Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Recipe

Looking for a fresh and tasty salad? This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a winner! With sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts, it’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures. I’ll share easy steps to make the poppyseed dressing and assemble the salad. Plus, I’ll toss in some helpful tips and variations to keep things fun. Let’s dive into this refreshing dish!

Ingredients

Fresh Ingredients List

– Baby spinach

– Ripe strawberries

– Creamy feta cheese

– Walnuts

– Red onion

– Sunflower seeds

Poppyseed Dressing Components

– Olive oil

– Apple cider vinegar

– Honey or maple syrup

– Poppy seeds

– Salt and black pepper

To make this Strawberry Spinach Salad, start with fresh ingredients. Baby spinach is your base. It offers a soft and mild taste. Next, add ripe strawberries. Their sweetness brightens the salad. Creamy feta cheese gives a rich, salty flavor and a nice contrast.

Walnuts add crunch. Toast them for even more flavor. Thinly sliced red onion brings sharpness and a pop of color. Sunflower seeds provide a delightful nutty taste. They also add more crunch to the mix.

For the poppyseed dressing, start with high-quality olive oil. It adds richness and depth. Apple cider vinegar brings a tangy kick that balances the sweetness. You can use honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Poppy seeds add texture and a charming touch. Lastly, a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper tie all the flavors together.

For the full recipe, check out the details above.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps Overview

– Making the poppyseed dressing

– Assembling the salad

Detailed Preparation Steps

1. Whisking the dressing

Start by grabbing a small mixing bowl. Add ¼ cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. Toss in 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds along with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk this mix until it becomes smooth. Set it aside to let the flavors come together.

2. Layering the salad ingredients

Take a large salad bowl and add 4 cups of fresh baby spinach as the base. Next, layer 1 cup of sliced strawberries on top. Then, sprinkle ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese over the strawberries. For extra crunch, add ¼ cup of toasted walnuts. Follow it up with ¼ cup of thinly sliced red onion for a sharp taste. Finally, toss in ½ cup of sunflower seeds for that nutty flavor.

3. Drizzling and tossing

Now, it’s time to drizzle your poppyseed dressing generously over the salad. Make sure every ingredient gets a taste. Using your hands or a large spoon, toss the salad gently. This helps coat everything with the dressing without wilting the spinach. Serve it right away for the best flavor and texture.

For a full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].

Tips & Tricks

Serving Suggestions

– Best time to serve: This salad shines in spring and summer. It makes a great light lunch or side dish for barbecues. The bright colors and fresh flavors will impress your guests. Serve it at picnics, parties, or family dinners.

– Pairing recommendations: Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also goes well with a crusty loaf of bread. For a vegetarian option, try it with roasted chickpeas for added protein.

Presentation Ideas

– Colorful plating: To make your salad pop, use a wide, shallow bowl. Start with the fresh spinach as the base. Layer the strawberries, feta, and nuts on top. This gives a beautiful, colorful look that invites everyone to dig in.

– Garnishing options: Add a few extra strawberries or a sprinkle of poppy seeds on top for flair. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can also enhance the salad’s flavor and beauty. These small touches create an eye-catching dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can make the spinach soggy. Start with a small amount and add more if needed. Toss gently to coat the ingredients without drowning them.

– Choosing the right spinach: Use fresh baby spinach for the best taste. Avoid spinach that is wilted or yellowed. Fresh greens provide crunch and flavor, making your salad enjoyable.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can switch up the greens in this salad. Try arugula for a peppery taste. Mixed greens also work well for a different flavor.

For nuts, feel free to use pecans or almonds. They add a nice crunch. If you want cheese, goat cheese is a great choice. It has a creamy texture and tangy taste.

Dressing Modifications

If you need a dairy-free dressing, use maple syrup instead of honey. It gives a nice sweetness. You can also swap out olive oil for avocado oil for a different flavor.

For sweeteners, try agave syrup or stevia. They work well in the dressing. Adjust the amount to fit your taste.

Seasonal Variations

In winter, add sliced oranges or pomegranate seeds. They bring a burst of color and flavor. You can also use roasted beets for a heartier salad.

In summer, add cucumbers or fresh herbs like mint. They keep the salad light and refreshing. You may even want to try grilled chicken on top for extra protein.

For the full recipe, check the earlier sections.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crisp. Place the spinach and toppings separately if you can. This prevents the spinach from wilting. If you mixed everything, eat it within a day for the best taste.

Freezing Options

Can you freeze this salad? No, I do not recommend freezing it. Freezing changes the texture of spinach and strawberries. They become mushy once thawed. The dressing also does not freeze well. Enjoy the salad fresh to taste its best flavors.

Shelf Life

How long will it last? If stored properly, the salad lasts about one day. The spinach wilts quickly, and the strawberries spoil fast. Keep an eye on it and eat it soon. For more details on how to make this salad, check the Full Recipe.

FAQs

Can I make Strawberry Spinach Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare parts of this salad ahead. To make it easier, wash and dry the spinach and slice the strawberries a few hours before serving. Keep them in separate containers. This way, they stay fresh until you are ready to eat. Mix the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp.

What can I substitute for poppyseed dressing?

If you need an alternative, try these options:

– Balsamic vinaigrette: This adds a rich flavor.

– Honey mustard dressing: Sweet with a little tang.

– Greek yogurt dressing: Creamy and healthy.

These dressings can change the flavor but will still taste great with the salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is great for meal prep. You can store the salad in jars. Layer the ingredients to keep them fresh. Put the dressing in a small container. This way, it won’t make the greens soggy. When you’re ready to eat, just shake and enjoy!

This blog post shared a simple guide to making a fresh and tasty Strawberry Spinach Salad. You learned about the key ingredients, like baby spinach and ripe strawberries, and how to make a delicious poppyseed dressing. I also provided tips on presentation and common mistakes to avoid. Think about your own twists to this salad for fun variations. Enjoy this dish as a side or meal prep option! Fresh salads can brighten any day and keep meals exciting.

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Enjoy a refreshing twist on your salad game with this Sweet & Crunchy Strawberry Spinach Salad! Bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Drizzle it with a homemade poppyseed dressing for a delightful tang. Ready in just 10 minutes, this salad is not only easy to make but will impress your guests. Click through to get the full recipe and elevate your dining experience!

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Ingredients

  

4 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and dried

1 cup ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced

½ cup creamy feta cheese, crumbled

¼ cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped for added crunch

¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced for a sharp contrast

½ cup sunflower seeds, providing a delightful nutty flavor

For the Poppyseed Dressing:

¼ cup high-quality olive oil for richness

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, depending on your sweetness preference

1 tablespoon poppy seeds for texture and charm

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

 

In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well-blended to create a smooth dressing. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

In a large salad bowl, begin by adding the fresh baby spinach as the vibrant base of your salad.

Next, artfully layer the sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts, thinly sliced red onion, and sunflower seeds atop the spinach, creating a colorful and inviting presentation.

Generously drizzle the prepared poppyseed dressing over the entire salad, ensuring every piece gets a taste of that delicious dressing.

Using gentle, sweeping motions, toss the salad to evenly combine all ingredients, making sure the dressing coats each component without wilting the spinach.

To enjoy the freshest flavors and textures, serve the salad immediately after tossing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4