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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

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A fresh and flavorful salad combining tender baby spinach, juicy strawberries, and a creamy balsamic poppy seed dressing with a subtle crunch. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner side, this salad is quick to prepare and loved by all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups (180g) fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 2 cups (about 300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled (goat cheese as substitute)
  • ½ cup (60g) toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil or mild vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) honey or maple syrup (for vegan option)
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (dairy-free mayo if preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) poppy seeds
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 6 cups (180g) of baby spinach under cold water. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels until leaves are crisp and moisture-free.
  2. Hull and slice 2 cups (300g) of fresh strawberries into thin pieces.
  3. If using, thinly slice ¼ of a small red onion into paper-thin slices.
  4. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts. Toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, combine ¼ cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil, 1 tablespoon (15g) honey, 1 tablespoon (15g) mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon (5g) Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon (3g) poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake until smooth and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. In a large bowl, toss together the spinach, strawberries, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese (½ cup/75g). Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly without bruising the leaves.
  7. Sprinkle the toasted nuts on top just before serving for maximum crunch.

Notes

Keep spinach dry to prevent watery dressing. Toast nuts gently to avoid bitterness. Whisk dressing thoroughly for creamy texture. Add dressing just before serving to avoid soggy leaves. Fresh strawberries preferred for best texture and flavor. Dressing can be stored up to 5 days refrigerated; salad best eaten within 1-2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, balsamic poppy seed dressing, fresh salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, summer salad, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-easy-balsamic-poppy-seed-dressing/