Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups baby spinach; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; ½ cup mandarin oranges (optional); ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ¼ cup sliced almonds or pecans; ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese; ⅓ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt; ¼ cup milk; ¼ cup sugar or honey; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp poppy seeds; ½ tsp Dijon mustard; Pinch of salt

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If you are on the hunt for a salad that’s bursting with flavor, color, and texture, let me introduce you to the delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe. This vibrant salad brings together tender baby spinach leaves, juicy strawberries, crunchy nuts, and a luscious homemade poppy seed dressing that’s tangy and sweet all at once. It’s the perfect dish to brighten your spring table, impress guests on Valentine’s Day, or simply enjoy a refreshing, healthy lunch. Every bite offers a wonderful combination of freshness and creaminess that’s truly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl full of fresh green spinach leaves, placed on a white marbled surface. Around the bowl, there are six small white dishes: one with red strawberries, one with chia seeds, another with a light orange liquid, one holding white cream cheese with herbs, one containing yellow olive oil, and the last one with some peanut butter spread. There is also a halved avocado near the bowl, showing its green inside with the seed removed. A woman's hand is holding a small spoon above one of the dishes. The colors are bright and fresh, with a clean and natural look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is what makes this salad so unforgettable. Each item plays a crucial role, from the crisp baby spinach providing the earthy base to the fresh strawberries adding just the right amount of natural sweetness. Let’s dive into these simple but essential components that make the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe come alive.

6 cups baby spinach: The foundation of the salad, offering freshness and a mild, leafy flavor.
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced: Adds juicy sweetness and a pop of vibrant red color.
½ cup mandarin oranges (optional): For a citrusy twist that brightens the overall flavor.
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced: Brings a subtle sharpness to balance the sweetness.
¼ cup sliced almonds or pecans: Provides crunch and a toasty nutty flavor.
¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese: Adds creaminess and a tangy contrast.
⅓ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Forms the creamy base of the poppy seed dressing.
¼ cup milk: Lightens the dressing to a perfect drizzling consistency.
¼ cup sugar or honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally.
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy kick that ties the dressing together.
1 tbsp poppy seeds: Give the dressing a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
½ tsp Dijon mustard: Enhances the flavor depth of the dressing.
Pinch of salt: Balances and elevates all the dressing’s flavors.

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Poppy Seed Dressing

Start by whisking together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, milk, sugar or honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl or jar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate the dressing for at least 15 minutes to allow those marvelous flavors to blend perfectly, giving the dressing that signature sweet and tangy charm.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large, vibrant salad bowl, add your fresh baby spinach first—this provides the perfect green canvas. Next, sprinkle in the sliced strawberries, optional mandarin oranges for that extra zing, thinly sliced red onions, crunchy almonds or pecans, and the crumbled feta or goat cheese. Each ingredient will shine in this colorful medley.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Just before serving, drizzle your chilled poppy seed dressing generously over the salad. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so each leaf and fruit is coated with the luscious dressing. This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor without wilting the delicate spinach.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

This salad is best enjoyed right away when the ingredients are fresh and crisp. Waiting too long can make the spinach wilt and the nuts lose their crunch, so plan to serve soon after tossing.

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with a colorful salad showing several layers. The bottom layer has fresh green spinach leaves. On top of that, there are bright red pieces of watermelon, scattered small brown nuts, thin slices of light purple onion, and some white cheese crumbles sprinkled all over. The salad looks fresh and mixed well. Next to the bowl, there are two light wooden salad serving utensils. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an eye-catching touch, consider adding candied pecans to the top for extra crunch and sweetness. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers also pair beautifully and elevate the visual appeal, making your salad irresistible to guests.

Side Dishes

This salad is fantastic on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a satisfying main meal. Alternatively, serve it alongside savory quiches, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables to round out a well-balanced menu.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in individual glass bowls or mason jars for a charming, layered presentation. Another idea is to use large strawberry halves as edible bowls for small portions—both are delightful ways to impress at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad components separately when possible, especially the dressing. Keep the spinach, fruit, nuts, and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Due to the fresh spinach and fruit, this salad is not suitable for freezing. The delicate ingredients will lose their texture and flavor once thawed.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating is not recommended. Best enjoyed chilled, it retains both its texture and taste when served immediately.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe?

Fresh strawberries are preferred as they provide the best texture and juiciness. Frozen strawberries tend to become mushy when thawed and can make the salad soggy.

Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative that still offers creaminess and tang to the dressing without compromising on flavor.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the poppy seed dressing can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before serving.

What nuts work best in this salad?

Sliced almonds and pecans are ideal choices for their texture and taste, but walnuts can also be a tasty alternative if you want to mix things up.

How can I keep the salad from wilting?

The key is to toss the salad with the dressing right before serving and keep the salad components separate if preparing early. This keeps the spinach crisp and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is such a joy to make and even more fun to eat. It’s a celebration of fresh ingredients coming together in perfect harmony, offering a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a weekday lunch or impress at a special occasion, this salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to salads in no time!

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need