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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

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3.9 from 55 reviews

  • Author: Sky
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4 to 6
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This fresh and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad combines sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, tangy red onion, crunchy toasted pecans, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together with a classic poppy seed dressing. Perfect for spring and summer, this salad is bright, refreshing, and ideal for potlucks or light meals.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1 cup thinly sliced strawberries
  • ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • ½ cup toasted pecans
  • 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Poppy Seed Dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, thinly sliced strawberries, and thinly sliced red onion. This combination creates a blend of sweet, tangy, and fresh flavors as the salad's foundation.
  2. Add dressing and toss: Pour some of the prepared poppy seed dressing over the spinach mixture and gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly. This ensures the flavors meld without making the salad soggy.
  3. Add pecans and feta: Sprinkle the toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad. Gently toss again to incorporate these crunchy and creamy elements without breaking them down.
  4. Adjust seasoning and serve: Add more dressing as desired for flavor. Season the salad to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately for best freshness, or cover and refrigerate without dressing for up to one day before serving.

Notes

  • For best texture, add the dressing right before serving to prevent wilting.
  • To toast pecans, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned.
  • You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
  • This salad can be prepared up to one day in advance by keeping the dressing separate and adding it just before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://skysrecipes.com/strawberry-spinach-salad-with-poppy-seed-dressing-recipe/