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To make this salad fresh and tasty, gather these simple ingredients: - 5 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed - 2 cups strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced - 1 cup cucumber, peeled and sliced into thin rounds - 1/2 cup red onion, sliced thinly - 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled for a creamy touch - 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted for added crunch These fresh ingredients give your salad a bright look and a burst of flavor. The spinach is crisp, while the strawberries add sweetness. Cucumber adds crunch, and red onion gives a nice kick. Feta cheese adds creaminess, while toasted nuts bring a satisfying crunch. Now, let’s whip up the poppy seed dressing. You’ll need: - 1/2 cup plain yogurt, for creaminess - 2 tablespoons honey, to add sweetness - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, bringing brightness - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, for a nutty flavor - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, adding a savory kick - Salt and pepper to taste, to enhance flavors This dressing ties the salad together. The yogurt makes it smooth, while honey adds a touch of sweetness. Apple cider vinegar brightens the flavors, and poppy seeds add a nice crunch. Dijon mustard gives it a savory punch, while salt and pepper balance it all out. You can also try these optional add-ons for extra flavor: - Sliced avocado for creaminess - Grilled chicken for protein - Fresh herbs like mint or basil for a fragrant touch - Dried cranberries for a sweet contrast These add-ons let you customize the salad to your taste. Avocado makes it richer, while grilled chicken adds heartiness. Fresh herbs brighten the dish, and dried cranberries introduce a sweet note. Feel free to mix and match these options! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your ingredients. Use 5 cups of fresh baby spinach. Rinse it well to remove dirt. Next, slice 2 cups of strawberries into thin pieces. This brings a sweet flavor. Then, peel 1 cucumber and cut it into thin rounds. Add this to the bowl. Now, slice 1/2 cup of red onion very thin. This will add a nice bite to your salad. In a large bowl, mix all these ingredients together. Toss them gently to combine them well. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of plain yogurt. This will give our dressing creaminess. Next, add 2 tablespoons of honey for sweetness. Now, pour in 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. This will brighten the dressing. Then, add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for a nice nutty flavor. Don’t forget 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a savory taste. Mix well until everything is blended. Add salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance all the flavors. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad base. Use tongs to toss the salad lightly, so it coats everything. Now, sprinkle 1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. This adds a creamy texture. Finally, add 1/4 cup of toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch. Serve the salad right away for the best taste. If you want, chill it for 30 minutes to deepen the flavors. Enjoy your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing! Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Wash the spinach well to remove dirt. Cut the strawberries just before serving to keep them fresh. Slice the cucumber thinly for an even crunch. Thin slices of red onion add a nice bite. If you prefer a milder taste, soak the onions in cold water for a few minutes. The balance of soft and crunchy is key. Baby spinach provides a tender base. Add sliced strawberries for sweetness and a juicy bite. Cucumber rounds give a refreshing crunch. Crumbled feta cheese adds creaminess. Toasted walnuts or pecans bring extra crunch and flavor. Toss lightly to keep all the textures intact. For a festive look, serve in a wide, shallow bowl. Garnish with whole strawberries and edible flowers. This adds color and elegance. Chill the salad for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. It makes a great starter or side dish for summer parties. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Pro Tips Freshness Matters: Always use fresh spinach and strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute walnuts or pecans with your favorite nuts or seeds for a unique twist. Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill for 30 minutes enhances the flavors and makes it extra refreshing. Dress Just Before Serving: To keep the salad crisp, add the dressing right before serving to prevent wilting. {{image_4}} You can swap some ingredients to change the taste of your salad. Instead of spinach, try arugula for a peppery kick. If you don’t like feta, use goat cheese. It adds a tangy flavor. For a nutty twist, replace walnuts with sunflower seeds. You can also add sliced apples for extra crunch and sweetness. Use fresh, seasonal ingredients to keep your salad exciting. In summer, add ripe peaches or nectarines. In fall, try diced apples or pears. You can even throw in some roasted butternut squash during winter. These additions bring new flavors and colors to your dish. They also keep your salad fresh and fun. If you’re feeling adventurous, change up the dressing. Swap the yogurt for avocado for a creamy texture. You can use olive oil instead of yogurt for a lighter option. For a spicy kick, add some sriracha or chili flakes. Experimenting with different dressings adds new layers of flavor. This keeps your meal interesting every time you make it. To keep your strawberry spinach salad fresh, place any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge right away. The salad is best enjoyed within two days for optimal taste and crispness. If you notice the leaves wilting, it's time to toss it. For the poppy seed dressing, you should store it in a sealed jar or container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about a week. Before using it again, give it a good shake. This helps mix the ingredients that may have settled. - Fresh baby spinach: Use within 3 to 5 days for the best flavor. - Strawberries: Store for 3 to 7 days, depending on ripeness. - Cucumber: Keep for about a week in the fridge. - Red onion: Lasts 1 to 2 weeks if stored in a cool, dry place. - Feta cheese: Use within a week after opening. - Nuts: Toasted nuts stay good for about 2 weeks, while raw can last a few months. By following these storage tips, you can make the most of your delicious salad and dressing! Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time. Prepare the salad without the dressing. Keep it in the fridge for up to one day. Add the dressing just before serving for the best taste. You can use goat cheese or ricotta for a creamy touch. If you prefer a non-dairy option, try avocado. This adds creaminess without cheese. Yes, for a vegan version, swap plain yogurt with a plant-based yogurt. Use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness. This keeps the flavor rich and creamy. All the salad ingredients are gluten-free. Just check the label on your Dijon mustard to ensure it is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the salad without worry. Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them first and drain excess liquid. This keeps the salad from getting soggy and still adds great flavor. This blog post shared easy steps for making a fresh salad with poppy seed dressing. We covered key ingredients and optional add-ons to boost flavor. I discussed best practices for prepping veggies and achieving the right texture. You learned about variations to try with seasonal ingredients and alternative dressings. We also explored storage tips for leftovers and common questions. In the end, making this salad can be fun and flexible, suiting your tastes and needs. Enjoy creating your perfect salad!

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Zesty Poppy Seed Dressing

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, and a zesty poppy seed dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed
  • 2 cups strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cucumber, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
  • 0.5 cup red onion, sliced thinly
  • 0.33 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 0.25 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
  • 0.5 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, cucumber rounds, and thinly sliced red onion, tossing lightly to mix the ingredients evenly.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, and Dijon mustard until thoroughly blended. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your preference, mixing well to incorporate.
  • Drizzle the prepared poppy seed dressing gently over the salad, then use tongs or a large spoon to toss the salad lightly, ensuring that the greens and fruits are evenly coated with the dressing.
  • Finish by sprinkling the crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts over the top of the salad, adding a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
  • Serve the salad immediately for optimal freshness, or for enhanced flavors, chill in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve in a wide, shallow bowl and garnish with whole strawberries and edible flowers for presentation.
Keyword dressing, salad, spinach, strawberries