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For this Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad, you need fresh ingredients for a bright taste. Here’s what you need: - 6 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled The spinach acts as a soft base. Strawberries bring sweetness and color. Red onions add a nice crunch and bite. The sliced almonds give a nutty flavor, while feta cheese adds creaminess. A good dressing makes every salad shine. For the dressing, you will need: - 1/2 cup olive oil - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 1/4 cup poppy seeds - Salt and pepper to taste This dressing is simple but full of flavor. Olive oil and apple cider vinegar create a great balance. Honey adds a sweet touch, and poppy seeds give it unique flavor and texture. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste! You can make this salad your own with some optional toppings. Consider these add-ons: - Additional strawberry slices - Extra feta cheese - Chopped herbs like mint or basil - Avocado slices for creaminess Adding these toppings can change the salad’s taste. They also make it more colorful and fun. Experiment with your favorite flavors to create your perfect salad! To start, gather your dressing ingredients. You need olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Measure out each ingredient carefully. In a small bowl or jar, combine them all. Whisk or shake well until the mixture is smooth and blended. This step is key for a tasty salad. Now, let's move to the salad. Take a large mixing bowl and add the fresh spinach leaves. Make sure they are washed and dried. Next, add the sliced strawberries and thinly sliced red onion. These colors and flavors make the salad pop! Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat the leaves and fruits. This helps every bite taste great. Finally, sprinkle the toasted almonds and crumbled feta cheese on top. Give it one last gentle toss to mix everything nicely. You can serve the salad right away for the best taste. If you prefer a bit more flavor, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. For a stunning presentation, use a large glass bowl. It shows off the vibrant colors. Add extra strawberry slices and a sprinkle of poppy seeds on top for a lovely finish. Enjoy this fresh and bright salad! To make a great strawberry spinach poppy seed salad, start with fresh ingredients. Look for spinach that is bright green and crisp. Avoid any wilted or yellow leaves. Choose strawberries that are plump and firm. The best strawberries have a deep red color. Visit local farmers' markets for the freshest options. You may also find organic choices there. Red onions should be firm and have a nice color too. For the best taste, try to buy them the same day you plan to make the salad. When tossing your salad, keep it gentle. You want to mix the ingredients without crushing them. Start with the spinach and strawberries in a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the top. Use your hands or salad tongs to toss. Move from the bottom to the top, lifting the leaves. This method helps coat everything evenly. Add the red onion, almonds, and feta last. Just a quick toss will mix these toppings in nicely. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy! Presentation is key for any dish. Serve your salad in a large glass bowl. This way, the colors pop and look inviting. Top it with extra strawberry slices for a fresh touch. A sprinkle of poppy seeds adds a nice contrast. Consider adding a few whole almonds on top too. This gives it a rustic look. Serve the salad right away for the best taste. If you want the flavors to blend, chill it for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy how beautiful and colorful your salad looks! {{image_2}} You can change the fruit in this salad to fit the season. For spring, try adding ripe peaches or juicy blueberries. In fall, use diced apples or pears. Each fruit brings new flavors and colors. This keeps the salad fresh and exciting all year. You can use whatever fruit you enjoy. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! If you want to switch up the nuts, try walnuts or pecans instead of almonds. Each nut has its own taste and crunch. Walnuts add a rich flavor, while pecans are sweet and buttery. You can also skip the nuts for a nut-free option. This way, you can cater to different diets and preferences. To make this salad vegan or dairy-free, skip the feta cheese. You can replace it with avocado for creaminess. Another option is to use sunflower seeds for added texture and nutrition. Make sure your dressing is dairy-free too. Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan. This way, everyone can enjoy your delicious salad! To store leftover salad, place it in an airtight container. You want to keep the spinach fresh. Cover the container tightly to block air. The salad will stay good for about 1 day. If you notice any sogginess, remove the wet items before storing. Always store it in the fridge. You can store the dressing in a separate jar. Keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Before using it again, shake it well. The oil and vinegar may separate, so mixing is key. If you want a fresh taste, consider making a new batch. To maintain freshness, keep the salad and dressing apart. Mix them only when ready to serve. This way, the spinach stays crisp and the strawberries stay bright. If you add toppings like almonds or feta, store them separately too. This keeps everything at its best for longer. Yes, you can make the dressing ahead. Mix the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake it well and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to a week. This helps the flavors blend together nicely. Just give it a good shake before using it. If you want to replace feta cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta. Both add a creamy texture. You can also use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option. Crumbled tofu works well too, giving a nice bite without dairy. Choose what fits your taste best. The salad lasts about 1-2 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container. The spinach may wilt over time, but it will still taste good. To keep it fresh, store the dressing separately. Add it just before serving. This post shared how to make a fresh salad with delicious dressings and toppings. You learned about sourcing the best ingredients and creative variations to enhance flavors. Remember to store leftovers properly for freshness. Enjoy trying different fruits and nut options to keep it exciting. Making salads can be fun and easy. With these tips and steps, your next salad will impress everyone. Keep experimenting to find your favorite mix!

Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad

Elevate your meals with this refreshing Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad! Packed with vibrant flavors, fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, and crunchy almonds, this salad is a perfect side or light lunch. With a quick prep time of just 15 minutes, you’ll love the delicious dressing that ties it all together. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this delightful dish!
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Ingredients
  

6 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup poppy seeds

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is emulsified and set aside.

    In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, and red onion.

      Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.

        Sprinkle the sliced almonds and crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad.

          Give the salad one last gentle toss to mix in the toppings.

            Serve immediately for the freshest taste or refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors. Garnish with additional strawberry slices and a sprinkle of poppy seeds on top for an eye-catching finish.