Strawberry Spinach Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

Fresh spinach, tangy sweet strawberries and chickpea pasta combine to create a textural, savory sweet salad!

If you’re okay with fruit in your salad then you’re going to love this bright spring mix! But you clicked yourself here so I think we’re all in good company 🙂

I personally love nothing more than a sweet and savory combo and this salad is JUST that. Sweet strawberries, salty feta, savory roasted chicken, crunchy walnuts, creamy avocado, chewy pasta and tangy vinaigrette combine to create this insanely textural salad, the perfect combination of fresh spinach and bold flavors.!

I used shredded rotisserie roasted chicken and lower carb chickpea rotini pasta to add extra protein to our veggies. Spinach is a nice mild lettuce to use as a base (packed with nutrients, might I add) and pairs well with the sweetness from the strawberries and brininess of the feta crumbles.

Did I mention this comes together as quickly as you can boil pasta? That means minimal effort for the best ever strawberry spinach salad—exactly how I like it. You can swap out the pasta for anything you might like or skip altogether, but if you have any half empty boxes of dried pasta in your pantry then use them for this! It added a really nice chewiness and bite to the salad for sure.

Related: Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe

Why you’ll love this Strawberry Spinach Salad

This fresh strawberry spinach salad recipe has everything going for it—juicy strawberries, salty feta cheese, crisp leafy greens, and a crunchy texture that makes every bite irresistible. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it the perfect salad for the warmer months.

Here’s what makes this delicious salad a favorite:

• It’s loaded with protein from shredded rotisserie chicken and chickpea pasta, so it actually fills you up.
• Sweet berries balance out the tangy feta and balsamic dressing for that perfect combination of fresh flavors.
• It’s totally customizable—swap in blue cheese, goat cheese, or even candied pecans for extra flavor and crunch.
• It’s a great meal prep option! Store the salad ingredients in separate containers and toss everything together when you’re ready for the best flavor and texture.

Let’s get into how to make this easy spinach salad at home!

The full recipe is below, but here’s what you need to make this Strawberry Spinach Salad:

• Fresh baby spinach – The perfect leafy green base. Light, fresh, and packed with nutrients.
• Rotisserie chicken breasts – Shredded for easy prep and extra protein.
• Fresh strawberries – Go for ripe strawberries for the best flavor and a juicy bite.
• Dried chickpea pasta – A great addition for a little chew and protein boost.
• Diced avocado – Creamy, full of healthy fats, and always a good idea.
• Salty feta cheese – Or switch it up with goat cheese or blue cheese.
• Chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds – Adds that little crunch.
• Red onion – A sharp, savory contrast to the sweet berries.
• Apple cider vinaigrette – Or try a poppyseed dressing or easy balsamic vinaigrette.

I use a simple apple cider vinegar + olive oil dressing for almost all salads and I’ll share it below! Hope you love this fresh and springy mix!

Instructions 

• Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add chickpea pasta and cook according to package instructions. When cooked, drain and rinse with cool water.
• In the meantime, chop all ingredients for the salad + whisk together vinaigrette ingredients.
• Arrange spinach in a salad bowl, then start to layer on ingredients: shredded chicken, cooled pasta, strawberries, avocados, feta crumbles and walnuts.
• Pour dressing over salad and toss! Serve immediately.

Best way to Store Leftovers

If you want to meal prep this for a family dinner or quick lunches, store the salad ingredients in separate containers to keep everything fresh. Keep the dressing in a small bowl or jar and drizzle it over the salad just before serving.

For best flavor, eat within 2-3 days!

Easy ways to Customize this Salad

The best thing about this delicious strawberry spinach salad? You can switch things up depending on what’s in your kitchen! Here are a few fun ways to make it your own:

• Swap salty feta cheese for creamy goat cheese or bold blue cheese—whatever your taste buds are feeling.
• Craving a little crunch? Candied pecans or sunflower seeds are a great addition for extra texture.
• No rotisserie chicken on hand? Grilled chicken works just as well and adds a little smoky flavor.
• Want more leafy greens? Mix in some arugula or baby spinach leaves for an extra fresh bite.
• Looking for a sweeter dressing? Try a poppyseed dressing instead of balsamic dressing—it’s a great way to add a little touch of sweetness.

More Salad Recipes You Might Love!

• Feta Couscous Salad
• Chopped Greek Salad with Orzo
• Chicken and Chickpea Ranch Kale Salad
• Roasted Beet, Kale and Quinoa Salad
• Fall Harvest Salad
• Fresh Summer Chopped Salad
• Chicken Sausage + Cornbread Panzanella Salad
• Grilled Steak Summer Salad
• Skinny Ranch Chicken Salad

This strawberry spinach salad recipe is the best way to enjoy strawberry season with a fresh, flavorful, and filling meal. Whether you serve it as a side salad or a full meal, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

If you make this perfect salad, let me know how it turns out! And if you’re looking for more recipes, check out the recipe card below. Enjoy! 😊

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