Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad: A Vibrant and Refreshing Delight for Every Season

What is the Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad?

The Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and lightly sweet salad that combines the crispness of spinach with the juicy sweetness of strawberries. The tangy-sweet poppy seed dressing adds an irresistible zing that makes this salad a perfect choice for warm spring or summer days. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a side or turned into a main course with a few simple additions, like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer, a refreshing lunch, or a colorful side dish, this salad delivers it all.

The Origin of the Recipe

The Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad is a modern salad that reflects the growing trend of using fresh and seasonal ingredients to create balanced, flavorful dishes. Strawberry salads have been a classic in many cultures, with variations depending on local ingredients. However, the addition of poppy seeds and the signature dressing are what set this particular recipe apart. The combination of creamy feta or goat cheese, toasted almonds, and a poppy seed dressing is often found in American and European cuisine, especially during the spring and summer months when strawberries are in season.

This salad is both visually appealing and nutritionally rich, making it a favorite choice for health-conscious individuals who love fresh flavors.

Ingredients with Quantity

To make this delicious Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad, here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Salad:

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach – The base of this salad, offering a nutrient-packed, mild, and slightly sweet flavor.
• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced – Fresh, juicy strawberries that add a pop of sweetness.
• ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted – For a crunchy texture that complements the soft greens and juicy strawberries.
• ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese – Adds a creamy and tangy element to balance the sweetness of the fruit.
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced (optional) – For a slight sharpness and added texture (optional based on preference).

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil – A healthy fat that makes the dressing smooth and rich.
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar – Provides the tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of honey and strawberries.
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup – A natural sweetener to complement the dressing’s tanginess.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard – Adds depth and a bit of sharpness to the dressing.
• 1 tsp poppy seeds – The signature ingredient that gives the dressing texture and a mild nutty flavor.
• Salt & pepper, to taste – To season the dressing and bring out the flavors.

Step-by-Step Direction and Preparation Method

 1: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Continue whisking until the ingredients are well emulsified, creating a smooth and creamy dressing. If using a jar, you can shake it to combine all the ingredients effectively.

 2: Toast the Almonds

1. Place a dry skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced almonds and toast them for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn lightly golden and emit a fragrant aroma.
3. Remove the almonds from the skillet and set them aside to cool down.

 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and thinly sliced red onion (if using).
2. Add the toasted almonds and crumbled feta or goat cheese to the bowl.
3. Drizzle the prepared poppy seed dressing over the salad ingredients.
4. Toss everything gently to coat evenly with the dressing.

 4: Serve

1. Serve the salad immediately as a side dish or pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a satisfying main dish.
2. Enjoy this refreshing, vibrant salad!

Tips & Variations

• Fruit Substitutes: If you’re looking for variety, try substituting the strawberries with mandarin oranges or blueberries. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor and color to the salad.
• Nuts & Seeds: While the recipe calls for toasted almonds, you can easily swap them for pecans or walnuts for a different texture and taste.
• Make-Ahead Dressing: To save time, you can prepare the poppy seed dressing ahead of time. It keeps in the fridge for up to a week, so feel free to make a batch in advance.
• Extra Creaminess: For an added layer of richness, toss in some avocado slices to make the salad even creamier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the dressing in advance?

Yes, the poppy seed dressing can be made up to a week ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or preparing a large batch of salad.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, the Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad is naturally gluten-free, as long as the poppy seed dressing ingredients are also gluten-free. Be mindful of any packaged ingredients that might contain gluten.

3. Can I add protein to make this a main dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can easily be added to this salad to transform it into a satisfying main course. Simply grill or sauté the protein of your choice and place it on top of the salad before serving.

4. How long does this salad stay fresh?

For the best taste, it’s recommended to serve the salad immediately after assembling. However, if you store it in the fridge, the salad will stay fresh for up to 1–2 days. Just be mindful that the spinach may wilt slightly if stored for too long.

5. Can I make this salad without cheese?

Yes! If you prefer a dairy-free or vegan option, you can skip the feta or goat cheese and opt for a plant-based cheese alternative or skip it altogether. The salad will still be delicious and fresh without the cheese.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad is more than just a salad — it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that come together perfectly in each bite. From the crisp baby spinach and juicy strawberries to the tangy-sweet poppy seed dressing, every ingredient adds something special to this dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a summer picnic, or as a quick lunch, this salad is sure to impress with its fresh ingredients and light yet satisfying taste.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, toss everything together, and enjoy the refreshing goodness of this delightful Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad — a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad: A Vibrant and Refreshing Delight for Every Season

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• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

The Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and lightly sweet salad that combines the crispness of spinach with the juicy sweetness of strawberries. The tangy-sweet poppy seed dressing adds an irresistible zing that makes this salad a perfect choice for warm spring or summer days. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a side or turned into a main course with a few simple additions, like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer, a refreshing lunch, or a colorful side dish, this salad delivers it all.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Salad:

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced

• ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted

• ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp poppy seeds

• Salt & pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing

   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

2. Toast the Almonds

   • In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast almonds for 3–5 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

3. Assemble the Salad

   • In a large bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion (if using), toasted almonds, and feta.

   • Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat evenly.

4. Serve

   • Serve immediately as a side salad, or add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a main dish.

Notes

This Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad is fresh, vibrant, and perfect for a light lunch or side dish. For extra flavor and texture, add toasted almonds or pecans, crumbled feta or goat cheese, and a few slices of avocado. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the flavors even more.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Category: Salad / Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Spinach strawberry salad, Poppy seed dressing salad, Fresh strawberry spinach salad