Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This delicious strawberry spinach salad recipe is the perfect healthy lunch. It's made with fresh strawberries, crunchy pecans, salty feta cheese, red onions, and a mouth-watering poppyseed dressing.
You are going to fall in love with this spinach strawberry salad!
Imagine fresh, crisp spinach mixed with juicy strawberries, tangy red onions, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans, all topped with a creamy homemade poppyseed dressing.
Each bite is like a party in your mouth, perfectly balancing salty, sweet, and savory flavors.
It's also easy to make, making it perfect for any gathering. It can be served as the main meal or as a side salad.
Trust me, once you try it, you'll be hooked, and so will everyone who gets a taste!
This salad will be a hit for any summer picnic, quick lunch, or fancy dinner!
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Ingredients & Substitutions
- Fresh Baby Spinach: It provides a crisp and nutritious base with vibrant green leaves. Baby kale or mixed greens can be used as alternatives.
- Fresh Strawberries: Infuses sweet and juicy bursts of flavor, complementing the savory elements of the salad. Fresh raspberries or blueberries can provide a similar fruity sweetness.
- Red Onion: Adds a mild tangy bite. Shallots or thinly sliced sweet onions can be used for a milder flavor.
- Crumbled Feta: This creamy, salty cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries. Goat cheese or blue cheese crumbles can provide a creamy, salty element.
- Pecans: Gives the salad a crunchy texture and nutty richness. Other nuts to choose from are almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds. Candied pecans are another tasty option.
- Dressing: To tie this salad together, blend mayo, apple cider vinegar, milk, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper to make a sweet and savory dressing. If you don't like vinegar try lemon juice in its place.
- Optional: For added crunch, add homemade sourdough croutons. Mix in a cup of quinoa or farro to add more complex carbs and protein.
How to make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Step 1: Make the poppyseed dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the mayo, milk, honey, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
If using a jar, seal the lid and shake until well combined.
Step 2: Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, add the spinach. Top with sliced strawberries, red onion, pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
Step 3: Dress and toss
Drizzle a small amount of the poppyseed dressing over the salad. Gently toss the salad to coat the ingredients lightly with the dressing.
Add more dressing as needed, but be careful not to overdress.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and crisp textures.
Pro Tip
Be careful not to overdress your salad! Too much dressing can overwhelm the flavors and make the ingredients soggy.
Start with a little, toss well, and add more if needed to ensure every bite is perfectly balanced and fresh.
Serve
This salad is great on its own or with grilled chicken with air fryer salmon. You can serve it as a meal or a side dish.
How to Store
Store the salad ingredients (spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta, and pecans) in an airtight container and the poppyseed dressing in a sealed jar.
Refrigerate for up to 2 days. For best results, toss the salad with the dressing just before serving. Remember, it's best enjoyed fresh!
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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
INGREDIENTS
- 5 cups baby spinach (5 oz container)
- 1 lb. strawberries (sliced or quartered)
- 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup pecans
Dressing
- ¼ cup mayo
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons honey (sub sugar or maple syrup )
- 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons poppyseeds
- salt and pepper (to taste)
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, milk, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, and salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, add the spinach, strawberries, red onion, pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad. Gently toss the salad to coat the ingredients with the dressing. Add more dressing as needed.
No mention of maple syrup in the ingredient list, but it appears in the directions. How much?
Hi Kathy, sorry that is a typo. You can use honey OR maple syrup. We fixed it!