If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant dish, you’ve found it! My Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing will brighten your meal. Combining sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, and creamy feta, this salad is both tasty and healthy. Plus, the poppy seed dressing adds a delightful tang. Ready to dive into this simple recipe? Let’s get started and make a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: This salad combines the sweetness of strawberries with the earthiness of spinach, creating a deliciously balanced dish.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or a last-minute side dish.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, the combination of spinach, strawberries, and walnuts makes this salad a powerhouse of nutrition.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its vibrant colors and delightful flavors, this salad is sure to impress your guests at any gathering.
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients Needed
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
– 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
To make this salad shine, fresh ingredients are key. I love using baby spinach for its tender leaves. Strawberries bring sweetness and color. The red onion adds a nice crunch and bite. Feta cheese gives the salad a salty note. Finally, walnuts add a rich texture.
Pantry Staples Needed
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Don’t forget the pantry staples! Olive oil forms the base of the dressing. Apple cider vinegar offers a tangy kick. Honey balances the flavors with sweetness. Poppy seeds add a lovely crunch. Season with salt and pepper for the perfect taste.
Gather these ingredients to create a vibrant and tasty Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Salad Base
Start with 4 cups of fresh baby spinach. First, wash and dry the spinach. Make sure it’s clean and dry to avoid a soggy salad. Next, take 2 cups of strawberries. Hull them and slice them into thin pieces. You want sweet, juicy strawberries for the best flavor.
Combining Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the spinach. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top. Then, add 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion. The onion adds a nice crunch and bite. Next, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese over the mixture. The feta adds a creamy element. Finally, add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Making the Poppy Seed Dressing
In a separate small bowl, it’s time to make the poppy seed dressing. Whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the mix. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and slightly emulsified. Once ready, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together to coat the greens and toppings evenly. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy your colorful and tasty salad!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Ingredients
– Choosing the freshest strawberries
Look for bright red strawberries. They should be firm and free from bruises. Fresh strawberries taste better and add great flavor to the salad. If you can, buy them from a local farm or farmers’ market. This way, they are likely fresher and more flavorful.
– Storing salad components separately
To keep your salad fresh, store each item apart. Keep the spinach, strawberries, and dressing in different containers. This prevents sogginess. If you mix them too early, the salad will lose its crunch. Only combine them right before serving for the best taste.
Presentation Suggestions
– Serving in decorative bowls
Use colorful or unique bowls to serve your salad. A bright bowl makes the dish look more inviting. It also highlights the vibrant colors of the spinach and strawberries. Let your salad’s beauty shine through.
– Garnishing with mint and extra strawberries
Add a sprig of mint on top for a fresh look. It adds a nice aroma, too. You can also place a few extra sliced strawberries around the bowl. This makes the salad pop and draws everyone’s eye. A great presentation makes the food more enjoyable.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use fresh, high-quality spinach and strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your salad.
- Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap walnuts with pecans or almonds, depending on your preference for a different nutty flavor.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
- Elevate the Flavor: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest or a few slices of avocado for an extra burst of freshness and creaminess.
Variations
Seasonal Additions
You can change up your strawberry spinach salad by adding other seasonal fruits. Blueberries and raspberries add a nice pop of color and flavor. They also bring more nutrients to your dish. You can mix in nuts or seeds for extra crunch. Try using pecans or sunflower seeds. These options add great taste and texture.
Healthier Alternatives
If you want a lighter dressing, swap Greek yogurt for the honey. This change gives you creaminess without extra sugar. You can also use agave syrup instead of honey. Agave syrup is a good choice for a lower glycemic index. Both options keep your salad tasty and health-friendly.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your strawberry spinach salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the greens crisp. Place the salad in the fridge right after serving. If you have extra dressing, store it separately. This will help prevent the salad from getting soggy. Pour the dressing in a small jar or bowl. Seal it tightly and refrigerate.
Shelf Life
If stored correctly, the salad lasts about two days. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for wilted spinach, mushy strawberries, or an off smell. These signs mean it’s time to toss the salad. Fresh ingredients help keep the salad tasty for longer. Use fresh spinach and strawberries for best results.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. To keep it fresh, prep ingredients separately. Wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, and chop the onions. Store them in airtight containers. Combine them just before serving. This way, the salad stays crisp and tasty.
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs well with many dishes. Try grilled chicken or fish for protein. A slice of crusty bread complements the flavors too. You can also serve it with a light soup. Each option adds variety to your meal.
How do I customize the dressing?
You can customize the dressing easily. Add fresh herbs like basil or mint for extra flavor. Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness. You can even try using lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar. Each change gives a new twist to the dressing.
You learned how to make a tasty spinach and strawberry salad. We covered fresh ingredients like spinach, strawberries, and feta. I guided you through making a simple poppy seed dressing. You also discovered helpful tips for storage and serving.
Keep experimenting with seasonal fruits and flavors. This salad is easy to make and fun to customize. Enjoy your healthy choices and feel good about your mea
