Strawberry Spinach Salad with Healthy Poppyseed Dressing

Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a vibrant and refreshing salad that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor, this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Healthy Poppyseed Dressing is just what you need. It’s an ideal dish for summer picnics, lunch gatherings, or as a delightful side for dinner. The combination of sweet strawberries, fresh spinach, and a tangy poppyseed dressing will leave you craving more. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

• This salad is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a nutritious powerhouse.
• The homemade poppyseed dressing is a healthier alternative to store-bought options.
• It’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days.
• The flavors are beautifully balanced, offering both sweet and tangy notes.
• This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit different dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• For the Dressing:
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients

Rinse and dry the spinach thoroughly. Hull and slice the strawberries, slice the almonds, and crumble the feta cheese. Thinly slice the red onion.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, almonds, feta cheese, and red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Serve

Divide the salad among plates and serve immediately, ensuring each serving gets a bit of everything.

Notes

• To enhance the flavor of the almonds, consider toasting them lightly before adding to the salad. Learn how.
• If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add an extra tablespoon of honey.
• For a vegan version, replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative and omit the feta cheese.

Variations

• For added protein, toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas.
• Switch out the almonds for walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
• Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.

Required Equipment

• Large salad bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the salad’s freshness.

Suggested Pairings/Serving Recommendations

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish. It can also be served alongside a bowl of soup for a heartier meal.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Find out more about strawberries’ health benefits.
• For a creamier dressing, blend the ingredients in a small food processor or blender.
• Salt the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.

FAQ

Can I make the dressing in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

What if I don’t like poppy seeds?

You can omit the poppy seeds or replace them with chia seeds for a similar texture.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for this salad, but if using frozen, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid.