Refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

The sun shines brightly as I stroll through the farmers market, inhaling the sweet scent of ripened strawberries mingling with earthy greens. My heart races a little—today, I’m creating a Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing that’s not just a dish but an experience. Each crunch of fresh spinach paired with the burst of juicy strawberries promises a delightful explosion of flavors that dance on your palate.

I recall a time when I accidentally turned my friend’s picnic into a gourmet affair just by bringing this salad. The look on their faces when they tasted it was priceless! So here we are, ready to whip up this vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or even just a cozy dinner at home.

One memorable occasion was when I surprised my family at a barbecue with this salad. They were skeptical at first but quickly devoured it and asked for seconds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Spinach: Opt for young spinach leaves for a tender texture and mild flavor; they’re the backbone of our salad.
• Ripe Strawberries: Choose plump, red berries; they add sweetness and color, making the salad shine.
• Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds lend a nutty flavor and delightful crunch; don’t skip them!
• Honey: Use pure honey to balance the tanginess of the dressing; it adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor while keeping everything light; it’s liquid gold!
• Cider Vinegar: This bright acid cuts through richness and elevates the overall taste; grab organic if possible.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all other flavors in your dish; use freshly cracked pepper for best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Creating our Strawberry Spinach Salad is like painting on a blank canvas—each step adds color and flavor!

Prepare the Greens: Wash and dry the fresh spinach thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel. Ensure no water clings to your greens—that can lead to soggy sadness.

Slice the Strawberries: Hull and slice your ripe strawberries into thin pieces. Aim for uniform slices so they mix well throughout the salad.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, and poppy seeds until combined. Taste-test and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.

Toss It All Together: In a large bowl, combine spinach and sliced strawberries. Drizzle your homemade dressing over them generously; don’t be shy!

Serve & Enjoy!: Gently toss everything together until well coated; serve immediately or chill briefly in the fridge if you prefer it cold. Enjoy your masterpiece!

This simple yet flavorful Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is bound to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy it!

With each bite bursting with freshness and zingy flavors from our homemade dressing, you’ll be left wondering why you didn’t try this sooner! Whether it’s summer barbecues or cozy dinners at home, this recipe will be your go-to crowd-pleaser!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing and drying your spinach, ensuring it’s crisp. Slice the strawberries just before serving to prevent them from getting mushy and losing their juiciness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to toss in some nuts like walnuts or almonds for added crunch. You can also swap out the poppy seed dressing for a balsamic vinaigrette if you’re feeling adventurous.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.

Creating this salad reminds me of summer picnics, where we laughed over spilled drinks while savoring every bite together.

FAQ

Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Absolutely! Kale or arugula are great alternatives that add different flavors and textures to your salad.

What can I substitute for poppy seed dressing?

For a different twist, use a honey mustard vinaigrette or a simple olive oil and lemon juice mixture.

How long can I store the salad dressing?

The poppy seed dressing lasts up to a week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish that bursts with flavor, perfect for summer picnics or healthy meals at home.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Wash and dry the spinach leaves thoroughly.
2. Slice the strawberries into thin pieces.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, and poppy seeds until well combined.
4. In a large bowl, combine the spinach and strawberries. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
5. Serve immediately or chill briefly in the fridge before serving.

Notes

• For added crunch, consider tossing in toasted walnuts or almonds.
•  Feel free to substitute the poppy seed dressing with a balsamic vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 35mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg