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- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves - 1 cup strawberries - 1/2 cup red onion - 1/2 cup feta cheese - 1/4 cup pecans - 1/4 cup poppy seeds - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and black pepper The ingredients in this salad bring a burst of color and flavor. You start with fresh spinach leaves. They form a healthy base for your salad. The strawberries add natural sweetness. Their bright red color makes the dish inviting. Next, the red onion gives a sharp bite. Thin slices ensure you get flavor without overwhelming the other tastes. Feta cheese adds creaminess. Its tangy taste balances the sweetness of the strawberries. Pecans provide a lovely crunch. Toasting them enhances their flavor. The poppy seeds add another layer of texture. They create a delightful crunch with every bite. For the dressing, you use extra virgin olive oil. It adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel. Apple cider vinegar brings tanginess. Honey sweetens the mix and ties all the flavors together. Salt and black pepper finish it off, allowing all the flavors to shine. With these ingredients, you can create a fresh, tasty dish that impresses. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Start by arranging 4 cups of fresh spinach leaves in a large salad bowl. - Next, layer 1 cup of sliced strawberries evenly over the spinach. This creates a bright, colorful base. - Top the salad with 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onions. This adds a nice zing. - Sprinkle 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese over the salad. This gives a creamy texture. - Add 1/4 cup of toasted pecans for a crunchy finish. They bring warmth and nutty flavors. - In a small jar or bowl, combine 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey. - Add salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk or shake until the mixture blends well. You want it to emulsify. - Just before serving, drizzle the poppyseed dressing over the salad. Make sure to coat it lightly. - Toss the salad gently with your hands or salad tongs. This ensures a good mix while keeping toppings visible. - Use a large, shallow bowl for serving. - Garnish with extra feta and whole strawberries. Using a shallow bowl helps the colors pop. You want to see the bright greens and reds. Adding extra feta gives a creamy look. Whole strawberries act as a fun decoration. - Consider toasting pecans for deeper flavor. - Adjust honey for sweetness based on preference. Toasting pecans adds a warm, nutty taste. Just put them in a pan on low heat for a few minutes. Check often to avoid burning. Adjusting honey lets you control sweetness. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. - Serve as a side dish or light meal. - Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. This salad works well on its own or as a side. If you want a full meal, grilled chicken or fish is perfect. The flavors blend nicely, and it feels light yet filling. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and strawberries to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your salad. Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the salad will bring out their natural oils and intensify their flavor. Adjust the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or vinegar in the dressing to suit your taste preferences for sweetness or tanginess. Chill Before Serving: For a refreshing experience, chill the salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. {{image_4}} You can easily change this salad to fit your taste. Try using mixed greens instead of spinach. This swap gives a new texture and flavor. You can also switch feta cheese with goat cheese. Goat cheese adds a creamy taste that pairs well with strawberries. Need a protein boost? Add grilled chicken for a hearty meal. If you prefer plant-based options, chickpeas work great, too. For extra crunch, toss in sliced almonds or walnuts. These nuts add flavor and good fats. Want to make it vegan? Simply leave out the cheese and honey. You can also pick a plant-based dressing instead. This keeps the salad fresh while meeting dietary needs. Enjoy this tasty dish in a way that fits your lifestyle! You should eat this salad fresh for the best taste. If you have leftovers, you can store them. Place any uneaten salad in an airtight container. This helps keep your salad fresh for a short time. Keep the dressing separate from the salad. This keeps the salad crisp and fresh. You can store the dressing in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure to use a sealed jar or container. If you need to serve the salad again, re-toss it with the dressing. This helps mix the flavors well. Avoid heating the salad. Heating can cause the spinach to wilt and lose its fresh look. Yes, you can prepare some parts in advance. Wash and tear the spinach leaves and slice the strawberries. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. Make the dressing ahead too and keep it in a jar. Just mix everything together right before serving. This helps keep the salad fresh and crisp. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it with a light soup for a complete meal. For a picnic, try it alongside sandwiches. A glass of chilled white wine complements it nicely too. Store any leftover salad in an airtight container. Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy greens. It’s best to eat the salad within a day. If stored right, the flavors will stay fresh. Absolutely! Seasonal fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work great. You can mix and match based on what you like. Adding citrus segments like oranges can give it a zesty twist. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad. You learned about fresh ingredients, the simple dressing, and step-by-step instructions to create this dish. I shared tips for better presentation and flavor, plus variations to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers correctly for the best experience. Enjoy preparing and sharing this healthy salad, whether as a side dish or a light meal. Embrace creativity and make it your own!

Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, and a delightful poppyseed dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and roughly torn
  • 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced into thin rounds
  • 1/2 cup red onion, cut into very thin slices
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup pecans, toasted for enhanced flavor
  • 1/4 cup poppy seeds for a delightful crunch
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil for richness
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for tanginess
  • 1 tablespoon honey to add sweetness
  • to taste salt and black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious salad bowl, begin by placing the fresh spinach leaves as the base. Ensure the leaves are well-distributed for even serving.
  • Next, layer the sliced strawberries evenly over the spinach, creating a colorful contrast.
  • Disperse the thinly sliced red onion across the top of the strawberries for an added zing.
  • Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the entire salad for a creamy texture, followed by an even distribution of toasted pecans for a nutty crunch.
  • For the dressing, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small jar or mixing bowl. Shake the jar vigorously or whisk in the bowl until the ingredients emulsify and blend completely.
  • Just before serving, drizzle the poppyseed dressing generously over the salad, allowing it to coat the ingredients lightly.
  • Gently toss the salad with your hands or salad tongs, ensuring everything is mixed yet leaving some toppings prominently displayed for visual appeal.

Notes

Serve in a large, shallow bowl and garnish with extra feta and strawberries for presentation.
Keyword healthy, poppyseed, salad, spinach, strawberry