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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

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A light, refreshing summer salad featuring fresh strawberries, baby spinach, and a creamy poppy seed dressing that balances tangy and sweet flavors perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salad Base (10 minutes): Rinse and dry 6 cups of baby spinach leaves thoroughly. Hull and slice 2 cups of fresh strawberries into thin slices. Thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion. Toast 1/2 cup of pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, shaking the pan occasionally. Set aside to cool.
  2. Make the Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing (5 minutes): In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, then season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or acidity as needed. If too thick, add a teaspoon of water or milk to loosen.
  3. Assemble the Salad (5 minutes): In a large bowl, gently toss the spinach, strawberries, and red onions. Drizzle about half the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat. Add crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts, then drizzle the remaining dressing on top. Toss gently to combine evenly.
  4. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh, chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Dry spinach thoroughly to prevent watery dressing. Toast nuts carefully over medium heat to avoid burning. Whisk mayo and yogurt first for a smooth dressing base. Toss salad just before serving to keep spinach crisp. Dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored refrigerated. For dairy-free or vegan options, substitute mayo and yogurt with plant-based alternatives and honey with maple syrup.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-creamy-poppy-seed-dressing-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/