavor profile. Fennel bulb adds a touch of licorice, while walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. Fresh strawberries and a light lemon vinaigrette tie everything together for a refreshing and unexpected salad.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, strawberries, fennel, walnuts, and Parmesan cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately.

Side: Grilled fish or chicken

Drink: Lemon-infused water or a light sparkling wine

8. Strawberry Shortcake Salad in a Jar

This fun and creative dessert salad layers crumbled pound cake, fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s a delightful twist on the classic strawberry shortcake.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup cake pieces (angel food or pound cake)
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together whipped cream, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. In jars, layer strawberries, cake pieces, and whipped cream mixture.
3. Repeat the layers until jars are filled.
4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve chilled.

Side: Fresh fruit or cookies

Drink: Iced coffee or a glass of milk

9. Berry-Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

This salad is a beautiful explosion of color and flavor. Roasted beets are tossed with mixed greens, fresh berries (including strawberries!), crumbled goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a healthy and visually stunning side dish.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 medium beets, roasted and sliced
• 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup pecans, toasted
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Wrap beets in foil and roast for 30-40 minutes until tender. Let cool, peel, and slice.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, roasted beets, berries, goat cheese, and pecans.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve.

Side: Whole grain bread or crackers

Drink: A glass of red wine or berry-infused water

10. Strawberry and Avocado Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

This salad is a great alternative to a heavy pasta dish. Penne pasta is tossed with chopped strawberries, creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a light balsamic vinaigrette. It’s perfect for a potluck or summer picnic.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, strawberries, avocado, red onion, and basil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad, toss to combine, and serve.

Side: Grilled chicken or fish

Drink: Lemonade or a light white wine

11. Strawberry and Balsamic Chicken Skewers with Arugula Salad

These skewers feature marinated chicken and fresh strawberries grilled to perfection. They are served on a bed of arugula with a balsamic glaze drizzle for a delicious and visually appealing main course.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 cup strawberries, pureed
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups arugula
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine pureed strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Add chicken chunks and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Thread chicken onto skewers and grill over medium heat until cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side.
3. In a large bowl, combine arugula, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice. Toss to coat.
4. Serve grilled chicken skewers over the arugula salad.

Side: Grilled vegetables or couscous

Drink: A glass of rosé or iced tea

12. Strawberry, Kale, and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

This salad is packed with nutrients! Kale and quinoa provide a base of fiber and protein, while strawberries add a touch of sweetness. A creamy lemon tahini dressing ties everything together for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 4 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a pot, bring water to a boil, add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, kale, strawberries, sunflower seeds, and feta cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss to combine, and serve.

Side: Grilled chicken or tofu

Drink: Lemon-infused water or a light white wine

13. Strawberry and Coconut Rice Salad

This tropical-inspired salad features fluffy coconut rice tossed with fresh strawberries, chopped pineapple, toasted cashews, and a lime vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing and flavorful side dish for grilled fish or chicken.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked. Let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooled rice, strawberries, shredded coconut, and cilantro.
3. Drizzle with lime juice, add salt to taste, and toss to combine.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Side: Grilled shrimp or chicken

Drink: Coconut water or a tropical fruit juice

14. Strawberry and Balsamic Bruschetta

Take advantage of peak strawberry season with this twist on bruschetta. Toasted bread is topped with a creamy goat cheese spread, fresh strawberries, balsamic glaze, and a sprinkle of fresh basil. It’s a delightful and easy appetizer.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 1 cup strawberries, diced
• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Simmer over low heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
2. Toast baguette slices in the oven or on a grill until lightly browned.
3. In a bowl, combine diced strawberries, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Spread goat cheese on each toasted baguette slice, top with strawberry mixture, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
5. Serve immediately.

Side: Mixed greens salad

Drink: A glass of Prosecco or sparkling water with a splash of lime

15. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries with Balsamic Glaze

For a decadent dessert option, try these chocolate dipped strawberries with a balsamic glaze drizzle. The combination of sweet chocolate, tart balsamic glaze, and juicy strawberries is simply irresistible.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound strawberries
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, melted
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Sea salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Simmer over low heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
2. Dip each strawberry in melted dark chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place on parchment paper to set.
3. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the chocolate-dipped strawberries.
4. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Let chocolate set before serving.

Side: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Drink: A glass of dessert wine or coffee

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