Add a Fresh, Nutritious Touch to Your Thanksgiving Table: Spinach, Strawberry & Walnut Salad

Thanksgiving often brings to mind creamy casseroles, buttery rolls, and decadent desserts — all delicious, but often heavy. If you want to add a fresh, vibrant option that balances your holiday menu, this Spinach, Strawberry, and Walnut Salad with Feta and Vinaigrette is the perfect side dish. It’s light, colorful, and packed with nutrients that complement the richness of traditional favorites.

🌿 Why This Salad Belongs on Your Holiday Table

This salad is a refreshing break from heavier sides. The fresh spinach provides an earthy base, while sweet strawberries, crunchy walnuts, and tangy feta create a festive mix of flavors and textures. A simple vinaigrette ties everything together with a bright, heart-healthy finish.

Beyond taste, it’s loaded with nutrients that make it more than just a pretty plate.

🧠 Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

(Approximate values based on 2 cups spinach, 1 oz feta, ¼ cup walnuts, ½ cup strawberries, and 2 tbsp vinaigrette)

Nutrient	Amount	Key Benefits
Calories	~280	Light yet satisfying
Protein	7–8 g	Supports muscle repair
Fat	22–24 g (mostly healthy fats)	Promotes heart and brain health
Carbohydrates	12–14 g	Provides quick energy
Fiber	4–5 g	Supports digestion and fullness
Vitamin C	>100% DV	Boosts immunity and collagen production
Vitamin K	>150% DV	Supports bone and blood health
Calcium	15–20% DV	Strengthens bones and teeth
Iron	10–15% DV	Helps prevent fatigue

🥬 Ingredient Benefits at a Glance

• Spinach: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, folate, and iron — supports energy and bone health.

• Feta Cheese: Adds protein, calcium, and probiotics for gut health (use reduced-sodium if preferred).

• Walnuts: Heart-healthy omega-3s and antioxidants that protect against inflammation.

• Strawberries: A natural source of vitamin C and fiber for immune and digestive support.

• Vinaigrette (olive oil + vinegar or lemon): Helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and adds a tangy balance.

  
  

🍽️ How to Serve It at Thanksgiving

• Presentation Tip: Serve it in a clear glass or white ceramic bowl to show off the red and green holiday colors.

• Flavor Pairings: Complements roasted turkey, ham, or even vegetarian main dishes.

• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the salad without the dressing, cover it, and refrigerate. Toss with vinaigrette just before serving to keep the spinach crisp.

• Optional Add-Ons: Add sliced pear, dried cranberries, or roasted sweet potatoes for extra seasonal flair.

  
  

❤️ The Healthy Holiday Balance

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean overindulgence. Adding a fresh, colorful salad like this one to your spread brings balance, nourishment, and beauty to your table. It’s a dish that feels festive but still lets you feel good afterward — full of energy, not food coma.

So this year, between the mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, add a bowl of Spinach, Strawberry & Walnut Salad to your Thanksgiving menu. Your guests (and your body) will thank you.