Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Introduction
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for spring and summer. The sweet strawberries and crunchy almonds pair beautifully with tangy feta and a bright, flavorful dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 oz baby spinach
- 8 oz strawberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a dressing container or mason jar, whisk together lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, olive oil, and poppy seeds until well combined.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, sliced almonds, red onion, and feta cheese.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 4: Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the almonds lightly before adding them to the salad.
- Swap feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture and tang.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this a complete meal.
- If fresh strawberries aren’t available, substitute with sliced apples or pears for a different sweet note.
Storage
Store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess. When reheating is not recommended, enjoy this salad fresh for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to keep the dressing separate and mix it with the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the spinach from wilting.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Frozen strawberries are not recommended as they can become mushy when thawed. Fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor.
PrintStrawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
A fresh and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring sweet strawberries, crunchy almonds, tangy red onion, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a delightful homemade poppy seed dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz baby spinach
- 8 oz strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing Ingredients
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a dressing container or mason jar, whisk together lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, olive oil, and poppy seeds until well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, sliced almonds, finely diced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh crispness of the spinach and strawberries. This salad is best eaten fresh to preserve its flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh baby spinach and ripe strawberries for best flavor.
- To toast almonds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, then cool before adding.
- The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; shake well before using.
- Feel free to substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or omit for a dairy-free option.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, adjust the white sugar amount to taste.
Keywords: Strawberry Spinach Salad, Poppy Seed Dressing, Healthy Salad, Vegetarian Salad, Easy Summer Salad
