My family absolutely adores this vibrant Strawberry Walnut Salad. In fact, it’s a perfect spring and summer dish full of fresh flavors and textures. Not only is it refreshing, but the slightly sweet, slightly tangy dressing also perfectly complements the creamy avocado, briny artichoke hearts, toasted walnuts, fresh strawberries, and crisp greens. Over the years, this Strawberry Walnut Salad has remained a beloved recipe in our family—and for good reason. Moreover, it’s always requested at gatherings and never fails to impress.
My mom made this delicious salad for years, and I always request it for family dinners. Today, I’m thrilled to share it with you!
This was inspired by my Grapefruit Salad on this site, and pairs well with this delicious Beef Stew!
Why You'll Love This Salad
- Easy to Make - This salad comes together in just minutes—ideal for busy days.
- Healthy and Nourishing -Packed with fresh produce, healthy fats, and protein, it’s a feel-good meal or side dish.
- Homemade Dressing – You control all the ingredients!
- Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to fit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand.
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Ingredients for Strawberry Walnut Salad
Vinaigrette Ingredients
Sour Cream: First, sour cream adds a creamy, tangy base that softens the acidity of the vinaigrette.
Substitute: Greek yogurt or plain dairy-free yogurt for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Next, both oils provide a rich, smooth texture and help emulsify the dressing.
Honey: Then, honey brings a hint of sweetness that perfectly balances the tartness of the red wine vinaigrette.
Substitute: Maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
Red Wine Vinaigrette: Meanwhile, this ingredient adds bright acidity and a subtle tang that sharpens every flavor in the salad.
Substitute: Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Lori’s Red Wine Vinaigrette Seasoning Packet: Finally, this seasoning packet delivers perfectly balanced herbs and spices, ensuring the dressing is flavorful with zero guesswork.
Substitute: My homemade Poppy Seed Dressing recipe works well with this salad too!
Salad Ingredients
Spring Mix: To start, spring mix adds color, tender leaves, and variety in every bite. It’s light yet flavorful.
Substitute: Use arugula or chopped butter lettuce for a different texture.
Baby Spinach: Next, spinach brings a slightly earthy flavor and holds up well against heavier toppings.
Substitute: Kale (massage it first) or romaine for a sturdier green.
Feta Cheese or Goat Cheese: Either cheese adds creaminess and tang that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
Substitute: Blue cheese for a bolder taste or omit for a dairy-free version.
Avocado (Diced): Avocado adds buttery richness and healthy fats, making the salad more satisfying.
Strawberries (Quartered): These bring sweetness, color, and a juicy freshness that’s perfect for spring and summer.
Substitute: Try blueberries or raspberries.
Walnuts (Chopped and Toasted): Toasted walnuts add deep, nutty flavor and crunch. Toasting them enhances their taste.
Substitute: Use pecans, sliced almonds, or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
Marinated Artichoke Hearts (Coarsely Chopped): Finally, these add a savory, tangy bite that adds depth and complements the sweet and creamy elements. Be sure to choose one that has a high quality oil such as olive oil or avocado oil. Another option would be canned or jarred artichoke hearts without oil.
Substitute: Try roasted red peppers or olives for a briny alternative.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: First, in a jar, combine sour cream, oil, honey, red wine vinaigrette, and the seasoning packet. Shake well.
- Step 2: Second, in a large bowl, add mix spring mix, baby spinach, feta cheese, avocado, strawberries, walnuts, and artichoke hearts.
- Step 3: Then, drizzle desired amount of dressing over the salad.
- Step 4: Lastly, toss the salad well and serve!
Ways to Enjoy this Strawberry Walnut Salad
- First, try it as a vibrant side salad for grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
- Next, serve it in a grain bowl with quinoa for a hearty, wholesome lunch.
- Alternatively, enhance it with berries and chili-lime shrimp for a delicious summer salad twist.
Variations
This salad is incredibly versatile, and most importantly, it’s easy to adapt to you and your guests' needs. So, try these simple variations for the Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad.
Kid Friendly
To make it more kid-friendly, simply skip the artichokes, keep the strawberries small, and, for added flexibility, serve the dressing on the side.
Extra Protein
For extra protein and flavor, you can toss in grilled chicken, or alternatively, try adding grilled or sautéed shrimp.
Spicy Version
For a spicy twist, you can easily add jalapeño slices or, alternatively, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
Equipment
Just a few simple kitchen items make this recipe a breeze!
First, use a cutting board and a sharp knife to chop the strawberries, avocado, and artichokes with ease.
Next, grab a large mixing bowl to toss the greens and other salad ingredients together smoothly.
Then, for the dressing, you’ll need a jar with a lid or a small mixing bowl to shake or whisk the ingredients until well combined. However, I love using a handheld electric whisk to thoroughly combine the dressing ingredients.
Additionally, to enhance the flavor of the walnuts, use a medium-sized skillet to lightly toast them on the stovetop.
Altogether, these simple tools make preparation easy, efficient, and mess-free!
Storing the Strawberry Walnut Salad
To begin, store salad ingredients—such as greens, cheese, fruit, nuts, and artichokes—separately in sealed containers to keep everything fresh.
Meanwhile, keep the dressing in a jar with a tight-fitting lid for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Before using the dressing, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the oil to loosen up. Then, shake it vigorously to combine all the ingredients.
However, once the salad is dressed, the greens will start to wilt. Therefore, it's best to toss the salad with dressing just before serving for the ideal texture and flavor.
Cooking With Lori Quality Seasonings
When I created these flavorful seasoning packets with recipe cards, I knew from the beginning they had to be made with only the best ingredients. That’s exactly why they contain no anti-caking agents, no MSG, and no preservatives—just pure seasonings and herbs. Moreover, this is extremely important to me because I want every meal to be as clean and wholesome as possible. With that in mind, my seasoning packets allow you to enjoy bold flavors without the unnecessary additives often found in store-bought mixes. As a result, every blend—including this Red Wine Vinaigrette—is carefully crafted to bring out the best in your dishes. Ultimately, they make home cooking easier, healthier, and more delicious. Use the code FIRST15 to receive 15% off your first order!
Top Tip
How to Toast Walnuts on the Stovetop
1. First, place walnuts in a dry skillet (no oil needed) in a single layer.
2. Next, turn heat to medium and cook, stirring often.
3. Now, toast for 4–5 minutes, or until the walnuts are fragrant and lightly browned.
4. Lastly, remove from heat immediately and transfer to a plate to cool (they can burn quickly if left in the hot pan).
FAQ's
Absolutely! For best results, prep and store each component separately. Then, when you're ready to eat, simply assemble the salad.
Ideally, fresh berries are best for this salad. On the other hand, frozen berries can release excess moisture and make the salad soggy.
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Strawberry Walnut Salad
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 T sour cream
- ½ C avocado oil
- 1 t honey
- 3 T red wine vinaigrette
- Lori’s Red Wine Vinaigrette Seasoning Packet
Ingredients for the Salad
- Spring mix 5.5 oz container
- 2 C baby spinach
- ½ C feta cheese or goat cheese
- 1 avocado diced
- 2 C strawberries quartered
- ¾ C walnuts chopped and toasted
- 1 C marinated artichoke hearts canned, drained, and coarse chopped
Instructions
- In a jar combine the dressing ingredients and shake well.
- In a large bowl, add the spring mix and spinach.
- Add the feta or goat cheese, avocado, strawberries, walnuts, and marinated artichoke hearts to the lettuce.
- Drizzle desired amount of dressing over salad and toss well.
Notes
- Place walnuts in a dry skillet (no oil needed) in a single layer.
- Turn heat to medium and cook, stirring often.
- Toast for 4–5 minutes, or until the walnuts are fragrant and lightly browned.
- Remove from heat immediately and transfer to a plate to cool (they can burn quickly if left in the hot pan).
