There’s something undeniably uplifting about a bright, fresh salad that sings of spring. Picture this: crisp spinach leaves cradling juicy strawberries, their sweetness dancing with the tangy notes of a homemade poppy seed dressing. This Strawberry Spinach Salad is not just a dish; it’s a moment to savor, a celebration of colors and textures that make every bite a delight.
After a long winter, I found myself craving something light yet satisfying, and this salad quickly became my go-to recipe for warm days and cheerful gatherings. With its easy preparation and fresh ingredients, it’s perfect for everything from casual lunches at home to elegant potluck contributions. The satisfying crunch of toasted pecans and the creamy feta elevate this dish from simple to extraordinary, making it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will appreciate. Whether you’re looking to change up your meal routine or impress friends, this vibrant salad is sure to do the trick!
Why will you love this strawberry spinach salad?
Freshness, this vibrant salad is bursting with seasonal flavors that celebrate spring.
Quick preparation, it comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Versatile options, easily customize with different nuts, proteins, or grains for a heartier meal.
Crowd-pleaser, with its delightful combination of sweet strawberries and tangy feta, everyone will be asking for seconds!
For an expanded flavor experience, you might also enjoy some serving suggestions for this refreshing dish.
Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredients
• For a delightful and fresh strawberry spinach salad, gather these tasty ingredients!
For the Salad
- Fresh Spinach – the perfect base, packed with nutrients and a vibrant green color.
- Strawberries – sweet and juicy, adding a burst of flavor and color; you can also use blueberries for a twist.
- Red Onion – provides a crisp and slightly sharp taste; substitute with green onions if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Toasted Pecans – offers a delightful crunch; walnuts or almonds can be great alternatives.
- Feta Cheese – adds a creamy saltiness; feel free to swap in goat cheese or skip it for a vegan option.
For the Poppy Seed Dressing
- White Wine Vinegar – brings a tangy acidity to balance the flavors; try apple cider vinegar for a different profile.
- Shallot – finely chopped for a subtle onion flavor; can be omitted if you prefer, but it enhances the dressing beautifully.
- Honey – sweetens the dressing and complements the strawberries’ natural sugars; maple syrup serves as a good vegan substitute.
- Dijon Mustard – adds depth and tang; if you’re not a fan, yellow mustard works well too.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – provides richness and smoothness; a light olive oil will work if you need a lighter touch.
- Poppy Seeds – the star of the dressing, giving it that classic texture; chia seeds can be an interesting alternative.
- Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – essential for enhancing all flavors; adjust to your personal taste preferences.
Feel inspired and excited to whip up this vibrant strawberry spinach salad!
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion. The vibrant colors will inspire you as you mix these lovely ingredients.
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Dress the Salad: Pour in a portion of the homemade poppy seed dressing and toss gently until everything is coated evenly. Look for the spinach to glisten in the dressing!
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Add Crunch: Sprinkle in the toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese. Toss again to combine. The contrasting textures will elevate the salad to a new level.
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Season to Taste: Adjust the dressing and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. A little extra seasoning can make all the difference!
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Serve: Enjoy immediately for the freshest experience or let it chill for a while to meld flavors. This delightful salad is excellent served cold!
Optional: Garnish with extra strawberries or pecans for a beautiful presentation.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Tangy Poppy Seed Dressing?
Ready to elevate your dining experience with delightful pairings for your vibrant salad?
- Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavors of grilled chicken contrast beautifully with the sweet strawberries, adding a satisfying protein element.
- Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty side dish complements the freshness of the salad while providing additional texture and heartiness.
- Herbed Flatbread: Warm, soft flatbread infused with herbs is perfect for scooping up salad. It adds a delightful touch of softness to the meal.
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Prosecco enhances the refreshing profile of the salad and makes for a delightful sip between bites.
- Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses such as creamy brie or tangy goat cheese make for an elegant appetizer that pairs wonderfully with the salad’s flavors.
- Fruit Sorbet: A light, fruity sorbet makes for a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal, echoing the sweet notes of the strawberries.
- Classic Caprese Skewers: Mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a light appetizer that ties in with the salad’s bright flavors.
- Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring depth to the meal, balancing the lightness of the salad with their hearty, caramelized flavors.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: A splash of lime in sparkling water refreshes the palate while keeping the meal light and enjoyable.
Strawberry Spinach Salad Variations
Feel free to make this refreshing salad your own with these delightful twists and substitutions!
- Mixed Greens: Swap fresh spinach for mixed greens or arugula for a peppery kick and contrasting textures.
- Berry Blend: Use a medley of berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries instead of strawberries for a colorful variety.
- Nuts & Seeds: Change up the crunch by using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds; these add a wonderful nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Cheese Alternatives: Opt for goat cheese or a vegan cheese option to cater to different dietary preferences; each will bring a unique flavor.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas to transform this salad into a hearty meal that satisfies.
- Creamy Dressing: For a twist on the dressing, blend in some Greek yogurt or avocado to create a rich and creamy texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a hint of heat that perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like mint or basil for an aromatic burst that enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
Let your creativity run wild with these variations, and enjoy the delicious possibilities!
Tips for the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Prep Ahead: Consider making the poppy seed dressing a day in advance. This enhances the flavors and lets you enjoy more time with guests.
- Mind the Toss: Be gentle when tossing the salad. Over-mixing can bruise the spinach and strawberries, making them wilted instead of crisp.
- Dress Wisely: Keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain the freshness of the salad. Dressed spinach salad best enjoyed within a few hours.
- Season Smartly: Always taste and adjust the seasoning after mixing. Everyone has different preferences, and a pinch more salt can elevate your strawberry spinach salad!
- Experiment with Substitutions: Don’t hesitate to try different nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for added crunch. You can customize the salad to suit your taste!
Make Ahead Options
These Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can wash and chop the fresh spinach, strawberries, and red onion up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. The homemade poppy seed dressing can also be made ahead, ideally up to 3 days in advance, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the prepped ingredients in a bowl, add the toasted pecans and feta cheese, then drizzle the dressing over and toss gently. This way, you’ll have a vibrant, delicious salad ready in minutes, saving you precious time during busy weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Spinach Salad
Fridge: Store undressed strawberry spinach salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and crunch.
Dressed Salad: Once dressed with the poppy seed dressing, consume within a few hours for the best texture and flavor; the spinach may wilt if left too long.
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the individual components (spinach, strawberries, nuts) separately and combine them when ready to serve for optimal freshness.
Poppy Seed Dressing: Keep any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to 1 week. Use it on other salads or as a light dip for vegetables, adding versatility to your meals!
Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe strawberries for the salad?
Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and free of dark spots or bruises. The sweeter the strawberry, the better your salad will taste! If you can, smell them; a fragrant aroma is often a sign of ripeness.
How should I store any leftover salad?
For the best quality, store your undressed strawberry spinach salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’ve already dressed it, consume it within a few hours to prevent the spinach from wilting and losing its crispness.
Can I freeze the strawberry spinach salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze the entire salad as the ingredients, especially spinach and strawberries, won’t retain their texture after thawing. Instead, if you want to freeze components, store the poppy seed dressing in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Just give it a good shake or stir when you’re ready to use it!
What should I do if my poppy seed dressing separates?
Very! If your dressing separates after sitting, simply whisk it again before using. If you find it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of water to help bring it back together. Just remember, homemade dressings can separate naturally; it’s part of their charm!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If you have allergies, be mindful of nuts (like pecans) and dairy (feta cheese). You can easily make the salad vegan by omitting the cheese or opting for a dairy-free alternative. Always double-check ingredient labels if you’re serving the salad to someone with specific dietary restrictions.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes! In fact, I highly recommend it for the best flavor. You can prepare the poppy seed dressing up to a week in advance. Just mix the ingredients in a jar, shake it well, and keep it in the fridge. Give it another shake before serving to blend the flavors again!
Delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Twist
Equipment
- - Large bowl
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced can substitute with green onions
- 1 cup toasted pecans can substitute with walnuts or almonds
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled can substitute with goat cheese or skip for vegan option
For the Poppy Seed Dressing
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar can substitute with apple cider vinegar
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped can be omitted
- 2 tablespoons honey can substitute with maple syrup for vegan option
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil can substitute with light olive oil
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds can substitute with chia seeds
- to taste sea salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, add fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion. The vibrant colors will inspire you as you mix these lovely ingredients.
- Pour in a portion of the homemade poppy seed dressing and toss gently until everything is coated evenly. Look for the spinach to glisten in the dressing!
- Sprinkle in the toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese. Toss again to combine. The contrasting textures will elevate the salad to a new level.
- Adjust the dressing and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. A little extra seasoning can make all the difference!
- Enjoy immediately for the freshest experience or let it chill for a while to meld flavors. This delightful salad is excellent served cold!