Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Dressing Delight

Looking for a light and tasty dish that’s easy to make? Try my Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Dressing! This salad combines fresh spinach and sweet strawberries, topped with a creamy, tangy dressing. You’ll love the crunchy nuts and flavorful feta. In this post, I’ll share my go-to ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious salad!

Ingredients

Fresh Produce

– 5 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried

– 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced

– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Fresh produce is key in this salad. I love using baby spinach. It is tender and mild. Strawberries add sweetness and color. They brighten the dish and taste amazing. Red onion offers a sharp bite. It adds depth to the salad.

Dairy and Nuts

– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

– 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

Next, we add some creamy feta cheese. It gives a nice salty flavor. I prefer crumbled feta for easy mixing. Nuts add crunch and richness. Pecans or walnuts work well. Choose your favorite for extra texture.

Dressing Components

– 1/4 cup olive oil

– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

– Salt and pepper to taste

Now let’s talk about the dressing. I use olive oil for a smooth base. Apple cider vinegar adds tang and brightness. Honey adds sweetness to balance the flavors. Dijon mustard gives a nice kick. Season with salt and pepper to enhance all the tastes. This dressing brings everything together in a fresh way.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dressing

To make the poppy dressing, start by mixing the ingredients in a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Don’t forget to sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste.

Next, use a whisk to blend everything together. Whisking helps to emulsify the oil and vinegar. You want a smooth and creamy dressing. It should feel light and fresh, perfect for our salad.

Assembling the Salad

Now, let’s put the salad together. In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups of fresh baby spinach with 2 cups of hulled and sliced strawberries. Add in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.

Once you have all the fresh ingredients in the bowl, it’s time to add the dressing. Drizzle the poppy dressing over the salad components.

Serving Suggestions

After adding the dressing, gently toss the salad. This ensures every bite is coated with that tasty poppy dressing.

For an extra touch, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds on top. This adds a nice crunch and makes the salad look pretty. Serve it in chilled salad bowls for a delightful presentation. You can also garnish with whole strawberries and some extra poppy seeds for that eye-catching effect. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Fresh Ingredients

Selecting ripe strawberries

Choose strawberries that are bright red and firm. Avoid ones with white or green spots. The scent is also a good sign. Ripe strawberries smell sweet and fragrant.

Washing and drying spinach

Rinse the spinach under cold water. This removes dirt and any hidden bugs. After washing, use a salad spinner to dry it well. Wet spinach can make your salad soggy.

Enhancing Flavor and Presentation

Adding herbs

Fresh herbs can boost flavor. Try adding mint or basil to your salad. These herbs pair well with strawberries and spinach.

Popular toppings

Top your salad with crumbled feta cheese and nuts. Pecans or walnuts add crunch. You can also use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

Making Ahead

Preparation tips for storage

Prepare the salad but keep the dressing separate. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the spinach fresh and crisp.

Timing for best flavor

Make the salad up to 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to blend. If you want to make it earlier, add the dressing just before serving.

Variations

Alternative Proteins

You can easily change up this salad with protein. Grilled chicken adds a tasty, savory touch. Simply slice some cooked chicken breast and place it on top. It makes the salad more filling.

Chickpeas are another great option. They add protein and fiber. Just rinse and drain a can of chickpeas, then toss them in. They give a nice texture and a bit of earthiness.

Seasonal Swaps

Feel free to switch out fruits based on what’s in season. Blueberries or raspberries can replace strawberries for a fun twist. Each fruit brings a unique flavor that can change the salad’s vibe.

You can also experiment with vegetables. Try adding sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots. These vegetables not only add color but also give a nice crunch.

Dressing Alternatives

If you want to switch up the dressing, a citrus vinaigrette works nicely. Just mix lemon juice with olive oil and a touch of honey. This gives a bright, fresh flavor.

Creamy dressings can be another choice. A yogurt-based ranch or a balsamic dressing can add a rich taste. These alternatives keep the salad exciting and suit different palates.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your salad fresh, store it in airtight containers. Glass containers work well and do not retain odors. If you use plastic, make sure it is BPA-free. Place any leftover salad in the fridge right away. This keeps it crisp and tasty.

Best Practices for Freshness

You can keep the salad for up to two days. After that, the greens may wilt. Look for signs of spoilage. If the spinach turns brown or slimy, it’s time to toss it. Strawberries should stay bright and firm. If they become mushy, they have spoiled.

Reusing Ingredients

You can get creative with leftover salad parts. Toss spinach into smoothies for extra nutrients. Use extra strawberries in desserts, like a fruit parfait. For the dressing, try it as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish. It adds a lovely flavor twist to many dishes.

FAQs

How can I make a vegan version of this salad?

You can easily make this salad vegan. For feta cheese, try using tofu or cashew cheese. These options mimic the creaminess well. You can also skip the cheese and add more nuts for crunch. This keeps the salad tasty and satisfying.

Can I add other fruits or ingredients?

Yes, you can add more fruits! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced kiwi all work great. You can also try adding avocado for creaminess or cucumber for crunch. Feel free to get creative with your favorite fruits and nuts.

What is the best way to serve the salad?

Serve the salad cold for the best taste. Chill your salad bowls before serving for extra freshness. Garnish with whole strawberries and a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a bright look. This makes it not only tasty but also visually appealing.

You now know how to make a fresh and tasty salad. You started with simple ingredients, like fresh produce and nuts. Then, you created a delicious dressing and mixed it all together. I shared tips to enhance flavor and serve it well. Remember, you can switch ingredients for seasonal tastes or personal preferences. Store your leftovers wisely to keep them fresh. This salad is flexible and full of options. Enjoy your creation and feel proud of your healthy choic