why make this recipe

Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad is a perfect dish for those who love fresh flavors and vibrant colors. This salad brings together the earthiness of spinach, the sweetness of strawberries, and the crunch of almonds, making it an enjoyable addition to any meal. The poppy seed dressing adds a unique twist that balances the ingredients beautifully. It’s a great choice for lunch, a side dish, or even at a potluck gathering. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying option for any time of the year.

how to make Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Ingredients :

5 ounces fresh baby spinach
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions :

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sliced almonds on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Watch them closely to avoid burning.
While the almonds are toasting, take a medium bowl and whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing. Set the dressing aside.
Now it’s time to prepare the veggies. Rinse and dry the fresh spinach leaves. Make sure there’s no water left, as it can make your salad soggy. Slice the strawberries into thin pieces and do the same with the red onion.
In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss them gently to mix all the ingredients. Be careful not to bruise the strawberries or break the spinach.
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently again to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Make sure every bite has a bit of the delicious dressing.
For the best flavor and freshness, serve the salad immediately. Enjoy the vibrant tastes!

how to serve Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad is best served fresh. You can place it in a large salad bowl for family-style serving, or plate it individually for guests. It pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon, or other proteins. Consider placing additional sliced strawberries or almonds on top for an attractive finish. You might also want to serve it alongside a crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal. This salad is also delightful as a light lunch on its own.

how to store Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

If you need to prepare the salad in advance, it’s best to store the components separately to keep them fresh. The spinach may wilt when combined with dressing, so it’s best to leave that part off until just before serving. Store the washed spinach in a dry container, and keep sliced strawberries and onions in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.

The dressing can be stored in a jar in the fridge for about a week. Just give it a good shake before using again. When you’re ready to serve, combine the ingredients and add the dressing fresh for the most appealing taste and texture.

tips to make Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries are out of season, you can use other berries like blueberries or raspberries.
Ensure your spinach is crisp and fresh. Wilted spinach can make the salad less enjoyable.
Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or reducing the sugar to suit your taste.
For a nut-free version, you can substitute sliced almonds with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, adding a bit of crunch without the nuts.
If you like your dressing more tangy, add a little more apple cider vinegar to enhance the flavor.
Serve the salad immediately for the best texture, but if you must prepare it in advance, store the dressing separately until serving.

variation

You can easily customize Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to consider:

Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling dish.
Cheese Choices: Substitute feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
Nut Alternatives: Instead of almonds, try walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts for a different crunch.
Additional Fruits: Incorporate other seasonal fruits like apples, oranges, or blueberries for extra zest and variety.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or mint can add a fragrant touch to the salad.

FAQs

1. Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time. Store the spinach, strawberries, onions, and toasted almonds separately in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving for the freshest taste.

2. What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty soup. You can also serve it as a side dish for any main courses.

3. How long can I keep the salad?
If stored separately, the ingredients can last up to 3 days in the fridge. However, once combined with the dressing, it’s best to consume the salad within a few hours for optimal freshness.

4. Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! You can eliminate the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese, and it will still taste delicious.

5. Can I use frozen strawberries?
You can use frozen strawberries, but it’s best to thaw and drain them well so they don’t make the salad soggy. Fresh strawberries, however, always yield the best taste.

Enjoy creating this delicious Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad. It’s nutritious, colorful, and perfect for any occasion!

Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Author: mohamadalaoui
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A vibrant salad combining fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, toasted almonds, and a delicious poppy seed dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

5 ounces fresh baby spinach
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sliced almonds on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden and fragrant.
While the almonds are toasting, take a medium bowl and whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing. Set aside.
Rinse and dry the fresh spinach leaves. Slice the strawberries and red onion.
Combine the spinach, strawberries, red onion, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta in a large bowl. Toss gently.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to coat all ingredients.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.

Notes

For best results, store salad components separately and combine just before serving to prevent wilting. Adjust sweetness of dressing to taste.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: salad, spinach, strawberries, healthy, poppyseed dressing