Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

If you’re looking for a refreshing and colorful dish that bursts with flavor, look no further than the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing! This vibrant salad combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the earthiness of fresh spinach, creating an irresistible combination that your taste buds will thank you for. Often associated with summertime picnics and gatherings, this salad is as easy to prepare as it is delightful, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers with family and friends.

Did you know that strawberries are not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants? This means that when you indulge in this salad, you’re doing your body a favor, too! If you’re a fan of more traditional salads, like a classic Caesar, you’ll appreciate how this salad brings a bright, fruity twist. It’s light yet satisfying, ensuring that everyone at your table can enjoy a guilt-free treat. So grab your salad bowl, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

What is Strawberry Spinach Salad?

You might be wondering, why is it called Strawberry Spinach Salad? Well, it’s pretty straightforward – it features the star ingredients, strawberries and spinach, front and center! It’s not just any salad, though; it’s a perfect harmony of freshness and flavor that elevates the humble salad to new heights. After all, who says salads have to be boring? It’s like that classic saying, ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ but in this case, it’s about winning over your friends and family with vibrant, tasty ingredients. Now, if that doesn’t excite you, I don’t know what will! Give it a try and make your next meal pop!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad

Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing. First and foremost, the main highlight of this dish is its incredible flavor combination: sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, and the creamy, tangy poppy seed dressing create a party on your palate. Next, making this salad at home is not only budget-friendly but also lets you customize it to your liking—add as many strawberries as you want, or toss in some nuts for added crunch. Finally, the flavorful ingredients, like toasted almonds or feta cheese, can add a delightful twist to each bite.

If you love this salad, you might also enjoy a classic Caprese Salad. Both are light, refreshing options that embody the essence of fresh, quality ingredients! So why not gather some strawberries and spinach, and get ready for a culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds?

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad

Quick Overview

Preparing the perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad is easier than you might think! With a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal preparation, you can whip up this dish in just under 15 minutes. The salad boasts a delightful mixture of textures and flavors – sweet, crunchy, creamy, and tangy, all in one delightful bowl!

Key Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad

• 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup quartered fresh mozzarella or crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds or walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Poppy Seed Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your preference. Set it aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Toss the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and cheese (if using). Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad.
3. Add the Nuts: Sprinkle the toasted almonds (or walnuts) over the top, and give the salad a gentle toss to combine everything. Add the remaining dressing, if desired, to achieve your preferred level of creaminess.
4. Serve: Serve immediately! This dish is best enjoyed fresh, ensuring your strawberries remain juicy and your spinach crisp.

What to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad With

This Strawberry Spinach Salad pairs beautifully with various dishes! Serve it alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor. It also goes wonderfully with lighter fare like a quiche or even as a refreshing accompaniment to a hearty sandwich. And for a drink, consider a nice glass of lemonade or iced tea to complement the fresh flavors of your salad!

Top Tips for Perfecting Strawberry Spinach Salad

To make your Strawberry Spinach Salad even more fabulous, here are some expert tips!

• Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have poppy seeds on hand, try swapping them with sesame seeds for a slight nutty flavor. You can also experiment with other fruits, such as blueberries or mandarin oranges, for a tasty twist.
• Season Your Ingredients: Sprinkle a little salt on your strawberries to enhance their sweetness before adding them to the salad.
• Don’t Overdress: Start with half of the dressing and toss the salad; you can always add more if needed. Less is often more when it comes to dressing!

Storing and Reheating Tips

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time. Store the spinach, berries, and nuts separately in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The dressing can be made in advance and kept in an airtight container for up to a week. Once you’re ready to serve, just assemble everything together!

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. However, be aware that the texture may change slightly due to the dressing. Next time you make this delicious salad, you may want to save any excess poppy seed dressing for drizzling over grilled vegetables or other salads!

In conclusion, the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is not just a dish; it’s a celebration on your plate. With its enchanting colors and delightful flavors, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. So gather your ingredients and dive into this fresh, fruity creation today!

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

A refreshing and colorful salad combining the sweetness of strawberries with the earthiness of spinach, all topped with a creamy poppy seed dressing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

  

Salad Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup quartered fresh mozzarella or crumbled feta cheese optional
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds or walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Poppy Seed Dressing

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Preparation of Poppy Seed Dressing

• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your preference. Set aside.

Assembling the Salad

• In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and cheese (if using). Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad.
• Sprinkle the toasted almonds (or walnuts) over the top, and give the salad a gentle toss to combine everything. Add the remaining dressing, if desired.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

Notes

Ingredient swaps can include using sesame seeds instead of poppy seeds or mixing in other fruits like blueberries. For storage, keep the components separate in the refrigerator and assemble before serving.

Keyword Healthy Salad, Poppy Seed Dressing, Refreshing Salad, Spinach Salad, Strawberry Salad