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.
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.