![To make a great Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad, you need fresh ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 6 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried - 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds Each of these ingredients adds a unique taste and texture. The spinach serves as a healthy base. Strawberries bring sweetness and bright color. Feta cheese adds creaminess and saltiness. Toasted walnuts give a crunchy bite. Red onion offers a sharp contrast. Lastly, poppy seeds provide a fun crunch and visual appeal. The dressing is crucial for flavor. You will need: - 1/4 cup olive oil - 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - Salt and pepper to taste Mixing these ingredients creates a simple yet tasty dressing. The olive oil provides richness. Apple cider vinegar adds tang. Honey balances the tartness, making the dressing perfect for the salad. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This simple list of ingredients makes it easy for anyone to create a fresh and flavorful salad that stands out. Start by adding fresh spinach leaves to a large salad bowl. You need about six cups of washed and dried spinach. This leafy green forms the base of your salad. Next, layer the sliced strawberries on top of the spinach. Use about two cups of hulled and sliced strawberries. The sweet strawberries add color and flavor to your dish. Now, it’s time to add some tasty extras. Sprinkle half a cup of crumbled feta cheese over the strawberries. The creamy feta balances the sweetness. Then, add half a cup of toasted walnuts, roughly chopped. These nuts bring a nice crunch to the salad. Lastly, incorporate a quarter cup of thinly sliced red onion. This adds a sharp note that contrasts with the other flavors. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Start with a quarter cup of olive oil. Then, add three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and two tablespoons of honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until the dressing is smooth. This dressing ties all the flavors together. Gently toss the salad to mix all the ingredients. Be careful not to bruise the spinach leaves. Once combined, drizzle the dressing over the salad and sprinkle with poppy seeds. For presentation, serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with a few whole strawberries and an extra sprinkle of poppy seeds. This creates a vibrant dish that looks as good as it tastes. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Choosing ripe strawberries Pick bright red strawberries for the best taste. Look for firm berries with no soft spots. When you bite into them, they should be juicy and sweet. Ripe strawberries make your salad pop with flavor. Toasting walnuts for flavor Toasting walnuts brings out their rich, nutty taste. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the walnuts. Stir them often for about five minutes until golden. Watch closely to avoid burning. Toasted walnuts add a nice crunch to your salad. Best pairings with the salad This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. For a vegetarian option, try it with quinoa or chickpeas. The flavors balance nicely, making your meal more satisfying. Ideal occasions for serving Serve this salad during summer picnics or family gatherings. It also works well for brunch or light lunches. The bright colors and fresh taste make it a crowd-pleaser. Overdressing the salad Too much dressing can drown your salad. Start with a small amount and add more if needed. You want the flavors to shine, not be overwhelmed by the dressing. Bruising the spinach Handle the spinach gently to keep it fresh. Toss the salad lightly to combine everything. Avoid crushing the leaves, as bruised spinach can wilt quickly. {{image_2}} You can easily change the nuts or cheese in this salad. Instead of walnuts, try pecans or almonds. Both add a nice crunch. If you want a different cheese, goat cheese works well too. Its creamy texture adds a rich flavor. You can also switch the salad greens. If you want something new, use kale or arugula. These greens can add a peppery taste that balances the sweetness of the strawberries. Adding seasonal fruits makes this salad even better. Blueberries are a great option. Their sweetness pairs nicely with strawberries. You can also slice apples for a crisp bite. They add a fresh crunch and a hint of tartness. For veggies, cucumbers are a refreshing choice. They add a cool crunch that complements the spinach. You can slice them thin or dice them for variety. You can play with the dressing too. Instead of honey, try maple syrup for a different sweetness. You could also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing. This brightens the flavors in the salad. If you’re short on time, use store-bought dressings. Look for ones labeled as “light” or “vinaigrette.” These can save you time while still adding flavor to your salad. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier sections. To keep your salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate the salad right away. This helps maintain the crispness of the spinach and strawberries. Remember, dressings can make greens soggy. So, store the dressing separately. This way, you can add it just before eating. When stored in the fridge, your salad will stay fresh for about 1 to 2 days. The quality might drop after that. Strawberries may lose their firmness, and spinach can wilt. For best results, eat the salad soon after making it. Freezing this salad is not a great idea. When you freeze it, the texture changes. Spinach becomes mushy, and strawberries get watery. If you want to save leftovers, consider just freezing the dressing. You can use it later for another salad or dish. You can easily make this salad vegan. Simply replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese. For honey, agave syrup works well. This keeps the salad sweet and creamy. You still enjoy great taste without animal products. Yes, you can prep this salad ahead of time. Wash and dry the spinach, and slice the strawberries a day earlier. Store them in airtight containers. Keep the dressing separate until you serve. This way, the salad stays fresh and crisp. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it alongside a hearty grain like quinoa. For a lighter meal, add some roasted chickpeas. These options enhance the salad's flavors and make a filling meal. Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients. Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C. Strawberries are full of antioxidants. Walnuts provide healthy fats. Together, they create a balanced dish that supports health. Enjoy this salad guilt-free! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This blog post shares how to make a tasty Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad. I covered key ingredients, simple steps, and useful tips. This salad is fresh, healthy, and easy to customize. Remember to choose ripe strawberries and serve it at gatherings. You can enjoy variations by swapping in different nuts or fruits. Don’t forget that proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. With these insights, you can make a delightful salad that everyone will love. Dive in, and enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures that make this dish special!](https://mydishspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cbcc61dd-996f-4418-8ae7-aa1395a16134-250x250.webp)
Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad
Looking for a refreshing and delightful dish? Try this Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad! Bursting with the sweetness of strawberries and the crunch of walnuts, this vibrant salad is perfect for any occasion. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a healthy meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Click through to explore the easy recipe and elevate your salad game today!