Strawberry Spinach Salad Delight

$- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and carefully dried - 2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and elegantly sliced - 1/2 cup red onion, ultra-thinly sliced for a mild flavor - 1/4 cup creamy feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped for a crunchy texture - 1/4 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons tangy apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon sweet honey - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds for added interest - Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste - Each serving has about 200 calories. - You get around 15g of fat, 10g of carbs, and 5g of protein. - Baby spinach is rich in vitamins A and K. Strawberries add fiber and antioxidants. Feta cheese gives calcium, while walnuts offer healthy fats and protein. This salad not only tastes great but also brings a lot of health benefits to the table. Enjoy! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start with 4 cups of fresh baby spinach. 2. Rinse the spinach under cool water. 3. Use a salad spinner or a clean towel to dry the spinach. 4. Next, take 2 cups of ripe strawberries. 5. Hull and slice the strawberries. Aim for even slices. 6. Then, grab 1/2 cup of red onion. 7. Slice the red onion ultra-thin for a mild flavor. 1. Place the washed spinach in a large bowl. 2. Layer the sliced strawberries over the spinach. 3. Add the thinly sliced red onion next. 4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. 5. Lastly, add 1/4 cup of coarsely chopped walnuts for crunch. 1. In a small bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients. 2. Combine 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey. 3. Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the mixture. 4. Whisk the ingredients well until they blend into a smooth dressing. 1. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad. 2. Toss the salad gently to coat every leaf and topping. 3. Taste the salad and add salt and pepper as needed. 4. Serve the salad in large bowls for a beautiful presentation. 5. For extra flair, garnish with more sliced strawberries and a sprig of mint. To make your salad look fancy, use large, clear bowls. The colors of the greens and strawberries pop beautifully. You can enhance the look by adding extra sliced strawberries on top. A sprig of fresh mint also adds a nice touch. Mint gives a fresh scent and bright color. If you want a different taste, try goat cheese instead of feta cheese. It has a creamy texture and tangy flavor. For a nut-free version, replace walnuts with sunflower seeds. They add a nice crunch without nuts. To add more crunch, consider adding crispy bacon bits or crunchy chickpeas. They add flavor and texture to the salad. Balance the dressing's flavors by tasting it before serving. If it’s too sweet, add a tiny bit more vinegar. If it’s too tangy, a little honey can help. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select vibrant, fresh strawberries and crisp spinach to enhance the overall flavor and appearance of your salad. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different texture and taste that complements the salad beautifully. Make Ahead Dressing: Prepare the poppy seed dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add Protein: Consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas to make this salad a heartier meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. {{image_4}} You can make this salad special by using seasonal berries. Fresh blueberries or blackberries add unique flavors. During fall, try adding sliced apples or pears for a crisp touch. You can also add other greens like arugula or kale. This mix gives your salad extra color and flavor. Adding protein makes this salad more filling. Grilled chicken or shrimp are great options. They add a nice smoky taste and pair well with the sweet strawberries. If you prefer vegetarian options, try chickpeas or quinoa. These options add good texture and protein to your meal. While poppy seed dressing is tasty, you can experiment with different dressings. Citrus dressings made with orange or lemon juice can brighten the salad. Adding fresh herbs like basil or mint gives it a fresh twist. These small changes can make your salad feel new each time you make it. To store leftover salad, use an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh. Layer paper towels between the layers of salad. This absorbs extra moisture. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. The poppy seed dressing lasts about a week in the fridge. Keep it in a sealed jar or container. This prevents spills and keeps the dressing fresh. You can make the dressing ahead of time. Just shake it well before using. I do not recommend freezing the salad. The spinach and strawberries become mushy when thawed. You can, however, freeze the dressing. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge before using. You can keep the salad in the fridge for about 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure to add the dressing just before serving. This way, the spinach stays crisp and bright. Yes, you can make the Poppy Seed Dressing a few days in advance. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge. Give it a good shake before using. The flavors will meld nicely, making it even tastier. Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. You can wash and chop the spinach and strawberries ahead of time. Keep the dressing in a separate container. Combine everything when you're ready to eat for a fresh flavor. This salad pairs well with many dishes. Try serving it with grilled chicken or fish for protein. It also goes great with sandwiches or wraps for lunch. The sweet and savory flavor makes it a perfect side. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Strawberry Spinach Salad. We discussed fresh ingredients, like baby spinach and ripe strawberries, along with a simple poppy seed dressing. You learned step-by-step instructions to prepare, assemble, and serve the salad. I shared tips for presentation, ingredient substitutes, and variations to enhance flavor. Remember, this salad is not just healthy; it's also fun to make. Enjoy experimenting and tailoring the recipe to your tastes. Your healthy plate awaits!$

Strawberry Spinach Salad Delight

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, ripe strawberries, and a creamy poppy seed dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and carefully dried
2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and elegantly sliced
0.5 cup red onion, ultra-thinly sliced for a mild flavor
0.25 cup creamy feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped for a crunchy texture
0.25 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons tangy apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sweet honey
1 tablespoon poppy seeds for added interest
to taste Salt and freshly cracked pepper

Instructions

Begin by placing the fresh baby spinach into a large mixing bowl, allowing it to be the base of your salad.
Gently layer the sliced strawberries and thinly sliced red onion atop the spinach, creating a colorful and inviting presentation.
Evenly scatter the crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts over the salad mixture, adding both creaminess and crunch.
In a separate small bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is fully blended and slightly emulsified, lending it a smooth consistency.
Drizzle the delicious poppy seed dressing generously over the salad. With care, toss the salad gently, ensuring every leaf and topping is evenly coated with the dressing for maximum flavor.
Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed for a well-balanced flavor profile.

Notes

Serve in elegant large salad bowls and garnish with extra sliced strawberries and fresh mint.

Keyword healthy, salad, spinach, strawberries, vegetarian