If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh dish that’s bursting with flavor and color, look no further than this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements, making it a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious meal or side dish. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining guests, this salad brings a wonderfully refreshing and unique twist to the table that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and eye-catching color for your salad. From the juicy strawberries adding natural sweetness to the creamy feta providing a savory touch, every element is a star in this recipe.
- 1 cup lemon poppy seed salad dressing: Brings a bright, tangy, and lightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the fresh produce.
- 1 (10-oz) bag baby spinach: The tender greens serve as a nutrient-rich, earthy base with a mild flavor that balances the fruits and nuts.
- 1 pound strawberries (rinsed, hulled and sliced): Adds juicy sweetness and a gorgeous pop of red color to the salad.
- 1 medium cucumber (washed and sliced): Adds refreshing crunch and a cooling effect to the dish.
- 1 small red onion (peeled, halved and thinly sliced): Contributes a subtle sharpness and beautiful purple hue.
- 1 handful fresh herbs (washed, patted dry and chopped): Infuses aromatic notes that lighten and freshen up the entire salad.
- ½ cup crumbled Feta cheese (or more to taste): Offers a creamy, salty contrast that elevates the sweetness of the strawberries.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts: Introduces a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, perfectly rounding out the textures.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
If you prefer a homemade touch, whip up your own lemon poppy seed dressing following your favorite recipe, aiming for about one cup. This dressing is key to this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe, offering that delicate balance of tart and sweet to tie everything together beautifully.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh chopped herbs. Be sure everything is fresh and ready to shine—this mix of colors and textures already looks like a masterpiece on its own.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Nuts
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts over the salad to introduce creamy and crunchy layers. These ingredients not only boost flavor but also add a delightful bite that makes every mouthful exciting.
Step 4: Toss and Dress
Pour the lemon poppy seed salad dressing evenly over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together so that each leaf and bite is lightly coated in the luscious dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures possible.
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Top off your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe with a few extra sprinkles of chopped walnuts or crumbled feta for presentation. Fresh mint or basil leaves can add a burst of fragrance and an extra layer of freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even a light pasta dish. The fruity and tangy notes elevate simple mains, making the meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out strawberry halves or small mason jars for individual portions. Layering the salad ingredients in an appealing way makes it perfect for picnics or dinner parties where presentation matters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the spinach from wilting too quickly.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because the delicate spinach and fresh fruit lose their texture and brightness upon thawing.
Reheating
Since the salad is served cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. Instead, prepare the ingredients fresh for the best taste and texture every time you indulge in this recipe.
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale or mixed spring greens can work wonderfully as alternatives. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious.
Is there a vegan version of this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe?
Yes! Simply replace the feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a similar texture and nutty flavor.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Definitely. The lemon poppy seed dressing keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Making it ahead saves time and lets the flavors meld beautifully before tossing with the salad.
What can I substitute for walnuts if I have allergies?
You can swap walnuts with almonds, pecans, or even toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch without compromising the salad’s delightful texture.
How do I keep the strawberries fresh and prevent them from getting mushy?
Use ripe but firm strawberries, slice just before serving, and always toss the salad gently with dressing right before eating to maintain that perfect balance of juicy and fresh.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels light and wholesome while bursting with flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a stunning side, or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this salad is an absolute winner. Give it a try—I promise it will become a favorite in your recipe collection!
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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad topped with tangy lemon poppy seed dressing, fresh herbs, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta cheese. Perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 (10-oz) bag baby spinach
- 1 pound strawberries, rinsed, hulled and sliced
- 1 medium cucumber, washed and sliced
- 1 small red onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 handful fresh herbs, washed, patted dry and chopped (such as basil, mint, or parsley)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or more to taste)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Dressing
- 1 cup lemon poppy seed salad dressing
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: If you prefer to make your own lemon poppy seed dressing, follow your favorite recipe to prepare about 1 cup of dressing. This amount is just right for the salad.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, cucumber, red onion, fresh chopped herbs, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped walnuts.
- Dress and Toss: Pour the lemon poppy seed dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to evenly coat the salad with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp flavors and textures.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Toast the walnuts lightly for added crunch and enhanced flavor.
- Feel free to customize the herbs to your preference.
- If making the dressing from scratch, refrigerate any leftover dressing for up to a week.
