Looking for a fresh, tasty salad that’s easy to make? You’ve come to the right place! My Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing combines bright flavors and crunch. Made with fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, and creamy feta, this salad bursts with color and taste. Whether for lunch or a dinner side, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
Fresh Produce
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach
– 1 cup fresh strawberries
Dairy and Nuts
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Dressings and Seasonings
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
When you gather your ingredients, focus on freshness. Fresh baby spinach adds a nice crunch and bright color. Look for vibrant green leaves without any wilting. Strawberries should be ripe and sweet. Choose berries that smell fragrant and have a rich red color.
Next, feta cheese gives the salad a tangy kick. Crumble it yourself for the best texture. Sliced almonds add a nutty flavor and crunch. Toast them lightly for even more taste.
For the dressing, fresh lemon juice brings brightness. Apple cider vinegar adds depth. Extra virgin olive oil makes the dressing smooth and rich. The poppy seeds provide a delightful crunch and visual appeal. Honey adds sweetness.
Don’t forget salt and pepper! These will enhance all the flavors in your salad. For the complete recipe, visit the [Full Recipe].
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Salad Base
Start by gathering your fresh ingredients. In a large salad bowl, combine:
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Toss these ingredients gently. The spinach adds a crisp base. The strawberries bring sweetness. Feta adds creaminess, while almonds add a nice crunch. The red onion gives a sharp bite that balances the flavors.
Making the Poppy Seed Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Whisk until well mixed. This dressing is bright and tangy. The honey sweetens it up, making it perfect for the salad. You can taste it as you mix, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
Assembling the Salad
Once your salad base and dressing are ready, it’s time to combine them. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. This step is key for flavor. The dressing enhances every bite. Serve immediately for the best taste, or chill for 15 minutes to let flavors meld. For the full recipe, refer to the main article. Enjoy your fresh and colorful dish!
Tips & Tricks
Choosing Fresh Ingredients
When making a spinach strawberry salad, choosing the best ingredients matters. For spinach, look for vibrant green leaves. They should feel crisp and firm. Avoid any yellow or wilted leaves. For strawberries, pick ones that are bright red and smell sweet. The best strawberries have a shiny surface and no bruises. You can gently press them to check for firmness. Ripe strawberries are juicy and bursting with flavor.
Dressing Preparation
Making the dressing ahead of time helps save you time. You can mix the poppy seed dressing and store it in a jar. Use fresh lemon juice, honey, and apple cider vinegar for a bright flavor. Just whisk them together with olive oil, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. This dressing can stay in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a shake before using it. This way, you can enjoy a quick salad any day.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs well with many main dishes. Try it with grilled chicken for a light meal. It also goes great with fish or pork. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a hearty grain dish. Adding crusty bread can make it even better. You can also serve the salad as a starter at a dinner party. It looks beautiful on any table and tastes as good as it looks. For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can change some ingredients to fit your diet. For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese. Try using avocado for creaminess instead. You can also swap the honey for maple syrup. For gluten-free eaters, ensure your dressing has no gluten. Most oils and vinegars are safe.
Flavor Enhancements
Adding toppings can boost flavor and crunch. Consider adding walnuts or pecans for a nutty taste. You can also try sunflower seeds for a different texture. If you love more fruit, add blueberries or raspberries. They blend well with spinach and strawberries.
Dressing Alternatives
While the poppy seed dressing is a star, other options work too. A balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy kick. You might enjoy a creamy ranch for a different twist. A citrus vinaigrette brightens the salad with a zesty flavor. Explore these choices to find your favorite taste.
For the full recipe, check out Delightful Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing.
Storage Info
Storing the Salad
To keep your spinach strawberry salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure you use a container that fits the salad well, so it doesn’t get squished. If you have leftovers, add a paper towel inside. This helps absorb extra moisture and keeps the greens crisp.
Keeping Dressing Separate
Store the poppy seed dressing in a separate jar. Keeping the dressing away from the salad prevents the greens from wilting. When you are ready to eat, just drizzle the dressing over the salad. This way, your salad remains fresh and crunchy.
How Long It Lasts
When you refrigerate the salad, it lasts about two days. The salad is best if eaten within the first day. The dressing will stay good for about a week. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using. Enjoy your salad while it is fresh and vibrant for the best taste!
FAQs
How to make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing?
To make this salad, follow these steps:
1. In a big bowl, mix 4 cups of fresh baby spinach, 1 cup of sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of toasted sliced almonds, and 1/4 thinly sliced red onion.
2. In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds, 1 tablespoon of honey, and add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
4. Serve the salad right away for the best taste, or chill it for 15 minutes to blend the flavors.
For detailed steps, you can check the Full Recipe.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prepare this salad in advance, but keep a few things in mind. If you want to make it ahead of time, I suggest you store the salad and dressing separately. The salad can sit for about 2 hours in the fridge without losing its crunch. If you add the dressing too early, the spinach will wilt, and the salad won’t be as fresh.
What other fruits can I add to this salad?
You can add many fruits to this salad. Here are some tasty options:
– Blueberries for a sweet burst
– Raspberries for a tangy kick
– Slices of kiwi for a tropical twist
– Chopped apples for crunch
Feel free to mix and match! Each fruit adds a unique flavor and makes the salad even more colorful.
This salad combines fresh spinach and strawberries with creamy feta and crunchy almonds. You create a tasty dressing with lemon juice, vinegar, and honey. It’s easy to adjust for your needs with ingredient swaps and flavor boosts. Remember to keep the dressing separate for best taste and freshness. You can enjoy this salad as a light meal or side dish. Try different fruits and toppings to make it your own. Fresh and simple, this salad is perfect for any occasion.
![- 4 cups fresh baby spinach - 1 cup fresh strawberries - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup sliced almonds - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1/3 cup olive oil - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste When you gather your ingredients, focus on freshness. Fresh baby spinach adds a nice crunch and bright color. Look for vibrant green leaves without any wilting. Strawberries should be ripe and sweet. Choose berries that smell fragrant and have a rich red color. Next, feta cheese gives the salad a tangy kick. Crumble it yourself for the best texture. Sliced almonds add a nutty flavor and crunch. Toast them lightly for even more taste. For the dressing, fresh lemon juice brings brightness. Apple cider vinegar adds depth. Extra virgin olive oil makes the dressing smooth and rich. The poppy seeds provide a delightful crunch and visual appeal. Honey adds sweetness. Don’t forget salt and pepper! These will enhance all the flavors in your salad. For the complete recipe, visit the [Full Recipe]. Start by gathering your fresh ingredients. In a large salad bowl, combine: - 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced Toss these ingredients gently. The spinach adds a crisp base. The strawberries bring sweetness. Feta adds creaminess, while almonds add a nice crunch. The red onion gives a sharp bite that balances the flavors. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together: - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1/3 cup olive oil - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk until well mixed. This dressing is bright and tangy. The honey sweetens it up, making it perfect for the salad. You can taste it as you mix, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Once your salad base and dressing are ready, it's time to combine them. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. This step is key for flavor. The dressing enhances every bite. Serve immediately for the best taste, or chill for 15 minutes to let flavors meld. For the full recipe, refer to the main article. Enjoy your fresh and colorful dish! When making a spinach strawberry salad, choosing the best ingredients matters. For spinach, look for vibrant green leaves. They should feel crisp and firm. Avoid any yellow or wilted leaves. For strawberries, pick ones that are bright red and smell sweet. The best strawberries have a shiny surface and no bruises. You can gently press them to check for firmness. Ripe strawberries are juicy and bursting with flavor. Making the dressing ahead of time helps save you time. You can mix the poppy seed dressing and store it in a jar. Use fresh lemon juice, honey, and apple cider vinegar for a bright flavor. Just whisk them together with olive oil, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. This dressing can stay in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a shake before using it. This way, you can enjoy a quick salad any day. This salad pairs well with many main dishes. Try it with grilled chicken for a light meal. It also goes great with fish or pork. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a hearty grain dish. Adding crusty bread can make it even better. You can also serve the salad as a starter at a dinner party. It looks beautiful on any table and tastes as good as it looks. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can change some ingredients to fit your diet. For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese. Try using avocado for creaminess instead. You can also swap the honey for maple syrup. For gluten-free eaters, ensure your dressing has no gluten. Most oils and vinegars are safe. Adding toppings can boost flavor and crunch. Consider adding walnuts or pecans for a nutty taste. You can also try sunflower seeds for a different texture. If you love more fruit, add blueberries or raspberries. They blend well with spinach and strawberries. While the poppy seed dressing is a star, other options work too. A balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy kick. You might enjoy a creamy ranch for a different twist. A citrus vinaigrette brightens the salad with a zesty flavor. Explore these choices to find your favorite taste. For the full recipe, check out Delightful Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing. To keep your spinach strawberry salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure you use a container that fits the salad well, so it doesn’t get squished. If you have leftovers, add a paper towel inside. This helps absorb extra moisture and keeps the greens crisp. Store the poppy seed dressing in a separate jar. Keeping the dressing away from the salad prevents the greens from wilting. When you are ready to eat, just drizzle the dressing over the salad. This way, your salad remains fresh and crunchy. When you refrigerate the salad, it lasts about two days. The salad is best if eaten within the first day. The dressing will stay good for about a week. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using. Enjoy your salad while it is fresh and vibrant for the best taste! To make this salad, follow these steps: 1. In a big bowl, mix 4 cups of fresh baby spinach, 1 cup of sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of toasted sliced almonds, and 1/4 thinly sliced red onion. 2. In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds, 1 tablespoon of honey, and add salt and pepper to taste. 3. Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients. 4. Serve the salad right away for the best taste, or chill it for 15 minutes to blend the flavors. For detailed steps, you can check the Full Recipe. You can prepare this salad in advance, but keep a few things in mind. If you want to make it ahead of time, I suggest you store the salad and dressing separately. The salad can sit for about 2 hours in the fridge without losing its crunch. If you add the dressing too early, the spinach will wilt, and the salad won't be as fresh. You can add many fruits to this salad. Here are some tasty options: - Blueberries for a sweet burst - Raspberries for a tangy kick - Slices of kiwi for a tropical twist - Chopped apples for crunch Feel free to mix and match! Each fruit adds a unique flavor and makes the salad even more colorful. This salad combines fresh spinach and strawberries with creamy feta and crunchy almonds. You create a tasty dressing with lemon juice, vinegar, and honey. It's easy to adjust for your needs with ingredient swaps and flavor boosts. Remember to keep the dressing separate for best taste and freshness. You can enjoy this salad as a light meal or side dish. Try different fruits and toppings to make it your own. Fresh and simple, this salad is perfect for any occasion.](https://savoryspiral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/62649b4f-8c56-4547-bbd6-6e6810086b63-250x250.webp)