Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad

$- 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried - 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced Fresh produce forms the heart of this salad. Baby spinach provides a soft, leafy base. It is rich in vitamins and adds vibrant color. Strawberries bring sweet, juicy bursts that contrast nicely with the spinach. Their bright red color makes the dish pop. Red onions add a sharp bite and beautiful color. Their thin slices blend well without overpowering other flavors. - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped Feta cheese adds a creamy texture. Its salty flavor balances the sweetness of strawberries. Crumbled feta also enhances the salad's visual appeal. Walnuts add crunch and healthy fats. Toasting them brings out their nutty flavor. They provide a satisfying contrast against the soft spinach and juicy strawberries. - 1/3 cup olive oil - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 1/4 cup poppy seeds - Salt and pepper to taste The dressing ties everything together. Olive oil creates a smooth base, while apple cider vinegar adds tang. Honey brings sweetness, helping to balance all flavors. Poppy seeds add a fun crunch and visual interest. Seasoning with salt and pepper enhances the overall taste. This simple dressing complements the fresh ingredients perfectly. {{ingredient_image_1}} Begin by making the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. You want this to blend well. Taste it to see if it needs more salt or pepper. Adjust as needed. This dressing brings a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad. Now, let’s put the salad together. Start with a large salad bowl and add the fresh baby spinach as your base. Next, layer on the sliced strawberries. They should cover the spinach nicely. Add the crumbled feta cheese next. Then, sprinkle the thinly sliced red onions over the top. Finally, add the toasted walnuts for a nice crunch. Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently to mix everything. This helps ensure each bite has a bit of all the flavors. For a beautiful presentation, serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with extra strawberries and a few walnuts on top. This not only looks great but also adds extra flavor. Enjoy the salad right after tossing it for the best taste and freshness. To make a great Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad, start with ripe strawberries. Look for berries that are bright red and slightly firm. If they smell sweet, they are likely perfect. Avoid those with dark spots or signs of mold. Next, choose fresh spinach. Baby spinach is best for this salad. It should be vibrant green and crisp. If the leaves are wilted or yellow, pick another bag. Fresh ingredients make your salad taste better. When making the dressing, you can use different sweeteners. Honey is a classic choice, but maple syrup works well too. For a lower-calorie option, try agave nectar. Each sweetener adds a unique flavor. Balancing the acidity is key. Use apple cider vinegar, but you can swap it for balsamic vinegar for a richer taste. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if you change the vinegar. Aim for a tangy yet sweet dressing. Dress your salad right before serving. This keeps the spinach crisp and prevents sogginess. If you dress it too early, the salad loses its fresh look and taste. For storing leftovers, keep the dressing separate. Use an airtight container for the salad. This way, it stays fresh for one day. If you mix everything together, it will not taste as good the next day. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh spinach and strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Toasting Walnuts: Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes to enhance their flavor. Dressing Timing: Dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and vibrant. Cheese Variation: For a different flavor profile, try using goat cheese instead of feta cheese. {{image_2}} You can add grilled chicken for a hearty touch. Simply grill the chicken until cooked through. Slice it and lay it over the salad. This will make it a filling meal. Shrimp is another great option. Sauté shrimp in a pan with a bit of olive oil. Cook until they turn pink. Place them on top of your salad for added flavor. If you follow a vegan diet, swap feta cheese for avocado. This keeps the creaminess. You can also add chickpeas for protein. They will make the salad more filling and tasty. For gluten-free options, the basic recipe is already safe. Just make sure your dressing does not contain any gluten. Check labels on your ingredients to be sure. Try adding different fruits for a unique taste. Blueberries or mandarin oranges pair well. They add sweetness and color to the salad. You can also experiment with nuts and seeds. Swap walnuts for almonds or pecans. You could use sunflower seeds for a different crunch. This way, you can keep the salad fresh and exciting. You can store your Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad in the fridge for about three days. To keep the salad fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work best, as they do not retain odors. If you use plastic, ensure it is BPA-free. Always store the dressing separately from the salad. This keeps the spinach crisp and fresh. When you're ready to eat, just drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss it gently to combine. If you have leftovers, serve them cold. The salad tastes great chilled. I do not recommend freezing this salad. The spinach and strawberries lose their texture when frozen. If you want to freeze some of the ingredients, like walnuts, that works well. Just place them in a sealed bag. When you want to use them, thaw in the fridge. This way, you keep the best flavors and textures intact. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. However, it is best to keep some parts separate. You can prepare the dressing and store it in the fridge for up to a week. The greens and fruits should be fresh for best taste. I recommend mixing them just before serving. This way, the spinach stays crisp, and the strawberries remain juicy. If you want to prep ahead, chop the spinach, strawberries, and onions. Store them in an airtight container. Just remember to add the dressing right before eating. If you want a dairy-free option, you can use mashed avocado or a nut-based cheese. These options give a creamy texture and flavor. For a tangy taste, try using vegan feta made from almonds or cashews. You can also skip cheese entirely if you prefer. The salad will still be delicious without it. You can easily change this salad for the seasons. In summer, add fresh blueberries or peaches. In fall, try apples or pears. You can also swap walnuts for pecans or almonds based on what's available. In winter, use dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for sweetness. Mixing in seasonal ingredients keeps the salad fresh and exciting all year round. This article covered the key parts of making a tasty Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad. We looked at fresh produce, dairy, and nuts for flavor. You learned how to make the dressing, assemble the salad, and serve it well. I shared tips for selecting the best items and perfecting your dressing. Don’t forget about variations to make it fit your needs or preferences! With these basics, you can enjoy this salad anytime. It's all about fresh taste and simple steps. Now, get creative and make it your own!$

Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, feta cheese, and a poppyseed dressing.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup red onions, thinly sliced
0.25 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
0.25 cup poppy seeds
0.33 cup olive oil
0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Set aside.
In a large salad bowl, add the fresh baby spinach as the base.
Top the spinach with sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onions.
Sprinkle the toasted walnuts evenly over the salad.
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving.
Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure everything is coated in the dressing.
Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.

Notes

Serve in a large bowl or individual plates, garnished with extra strawberries on top and a few additional walnuts for crunch.

Keyword healthy, poppyseed, salad, spinach, strawberries