Description

This strawberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing is a refreshing, vibrant dish that combines sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors in every bite. Juicy strawberries, crisp spinach, and crunchy nuts are tossed with a creamy homemade poppy seed dressing for a light yet satisfying salad. Perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a healthy side dish, this easy 10-minute recipe is both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

6 cups fresh baby spinach
1 ½ cups strawberries, sliced
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled
⅓ cup sliced almonds, pecans, or walnuts
1 avocado, sliced (optional)

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp poppy seeds
Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss together baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, cheese, and nuts.
Drizzle with dressing: Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
Serve immediately: Garnish with extra nuts or cheese if desired and enjoy fresh!

Notes

Make ahead: Store salad ingredients separately from the dressing and toss together just before serving.
To make it vegan, use dairy-free cheese and maple syrup instead of honey.
For a citrus twist, add orange segments or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Prep Time: 10min
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: No-Cook