Ripe strawberries, tender baby spinach, creamy goat cheese and a vibrant raspberry vinaigrette come together in a bright, refreshing salad that’s perfect for warm weather. This version is light, flavorful and Weight Watcher–friendly, but it’s also a delicious choice for anyone looking for a simple, elegant salad that pairs well with a variety of meals.
With strawberry season underway, this has become one of my go-to salads. It’s easy to prepare, visually appealing and versatile enough to change slightly each time so it never feels repetitive. The combination of sweet berries and tangy dressing elevates the salad beyond a basic side and makes it feel like a special dish.
We follow the Weight Watchers Purple plan, but this strawberry and spinach salad is enjoyable whether or not you count points. It’s light, satisfying and works as a side or a main when you add extra protein. What makes this recipe stand out is the bold raspberry vinaigrette—sweet, tangy and just the right balance to complement the fresh ingredients.
I’ve included several photos so you can see how inviting the salad looks on the plate. It’s a great dish to serve at a casual lunch or a summertime gathering because it’s attractive, flavorful and not too heavy.
If you prefer a different leafy base, feel free to swap spinach for another lettuce—Romaine is a great substitute. The flavors still shine through, and the salad remains refreshing rather than heavy, which is ideal for warmer days.
TURN THE SALAD INTO A MAIN DISH
This salad makes a satisfying main when you add a protein. Try any of the following to bulk it up:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Sliced deli turkey or ham
- Grilled shrimp or seared salmon
- Sliced or chopped hard‑boiled eggs and a sprinkle of bacon bits
VARIATIONS OF A STRAWBERRY SALAD
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Small swaps or additions change the salad’s character and keep it exciting. If you’re tracking Weight Watchers points, remember to recalculate when you modify ingredients.
- Add canned (drained) sugar‑free mandarin orange segments, dried cranberries and walnuts or pistachios instead of almonds
- Mix in other berries—raspberries, blackberries or blueberries all work well
- Swap goat cheese for feta or blue cheese crumbles for a different flavor profile
- Add healthy fat with slices or chunks of avocado
- Toast the almonds briefly for a nuttier texture and deeper flavor
TIPS FOR SELECTING THE BEST STRAWBERRIES
To get the most flavor from your salad, choose the best strawberries you can find. Consider these tips when shopping or picking your own:
- Smell the berries—ripe strawberries have a sweet, fragrant aroma.
- Look for an even, bright red color. Avoid berries with white near the stem, which indicates underripeness.
- Smaller berries are often juicier, but color and aroma are better quality indicators than size.
- Strawberries taste best when in season, so buy locally when possible.
- Choose berries with fresh green caps—not wilted or brown tops.
- Farmer’s market or farm‑picked berries typically offer more flavor than supermarket varieties grown in greenhouses.
HOW TO MAKE THIS WW FRIENDLY STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD
This salad comes together quickly and requires minimal prep.
For the salad: Hull and rinse the strawberries, then slice them in halves or thin pieces. In a large bowl, gently toss the spinach with strawberries, shredded carrots and finely chopped red onion. Finish with slivered almonds and crumbled goat cheese right before serving.
For the dressing: Blend the raspberries with red wine vinegar, honey, water, salt and a pinch of black pepper. Chill the vinaigrette for at least two hours to let the flavors meld. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of dressing over each serving just before serving to avoid a soggy salad.
Weight Watcher Friendly Strawberry Spinach Salad With Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 3 cups fresh strawberries
- 1 cup raw red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 oz almonds slivered or sliced
- 3 oz semi-soft goat cheese crumbled
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 oz honey
Instructions
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For the salad:
Remove stems from strawberries, rinse and let the berries dry. Gently toss spinach, strawberries, shredded carrots and chopped onion in a large bowl. Garnish with slivered almonds and crumbled goat cheese.
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For the dressing:
Blend the raspberries with red wine vinegar, honey, water, salt and black pepper until the berries are liquified. Chill the dressing for at least two hours before serving. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of dressing over each salad serving just before serving.
Notes
Optional toppings: rotisserie chicken, deli ham or turkey, sliced hard‑boiled eggs, or bacon bits to turn this into a heartier main dish.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 27 g |
Protein: 5 g |
Fat: 5 g |
Fiber: 5 g
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Enjoy this strawberry spinach salad as a light lunch, a vibrant side for grilled meals, or a customizable main with protein additions. Its fresh flavors and simple preparation make it a reliable favorite all summer long.