Refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Recipe By:

Lily Hartwell

Posted:

May 8, 2025

0 Shares

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

A fresh burst of sweetness hits you as you take your first bite of a Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing. The vibrant greens dance alongside juicy strawberries, creating a flavor explosion that’s perfect for sunny picnics or cozy dinners. It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone is invited!

This salad isn’t just about taste; it’s also about memories. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering—everyone was raving about it while I pretended I had slaved over the kitchen for hours. Little did they know it only took me the same amount of time it takes to binge-watch an episode of my favorite show!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is quick to whip up, making meal prep feel like a breeze.
The sweet and tangy flavors perfectly complement each other, creating a delicious balance.
Its vibrant colors not only make your plate look stunning but also entice everyone’s appetite.
Ideal for any event—from backyard picnics to holiday feasts—this recipe adapts beautifully to suit any occasion!

I once served this enchanting salad at a summer barbecue. My friends couldn’t stop talking about how refreshing and delicious it was!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Spinach: Use tender baby spinach for the best texture and flavor; make sure it’s bright green and crisp.
Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries that are sweet and juicy; they should be vibrant red without any white spots.
Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a delightful crunch; look for fresh ones for maximum flavor.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a tangy bite; soak them in cold water briefly to mellow their intensity.
Sunflower Seeds: They give extra crunch; opt for unsalted roasted sunflower seeds for added flavor without overwhelming saltiness.

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

Honey: This natural sweetener balances the acidity of vinegar beautifully; use raw honey if possible for extra health benefits.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds a tangy punch; choose unfiltered vinegar for more nutrients and flavor depth.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the dressing; its fruity notes complement the salad perfectly.
Dijon Mustard: Adds creaminess and depth; select smooth Dijon mustard to incorporate seamlessly into your dressing.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; adjust according to your personal taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by collecting all your ingredients on the kitchen counter. Having everything ready will streamline the process and keep things organized.

Prepare the Strawberries: Rinse the strawberries gently under cool water before slicing them into thin pieces. Aim for uniformity so they look fabulous on your plate.

Wash the Spinach: Rinse the spinach leaves under running water to remove any debris. Pat them dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner until they’re crisp and ready.

Slice the Red Onion: Take your red onion and slice it thinly. If you find them too pungent, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to your salad.

Make the Poppy Seed Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste it—like you’re judging an award-winning dish—and adjust seasoning if needed.

Assemble Your Salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach leaves, strawberries, red onion slices, sunflower seeds, and poppy seeds. Drizzle with dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh!

Now you have an incredibly colorful Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing that looks just as good as it tastes! Enjoy every bite as you savor those sweet strawberry moments intertwined with crunchy greens.

You Must Know

Fresh strawberries add sweetness, while spinach provides a crunchy texture.
This salad is a delightful balance of flavors.
Avoid over-dressing your salad to keep it crisp and fresh.
I once drowned a salad in dressing, and let’s just say it became a soggy mess.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing the spinach and strawberries thoroughly. Prepare the poppy seed dressing while the greens are drying for maximum efficiency. Toss everything together just before serving to maintain freshness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to mix in nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch. You can also swap strawberries for seasonal berries to keep things exciting and fresh all year round.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container without dressing to avoid wilting. Enjoy it within two days for optimal freshness, but good luck keeping it around that long!

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
Always wash your spinach thoroughly to remove any grit or sand.
Toss gently to prevent bruising the fruits and greens.

I remember the first time I made this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing; my friends devoured it in minutes! Their compliments made me feel like a culinary rock star.

FAQ

What can I substitute for poppy seed dressing?

Try using balsamic vinaigrette or a simple olive oil and lemon mix if needed.

How do I keep the salad fresh for longer?

Store ingredients separately and combine them just before serving for maximum freshness.

Can I add protein to this Strawberry Spinach Salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken or chickpeas make excellent additions for added protein.

0 Shares