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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
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A light and refreshing salad combining tender baby spinach, juicy strawberries, and a tangy-sweet homemade poppy seed dressing. Perfect for quick lunches or as a bright side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted (can substitute pecans)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse baby spinach under cold water and dry thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel (about 5 minutes).
  2. Remove green tops from strawberries and slice evenly (3-4 minutes).
  3. Thinly slice red onion; soak in cold water briefly if a milder flavor is desired, then drain (3 minutes).
  4. Toast slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
  5. In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk or shake together mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy (about 5 minutes). Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
  6. In a large bowl, gently combine spinach, strawberries, and red onions. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss lightly to coat leaves evenly without bruising.
  7. Sprinkle crumbled feta and toasted almonds on top. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

Keep dressing separate until just before serving to prevent spinach from wilting. Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning. For dairy-free option, omit feta or substitute with avocado slices. Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and drained well.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, poppy seed dressing, fresh salad, easy salad recipe, healthy lunch, summer salad

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