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- 6 cups fresh baby spinach - 2 cups strawberries - 1 cup cucumber - 1/4 red onion - 1/2 cup feta cheese - 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper In this salad, the fresh baby spinach is the star. It gives a nice base and adds a crisp texture. I love using six cups, which makes for a big, colorful salad. The strawberries bring in a sweet burst. They are bright red and juicy, adding a fruity touch. Thinly sliced cucumber provides a cool crunch. A little red onion gives a sharp bite to balance the flavors. For that creamy touch, I use crumbled feta cheese. It pairs perfectly with the sweet strawberries. I often add toasted pecans or walnuts for a nutty flavor and added crunch. The nuts also provide healthy fats, making the salad more filling. The dressing is simple yet tasty. I whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. The sweetness from the honey balances the tang from the vinegar. I sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. This dressing ties all the ingredients together, making each bite delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, we need to make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper Whisk them together until they blend well. This step is key for a smooth dressing. Now it's time to build your salad. Start by adding the fresh baby spinach as the base in a large salad bowl. This gives the salad a nice green color and healthy crunch. Next, layer the sliced strawberries, cucumber, and red onion on top of the spinach. The strawberries bring sweetness, while the cucumber adds freshness, and the red onion gives a punch. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts on top. This step adds creaminess and a nutty flavor that makes the salad shine. Before serving, drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad. This adds that extra zing. Toss everything gently to combine the flavors. It’s important to mix it well but be careful not to break the spinach or other ingredients. Enjoy your fresh and tasty treat! - This salad is best enjoyed fresh. The crispness of the spinach and strawberries makes each bite delightful. - To keep the salad fresh longer, store the dressing separately. This way, the greens do not wilt. - You can add herbs like mint or basil. They bring a fresh twist to the salad. - Experiment with different nuts or seeds. Almonds or sunflower seeds add a nice crunch. - Serve the salad in a large bowl for a family-style meal. It looks inviting and encourages sharing. - For a fancy touch, use individual plates. Garnishing with extra poppy seeds or whole strawberries makes it pop. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest spinach and strawberries to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your salad. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans or walnuts with your favorite nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, for a unique twist. Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a good shake before using. Serving Suggestions: Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal that's both light and satisfying. {{image_2}} You can change this salad to fit the seasons. In summer, try using peaches or blueberries instead of strawberries. These fruits add a sweet twist. You can also swap in seasonal greens like arugula or kale for a different flavor and texture. Each season brings new options, letting you enjoy fresh tastes year-round. If you need a gluten-free dish, this salad is perfect. All its ingredients are gluten-free, so you can enjoy it without worry. For those who follow a vegan diet, simply use dairy-free cheese instead of feta. It gives the salad a creamy texture without the dairy. These changes let everyone enjoy this salad. To make this salad heartier, you can add proteins. Grilled chicken makes it filling and flavorful. Chickpeas are another great option, adding a nice crunch and plant protein. If you want even more nutrition, mix in quinoa. It’s packed with protein and fiber. These additions turn a light salad into a full meal. To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This method keeps the flavors intact. Enjoy the salad within 1-2 days for the best taste. After this time, the spinach may wilt, and the strawberries could lose their sweetness. Freezing this salad is not a good idea. The texture of spinach and strawberries changes when frozen. You will end up with a mushy salad that doesn’t taste great. Fresh ingredients shine in this dish, so stick to storing it in the fridge. Store the poppy seed dressing in a separate jar in your fridge. This helps keep the salad crisp. Before using the dressing, shake it well to mix the ingredients. This step ensures you get all the great flavors in each serving. If you don’t have feta, try goat cheese. It has a creamy texture and tangy flavor. You can also use non-dairy cheese for a vegan option. Look for ones that crumble well. This way, you keep the salad’s creamy touch without using feta. Yes, you can prep parts of the salad ahead of time. Wash and dry the spinach, and slice the strawberries and cucumber. Keep these in the fridge. Make the dressing and store it in a jar. Just mix everything before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. Serve the salad in a large bowl for family-style meals. For smaller gatherings, use individual plates. Drizzle the dressing on just before serving. This helps keep the greens crunchy. You can also garnish with extra poppy seeds and whole strawberries for a pretty look. This salad combines fresh ingredients, tasty cheese, and flavorful dressing. You start with greens, then add fruits and crunchy nuts. The dressing brings everything together. Remember, it's best fresh, but you can store extras correctly. Feel free to change ingredients based on seasons or diets. This salad is not only healthy but also fun to make! You can impress friends and family with easy serving tips and creative touches. Enjoy your next meal!

Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Bliss

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, and a delightful poppy seed dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well emulsified. Set aside.
  • In a large salad bowl, add the fresh baby spinach as the base.
  • Layer the sliced strawberries, cucumber, and red onion over the spinach.
  • Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
  • Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving, tossing gently to combine the ingredients.
  • Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to taste.

Notes

Serve the salad in a large bowl for a family-style presentation or in individual plates. Garnish with extra poppy seeds and a few whole strawberries for an appealing look.
Keyword poppy seeds, salad, spinach, strawberries