Save My neighbor stopped by one afternoon with a basket of strawberries from her garden, and I had a fridge full of spinach that needed using. I threw them together with some nuts and a quick dressing, and something magical happened—the sweet berries, tender greens, and that poppy seed tang created this perfect balance that made us both pause mid-bite. It became the salad I make whenever I want to taste what abundance feels like on a plate.
I made this for a spring brunch once, and my friend asked for the recipe before she'd even finished her first bite—that's when I knew it was something special. Now whenever someone brings wine to a gathering, I'm already thinking about this salad as the opening act.
Ingredients
- Fresh baby spinach: Use the tender leaves that don't need much washing; they're delicate enough to let the dressing coat them without wilting.
- Strawberries: Slice them just before serving so they stay juicy and don't release too much liquid into the bowl.
- Toasted pecans or sliced almonds: The toasting is non-negotiable—it brings out their buttery depth and keeps them crisp against the soft greens.
- Feta cheese: Crumble it generously if you like it; the saltiness plays beautifully against the sweet berries.
- Red onion: Just a whisper of it adds a sharp note that prevents the salad from tasting too sweet.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: This is your base, so use one you actually enjoy eating.
- Apple cider vinegar: It's gentler and fruitier than regular vinegar, which matters here.
- Honey or maple syrup: Either works; honey feels more delicate, while maple syrup adds earthiness.
- Poppy seeds: They're tiny flavor bombs that give the dressing personality and a beautiful speckled look.
- Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon anchors the dressing and keeps it from tasting one-dimensional.
Instructions
- Assemble your salad base:
- Pile the spinach into a large bowl, then scatter the strawberries, nuts, feta, and red onion over the top like you're building a landscape. Don't toss yet—keep everything separate so you can see all the colors.
- Build the dressing:
- Pour the olive oil into a small jar, add the vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, mustard, salt, and pepper, then screw the lid on tight and shake it like you mean it for about 30 seconds until it's creamy and emulsified. Taste it straight from a spoon—it should be tangy with a hint of sweetness and a slight mustardy bite.
- Dress and serve:
- Drizzle the dressing generously over the salad, then use salad tongs or two forks to toss everything together gently, making sure the spinach gets coated without bruising it. Serve immediately while the nuts are still crisp and the spinach is cool.
Pin it There's something about sharing this salad that makes people slow down and actually taste their food instead of just eating through dinner. It reminds me why fresh, simple ingredients matter more than complicated technique.
Strawberry Selection and Ripeness
Strawberries are the star here, so choose ones that smell sweet and feel slightly soft when you press them gently. If your strawberries are mealy or flavorless, the whole salad suffers—no dressing can fix that. I've learned to buy them from farmers markets in peak season when possible, or stick to frozen berries if fresh ones look sad.
Toasting Your Nuts
Raw pecans taste flat and slightly bitter next to strawberries, but a quick toast changes everything. I spread mine on a small pan and bake them at 350°F for about 5 minutes, just until they smell toasty and fragrant—that's your cue to pull them out. Let them cool completely so they stay crunchy instead of turning soft and oily.
Making This Your Own
The beauty of this salad is how forgiving it is to personal taste.
- Swap the nuts for candied pecans if you like extra sweetness, or try walnuts for an earthier note.
- Skip the feta entirely if dairy isn't your thing, or add grilled chicken or salmon for a heartier meal.
- Make it vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey and finding a cashew-based cheese if you want that creamy element.
Pin it This salad tastes like spring on a plate, and it's become my answer to 'what should I bring?' because it never disappoints. Make it for someone you care about, and watch how it brings people together.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What nuts work best in this salad?
Toasted pecans or sliced almonds add a delightful crunch that complements the soft spinach and juicy strawberries.
- → Can the feta cheese be omitted or replaced?
Yes, feta is optional and can be omitted for a dairy-free option or replaced with plant-based cheese alternatives.
- → How is the poppy seed dressing made?
The dressing blends olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, whisked until emulsified.
- → What are good additions for extra protein?
Grilled chicken or salmon can be added to boost protein content and make the dish more filling.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.