Spinach Strawberry Salad Fresh (Print Version)

Tender spinach and strawberries combined with nuts and a sweet poppy seed dressing for a fresh, vibrant dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad

01 - 5 oz fresh baby spinach leaves
02 - 9 oz strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 - ½ cup toasted pecans or sliced almonds
04 - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
05 - 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion (optional)

→ Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing

06 - ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - ¼ teaspoon sea salt
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large salad bowl, mix the spinach, strawberries, nuts, feta cheese, and red onion if using.
02 - Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar until emulsified.
03 - Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat all components evenly.
04 - Serve immediately to maintain optimal freshness and texture.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes, making it your secret weapon for last-minute entertaining.
  • The poppy seed dressing is bright and tangy without being heavy, letting the fresh strawberries shine.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, so everyone at your table can enjoy it without fuss.
02 -
  • Dress the salad at the very last moment or the spinach will wilt and the nuts will lose their crunch—this is not a make-ahead situation.
  • If you shake the dressing in a jar, it emulsifies beautifully and feels more balanced than whisking it in a bowl.
03 -
  • Keep your spinach and bowl in the fridge for 15 minutes before assembling so everything stays cool and crisp.
  • The dressing is also delicious drizzled over roasted vegetables or grilled chicken, so make extra and keep it in a jar for the week.
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