Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Introduction
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a fresh and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any season. The juicy strawberries and crunchy almonds combine beautifully with tangy feta and a sweet, tangy dressing to create a delightful balance of flavors.
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 the lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, olive oil, and poppy seeds until well combined.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, almonds, finely diced red onion, and feta cheese.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 4: Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors.
Tips & Variations
- Toast the almonds lightly for extra crunch and a deeper flavor.
- Substitute goat cheese for feta for a creamier texture.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this salad into a hearty meal.
- Use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetness in the dressing.
Storage
Store any leftover salad components separately without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to one week. Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the salad ingredients ahead but add the dressing just before serving to prevent the spinach from becoming soggy.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but if you use frozen, thaw and drain them well to avoid watering down the salad.
PrintStrawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
A fresh and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy almonds, tangy feta cheese, and a sweet, tangy poppy seed dressing made with lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and olive oil. This quick and easy 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
- 8 oz baby spinach
- 8 oz strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a dressing container or mason jar, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, white wine vinegar, white sugar, olive oil, and poppy seeds until the mixture is well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, sliced almonds, finely diced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared poppy seed dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to evenly coat all components with the dressing.
- Serve immediately: Plate the salad right away to enjoy its fresh flavors and crisp textures at their best.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh and ripe strawberries for natural sweetness.
- You can substitute sliced almonds with walnuts or pecans if preferred.
- If you want a less tangy dressing, reduce the amount of white wine vinegar slightly.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain freshness and prevent spinach from wilting.
- To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Keywords: Strawberry Spinach Salad, poppy seed dressing, healthy salad, summer salad, vegetarian salad, fresh salad, spinach salad, almond salad
