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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe Easy Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

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A fresh and vibrant salad combining baby spinach, ripe strawberries, and a creamy poppy seed dressing that balances sweetness and tang. Perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups (180 g) fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 2 cups (about 300 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup (30 g) sliced almonds, toasted
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Greek yogurt, plain and thick
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (9 g) poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Gently wash 6 cups (180 g) of baby spinach and spin or pat dry completely. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. Hull and slice 2 cups (about 300 g) of fresh strawberries into even 1/4-inch thick slices. Add to the spinach bowl.
  3. Thinly slice 1 small red onion and add to the salad bowl. Optionally soak in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness, then drain.
  4. Toast 1/3 cup (30 g) sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/3 cup (80 ml) mayonnaise, 1/4 cup (60 ml) Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon (9 g) poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth and creamy.
  6. Drizzle about half of the dressing over the spinach, strawberries, and onions. Toss gently to avoid bruising the leaves. Add more dressing as desired but avoid overdressing.
  7. Sprinkle the toasted almonds and 1/2 cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving.

Notes

Ensure spinach is completely dry before dressing to avoid watery salad. Toast almonds just before serving for best crunch. Dressing can be thinned with a teaspoon of water or milk if too thick. Store salad and dressing separately for up to 1 day and 5 days respectively. Vegan adaptations include using vegan mayo, coconut yogurt, and skipping or substituting feta cheese.

Nutrition

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

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