Strawberry Spinach Delight

$- 5 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and gently dried - 2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and elegantly sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, delicately crumbled - 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced into thin rings - 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds To make a delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad, you need fresh ingredients. Baby spinach is the base. It offers a mild flavor and a vibrant green color. Ripe strawberries add sweetness and a pop of red. Their juicy texture brightens the dish. Feta cheese brings creaminess and tang, balancing the sweetness of strawberries. Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp bite. Nuts like pecans or walnuts give a crunchy contrast. Poppy seeds sprinkle on top for a delightful crunch and visual appeal. Each ingredient plays a key role in this salad. - 1/4 cup high-quality olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon pure honey - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste The dressing is simple but flavorful. High-quality olive oil creates a smooth base. Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick. Honey sweetens the dressing, balancing the vinegar's sharpness. Dijon mustard gives it a creamy texture and depth. Lastly, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. This dressing ties the salad together, making every bite enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_2}} - In a small mixing bowl, combine: - 1/4 cup high-quality olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon pure honey - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste To make the dressing, whisk these ingredients together. You want a smooth mix that blends well. - In a large salad bowl, mix the following: - 5 cups fresh baby spinach - 2 cups ripe strawberries, sliced - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup red onion, sliced thin - 1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts After mixing, drizzle the poppy dressing over the salad. This adds great flavor to each bite. - With gentle hands, toss the salad. Make sure every ingredient gets some dressing. - Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds on top for a nice crunch. Serve the salad right away for the best taste. You can chill it for up to 30 minutes if you prefer. - Use fresh, seasonal strawberries. They taste best and add vibrant color. - Rinse spinach properly under cold water. This removes dirt and keeps it crisp. - Add optional spices like a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. These deepen the flavor. - Personalize the dressing by mixing in herbs like basil or mint for a twist. - Serve in chilled salad bowls for a refreshing look. - Garnish with whole strawberries and an extra sprinkle of poppy seeds. This creates an eye-catching centerpiece. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use the freshest spinach and strawberries you can find for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap out pecans or walnuts for your favorite nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, to add a unique twist. Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for about 30 minutes before serving will enhance the flavors as they meld together. Create a Vibrant Presentation: Arrange the strawberries and nuts artfully on top before serving for a stunning visual appeal. {{image_4}} You can make your salad even better with more fruits. Try adding blueberries or sliced peaches. They add color and a sweet touch. You can also mix in diced apples for crunch. Cheese can change the flavor too. Feta gives a nice tang, but goat cheese works well too. If you want something creamy, try mozzarella or even blue cheese. Each choice gives a new taste to the salad. If you want a new dressing, balsamic vinaigrette is a great option. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor. Just mix balsamic vinegar with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This dressing pairs well with strawberries and spinach. You can also try creamy dressings. A yogurt-based dressing adds a nice texture. Mix plain yogurt with lemon juice and honey for a light touch. It keeps the salad fresh while adding creaminess. Change the salad for the seasons. In fall, add roasted squash and cranberries. This gives a warm, hearty feel. Winter is great for adding citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit. They brighten up the dish with color and flavor. For holidays, add festive ingredients. Pomegranate seeds look beautiful and taste great. You can also sprinkle nuts like pecans for a crunchy bite. These changes make the salad special for any occasion. To keep your Strawberry Spinach Salad fresh, store it properly. Place the salad in an airtight container. This helps prevent wilting and keeps flavors intact. If you have leftover dressing, store it separately. This keeps the salad crisp for longer. In the refrigerator, the salad lasts about one day. After that, the spinach may become soggy. Check for signs of spoilage. If the strawberries look mushy or the spinach is slimy, it's time to toss it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time. You can wash and dry the spinach. Slice the strawberries and onions. You can even crumble the feta cheese. Just keep these items in separate containers in the fridge. This way, they stay fresh. Add the nuts and dressing right before serving. This keeps everything crisp and tasty. Yes, there are many substitutes for honey. You can use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both offer a similar sweetness. If you want a sugar option, try brown sugar. Just mix it well to dissolve. Each substitute adds a different flavor. Choose the one that suits your taste best. You can use several nuts in this salad. Almonds and cashews work well. They add a nice crunch too. If you want a different taste, try pistachios. Each nut gives a unique twist. Feel free to explore what you like best. This blog post covered key elements for making a fresh and tasty salad. We explored simple ingredients like spinach, strawberries, and feta. I shared steps for mixing and dressing your salad for the best flavor. You can personalize this dish with fruits and nuts of your choice. Remember to store any leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy crafting your salad, and don't hesitate to get creative with flavors!$

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, feta cheese, and a delightful poppy dressing.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

5 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and gently dried
2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and elegantly sliced
0.5 cup feta cheese, delicately crumbled
0.25 cup red onion, finely sliced into thin rings
0.25 cup pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
0.25 cup high-quality olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon pure honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating your delicious poppy dressing.
In a large, beautiful salad bowl, harmoniously combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped pecans or walnuts.
Generously drizzle the prepared poppy dressing over the vibrant salad ingredients, ensuring everything gets a touch of flavor.
With gentle hands, toss the salad carefully, making sure each ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing, enhancing the flavors with every bite.
To finish, sprinkle the poppy seeds over the top, adding a delightful crunch and a touch of elegance to your dish.
Serve immediately for the freshest taste or chill in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

For an alluring visual impact, serve in chilled salad bowls. Garnish with a few whole strawberries and an extra sprinkle of poppy seeds on top.

Keyword healthy, salad, spinach, strawberries