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- 6 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and dried - 1 ½ cups ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled - ¼ cup red onions, thinly sliced for a subtle bite You need fresh baby spinach for a crisp base. Ripe strawberries add sweetness and color. Feta cheese brings a creamy texture and tang. Red onions offer a mild bite, balancing the flavors. - ½ cup creamy plain Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons honey for sweetness - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for tang - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds to add texture For the dressing, Greek yogurt gives creaminess. Honey adds natural sweetness. Apple cider vinegar brings a nice zing. Poppy seeds add a delightful crunch. - 1/3 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted for enhanced crunch - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, lightly toasted for extra flavor - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste You can add sliced almonds for extra crunch. Sesame seeds boost the flavor profile. A pinch of salt and pepper rounds out the taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the dressing, start by grabbing a small bowl. Combine the creamy Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients until smooth. This creates a rich and tangy dressing. After that, season the dressing with salt and fresh pepper to taste. Set it aside so the flavors can blend nicely. In a large bowl, add the washed baby spinach and the sliced strawberries. These two ingredients create a fresh base for your salad. Then, fold in the crumbled feta cheese and lightly toasted sliced almonds. This adds creaminess and crunch. Be gentle as you mix. You don’t want to break the delicate strawberry pieces. Next, carefully add the thinly sliced red onions. Use a gentle motion to combine all the ingredients well. Just before you serve, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss the salad gently to coat everything evenly. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. For the best taste and freshness, serve it right away. Enjoy the vibrant colors and crisp textures of your salad. To bring out the best in your Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad, toasting the almonds and sesame seeds is a must. Lightly toast them in a dry pan over medium heat. This will add a nice crunch and rich flavor. Be sure to keep an eye on them; they can burn quickly. When it comes to the dressing, you can adjust its sweetness and tang. If you prefer a sweeter salad, add more honey. For a tangy kick, increase the apple cider vinegar. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance. For a beautiful display, serve the salad in clear bowls or plates. This way, the vibrant colors pop. Add a few sliced strawberries on top for a fresh look. To make it even more special, garnish with edible flowers. They add a fun touch and make your dish feel fancy. Washing and drying spinach correctly is key. Rinse the leaves under cold water, then spin them in a salad spinner. This removes dirt and keeps the leaves crisp. When slicing strawberries, cut them into even pieces. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. This makes them easier to eat and looks great on the plate. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always select the freshest spinach and strawberries for the best flavor and nutritional benefits. Look for vibrant colors and firm textures. Toast Your Nuts and Seeds: Lightly toasting the almonds and sesame seeds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your salad. Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of your dressing by adding more honey or vinegar according to your taste preferences. Serve Immediately: For optimal freshness and crispness, serve the salad right after dressing it to maintain the vibrant colors and textures. {{image_4}} You can make your Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad heartier by adding protein. Grilled chicken is a great choice. It brings a nice flavor and pairs well with the salad. You can also use shrimp if you prefer seafood. For vegetarian options, try adding chickpeas or black beans. They will give your salad a protein boost without meat. Tofu is another tasty choice. Just make sure to season it well for the best flavor. While the creamy Greek yogurt dressing is delicious, you can switch it up. Try using a light vinaigrette instead. This will give your salad a zesty kick. Adding fresh herbs can also enhance the flavor. Consider mixing in basil or mint for a refreshing twist. These herbs will add depth and freshness to each bite. You can change your salad based on the season. In winter, consider using kale instead of spinach. It holds up well and adds a different texture. In the fall, think about adding roasted sweet potatoes. They give your salad warmth and sweetness. You can also swap in other fruits. Blueberries or mango can brighten your salad and add fun flavors. Each fruit brings its unique taste, making your dish exciting and fresh. To keep your Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. Make sure to store the salad in the fridge. This helps keep the greens crisp and the flavors intact. - Use a container that fits the amount of salad. - Avoid overfilling to reduce air exposure. The prepared salad stays good for about one to two days in the fridge. After that, the spinach may wilt. For best taste, eat it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, store the dressing separately. This way, the salad stays fresh longer. The dressing can last about a week in the fridge. - Keep dressing in a sealed jar. - Shake well before using again. You do not need to heat this salad. If it loses some crunch, add fresh spinach or strawberries. This boosts flavor and texture. If you have leftover dressing, you can use it on other salads. Just mix it with fresh greens or veggies. - Refresh with a squeeze of lemon juice for bright flavor. - Add more nuts or seeds to enhance crunch. Yes, you can prep this salad ahead. Wash and dry the spinach in advance. Slice the strawberries and store them in a sealed container. You can also mix the poppyseed dressing and keep it in the fridge. Just remember to combine the ingredients right before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and crunchy. If you want a different cheese, try goat cheese or blue cheese. Both add great flavor. For a vegan option, use crumbled tofu or a nut-based cheese. These alternatives keep the salad tasty and cater to different diets. Yes, this salad is gluten-free. All the ingredients, like spinach and strawberries, are gluten-free. For dressings, choose gluten-free options. Many store-bought dressings are safe, or you can make your own to be sure. This blog post covered how to create a delightful Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad. You learned about fresh ingredients, pantry staples for the dressing, and optional extras for flavor. I shared simple steps for preparing the dressing, assembling the salad, and serving it fresh. You also found tips for enhancing flavor and interesting presentation ideas. Remember, you can customize this salad with proteins or seasonal ingredients to keep it exciting. Enjoy making this nutritious dish, and don’t forget to experiment with different flavors!

Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, and a creamy poppyseed dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and dried
  • 1.5 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 0.33 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
  • 0.25 cup red onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, lightly toasted
  • 0.5 cup creamy plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked pepper

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the creamy Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper according to your taste. Set this vibrant dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the washed baby spinach and the sliced strawberries. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and the toasted sliced almonds to incorporate both flavor and crunch into the salad.
  • Incorporate Red Onions: Carefully add the thinly sliced red onions to the spinach and strawberry mixture. Use a gentle folding motion to combine all ingredients, taking care not to break the delicate strawberry slices.
  • Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared poppyseed dressing over the salad mixture. Using a gentle tossing technique, coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing so every bite is flavorful.
  • Taste and Adjust: Take a moment to taste the salad. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or a drizzle of honey to suit your personal preference.
  • Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and freshness, serve the salad right away while it retains its vibrant colors and crisp textures.

Notes

For a stunning visual appeal, serve in a clear salad bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with additional strawberries and sesame seeds.
Keyword healthy, poppyseed, salad, spinach, strawberries