Fresh Spinach Strawberry Salad with poppyseed dressing in a bowl

Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

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why make this recipe

Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors, colors, and textures. This vibrant salad is healthful, refreshing, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh spinach and sweet strawberries provides a delightful contrast that satisfies your taste buds. The toasted almonds add crunch, while the feta cheese gives a creamy element to the dish. It’s a great side salad for summer barbecues, picnics, or even a light lunch. And let’s not forget about the dressing; it ties all the ingredients together, enhancing their natural flavors. Making this salad is an excellent way to enjoy seasonal produce and provide a nutritious option for you and your family.

how to make Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Ingredients :

  • 5 ounces (142 g) fresh baby spinach
  • 2 cups (300 g) fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) sliced almonds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup (40 g) thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Directions :

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for toasting the almonds.

  2. Toast the Almonds: Spread the sliced almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place them in the preheated oven and toast for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as nuts can burn quickly. You will know they are ready when they are golden brown and fragrant. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool.

  3. Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until the dressing is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. This dressing is sweet, tangy, and bursting with flavor.

  4. Prepare the Vegetables: Rinse the baby spinach under cold water and dry it thoroughly. You can use a salad spinner for this. Next, slice the strawberries into thin pieces and also thinly slice the red onion.

  5. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, sliced red onion, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss the ingredients together using your hands or salad tongs. Be delicate to avoid bruising the spinach leaves.

  6. Add the Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss lightly to ensure that every ingredient is coated with the delicious dressing. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want the salad to remain fresh and vibrant.

  7. Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve your Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad immediately. The fresh ingredients are at their peak quality right after preparation.

how to serve Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

This salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. It makes a beautiful centerpiece for your meal, whether you’re hosting a barbecue, potluck, or a simple family dinner. To serve, you can place the salad in a large, shallow bowl or on individual plates. If you’re serving it at a gathering, consider garnishing the top with extra strawberries or almonds for a colorful presentation. You can also add more feta cheese on top if desired, enhancing its creamy character. Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, or serve it alongside your favorite proteins for a well-rounded dish.

how to store Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

If you have leftovers, storing them properly is crucial to maintain freshness. First, keep the salad and dressing separate, as the spinach can wilt if it sits in the dressing for too long. Place the salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The salad is best eaten within a day or two. When you’re ready to eat again, just add the dressing, toss gently, and enjoy! If you want to keep the salad fresh for longer, consider storing the ingredients individually. This way, you can prepare fresh salads over the following days without worrying about soggy greens.

tips to make Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

  1. Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your salad will depend heavily on the freshness of the ingredients. Look for vibrant spinach leaves and ripe strawberries to ensure maximum flavor.

  2. Customize the Feta: If you don’t like feta cheese or want to try something new, goat cheese works wonderfully as a substitute and adds a creaminess.

  3. Add More Crunch: For those who love a bit of extra crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans along with the almonds. This adds different textures and flavor profiles to the salad.

  4. Make It a Meal: You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to this salad for a satisfying lunch or dinner option. Just toss the protein on top for added nutrition.

  5. Experiment with Dressings: While the poppyseed dressing is a classic, don’t hesitate to try different dressings. A balsamic vinaigrette or a citrus dressing can also complement the salad beautifully.

variation

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few variations to try with this salad:

  • Berry Mix: Instead of just strawberries, you can add other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed Berry Spinach Salad.

  • Add Fruits: Try adding other fruits like mandarin oranges or apples to give the salad a different taste and texture.

  • Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or mint can add a different twist to the flavor profile. Toss in some fresh herbs for an aromatic note.

  • Grain Addition: Incorporating cooked quinoa or farro can give the salad more substance, making it a hearty meal option.

FAQs

1. Can I make the salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This will prevent the spinach from wilting and keep everything fresh.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients in the Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any additional ingredients or dressings you use are also gluten-free.

3. How long will the leftovers last?
If stored properly in an airtight container, the salad is best consumed within 1-2 days. However, it’s always best to enjoy it fresh to capture the vibrant flavors and textures.

4. Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture, you may use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just thaw them before adding them to the salad, but keep in mind that they could be mushier than fresh ones.

5. What should I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or fish. It’s also a great side for sandwiches or wraps, enhancing any lunch or dinner spread.

Print
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Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

  • Author: zoubirlahcen
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A vibrant salad that celebrates flavors and textures, combining fresh spinach and strawberries with toasted almonds and feta cheese, topped with a sweet and tangy poppyseed dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 ounces (142 g) fresh baby spinach
  • 2 cups (300 g) fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) sliced almonds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup (40 g) thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Toast the sliced almonds on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
  3. Combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Rinse the baby spinach and dry them thoroughly. Slice the strawberries and red onion.
  5. Combine the spinach, strawberries, red onion, toasted almonds, and feta in a large bowl.
  6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat.
  7. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

For best results, keep salad and dressing separate until serving to prevent wilting.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: salad, spinach, strawberry, poppyseed dressing, summer salad, vegetarian

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