Ever been staring at your lunch meal prep, wishing it looked and tasted just a tad more exciting? Relatable. When I first googled “spinach strawberry meal prep salad recipe,” I honestly thought I’d get something complicated or bland. Joke’s on me – this salad is crazy simple, crazy good, and keeps my lunch life from getting boring fast. I’ll walk you through making it, storing it, and jazzing it up so you don’t get stuck in another soggy desk salad rut (been there, trust me). 
How to Make the Best Ever Strawberry Spinach Salad
Okay, let’s quit messing around. You barely need anything special for this, but, a few things make a difference—like using super fresh spinach and really sweet strawberries. Promise it’s easier than making cereal. Here’s how I do it.
First, yank out your cleanest big bowl (I still use my old plastic one from college…no shame). Toss in a couple of packed cups of washed baby spinach. Slice a handful of strawberries. Not sure if it’s the season? Just sniff them. No smell = no flavor, in my book.
Now, for crunch, you gotta add something. I like sliced almonds or pecans. And, honestly, if you’re feeling wild, a crumble of goat cheese doesn’t hurt anyone.
Dressing? I skip fancy bottles and whip up a quick one: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a touch of honey, salt, and pepper. I don’t even measure, just glug, swirl, and hope for the best.
Toss it all together right before eating – and bam! You’ve got a salad that tastes like a five-star restaurant… but, uh, in a lunchbox.
Friend of mine said, after trying it on a hiking trip,
“This is the only salad I’d ever eat on purpose. I mean, wow. It’s like dessert pretending to be lunch!”
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Here’s the big secret to spinach strawberry meal prep salad: it’s awesome for prepping ahead, but you gotta be smart, or you’ll get soggy greens. Yuck.
When I meal prep for the week, I layer everything in a container, but never put the dressing in with the spinach. Strawberries on top – no one wants crushed berries, right? Cheese and nuts tucked in a corner, far from moisture. If I’m using a mason jar (yep, I’m one of those people now), I put the dressing on the very bottom, then strawberries, cheese/nuts, and spinach last. That way, nothing sad happens before lunchtime.
If you want major crunch, pack your nuts in a separate baggie. Throw the salad together at the last minute, and… you’ll avoid that weird limp-leaf vibe. Stays fresh for about 3 days in the fridge. I don’t do more than that because honestly, fresh is better and who needs questionable salad by Thursday?
What to Serve with Strawberry Salad
Alright, here’s where you can get creative. This is not just a lunch-on-its-own kinda salad (although it totally can be if you’re in a rush). Here are a few quick ideas for what works with this spinach strawberry meal prep salad:
- Grilled chicken slices are classic and easy. Fix ‘em up in advance for max convenience.
- Add a hunk of rustic bread or a warm baguette. You’ll feel just a little bit fancier, promise.
- If I’m ravenous, a cup of tomato soup on the side feels downright comforting.
Make it work for your fam or just yourself. That’s the fun part.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Let’s keep it real for a second – I’m no nutritionist, but here’s what it typically looks like when you use simple ingredients (no fried stuff, nothing wild from a jar):
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~220 | 6g | 12g | 24g |
You’re getting vitamins from the spinach, some fiber, plus some natural sugar boost from those strawberries. Add some cheese if you want more protein – or go wild and throw on even more nuts for healthy fats. It’s basically a one-bowl wonder.
Related Articles
Hey, if you love this one, check out a couple other crowd-pleasers. My “Apple Walnut Crunch Salad” recipe gets just as many “OMG, yum” messages. Oh, and if you want a super quick homemade vinaigrette for any salad, I’ve got a post about three-ingredient dressings that honestly changed my salad game.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Umm, I wouldn’t. They get mushy. Fresh is way better for texture.
Q: Does this salad work for kids?
A: Big yes. My nephew eats this and asks for “the red fruit salad” all the time.
Q: What’s the best container for meal prep?
A: Mason jars are fun, but any tight-lid container works. Just keep the dressing separate.
Q: I hate goat cheese – what else can I use?
A: Try feta, or leave cheese out totally. Still delicious.
Q: How do I keep my salad from getting watery?
A: Dry your greens really well and add strawberries right before eating if you’re picky about texture.
Grab Your Fork and Dive In
If you’re burned out on sad desk salads or the same blah meal preps, this is ideal. The spinach strawberry meal prep salad recipe covers your greens, gives a sweet hit, and switches up your week – plus it’s not complicated. Try it out, riff on the toppings, and eventually you might be that person who actually craves salad. For more fun meal ideas, scan my picks for [healthy lunch recipes]. Happy prepping!
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the washed baby spinach and sliced strawberries.
- Add the sliced almonds or pecans and crumbled goat cheese on top.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad right before serving and toss gently.