Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful dish that brings together fresh ingredients in a colorful and tasty way. This salad is perfect for warm weather, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal. The combination of sweet strawberries, crunchy nuts, and creamy feta creates a wonderful balance of flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only delicious, but it is also healthy! It is loaded with vitamins and nutrients from the spinach and strawberries. The poppyseed dressing adds a light sweetness that complements the ingredients perfectly. Making this salad is quick and easy, making it a great choice for busy days or when you want to impress guests without spending too much time in the kitchen.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppyseeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, candied nuts, and thinly sliced red onion.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppyseeds, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This salad is best served fresh. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light meal. It also makes a great addition to a potluck or picnic spread.
How to Store Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it is best to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This will help keep the spinach from wilting and the strawberries fresh.
Tips to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- You can add other ingredients like grilled chicken, avocado, or quinoa for extra protein.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the dressing to suit your taste.
Variation
You can switch out the feta cheese for goat cheese if you prefer a different flavor. Also, try using different nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds for a unique twist.
FAQs
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before using.
How long does the salad last?
The salad is best eaten fresh. If stored properly, it can last 1-2 days in the refrigerator, but keep in mind that it may get soggy.
Can I use pre-packaged salad greens?
Absolutely! You can use pre-washed baby spinach or mixed salad greens to save time. Just make sure to add the fresh strawberries and other ingredients to keep it colorful and delicious.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing! It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that anyone can prepare in just a few simple steps.
