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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing

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A vibrant and crunchy strawberry spinach salad with a creamy, tangy sweet poppy seed dressing, perfect for a fresh and light meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh spinach leaves (about 180 g), washed and dried (baby spinach works great)
  • 2 cups strawberries (about 300 g), hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup sliced almonds (50 g), toasted lightly
  • ½ cup feta cheese (75 g), crumbled
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (30 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (30 ml), whole or 2%
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (9 g)
  • Salt, a pinch, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the almonds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and stir frequently for about 3-4 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, milk, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed. Set aside.
  3. Wash and dry spinach: Rinse the spinach leaves under cold water. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels.
  4. Slice the strawberries: Hull and slice strawberries into thin pieces, about ¼ inch thick. Quarter large berries for bite-sized pieces.
  5. Slice the red onion (optional): Cut into very thin slices.
  6. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, crumbled feta, and red onion slices if using. Toss gently to mix.
  7. Add dressing: Pour the sweet poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss lightly to coat all ingredients without bruising the spinach leaves.
  8. Serve immediately: Best enjoyed fresh while spinach is crisp and dressing is cool and creamy.

Notes

Dry spinach thoroughly to avoid wilting. Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning. Prepare dressing and toast almonds up to a day ahead and store separately. Add dressing just before serving to keep salad crisp. For vegan option, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and honey with maple syrup. Feta can be swapped with goat cheese or omitted for vegan diet.

Nutrition

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

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