As the days grow longer and the air fills with the sweet scent of spring, I find myself drawn to vibrant, fresh dishes that celebrate the season. Enter my Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Tangy Poppy Seed Dressing. It all started when I opened my refrigerator and spotted a box of juicy strawberries waiting to be used. Suddenly, a craving struck—something light, colorful, and brimming with flavor. This salad is more than just a beautiful dish; it’s a delightful medley of textures and tastes. The crunchy spinach meets the sweetness of ripe strawberries, all brought together by a creamy poppy seed dressing that dances on the palate. Whether you’re hosting a springtime gathering or simply seeking a fresh weeknight meal, this salad is a perfect companion. Join me in celebrating the season with this easy, wholesome, and utterly satisfying recipe that is sure to please everyone at your table.
Why is strawberry spinach salad a must-try?
Fresh flavors collide in this delightful salad, making it a perfect addition to your spring repertoire. Easy to prepare, you can whip it up in minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings! Nutrition-packed ingredients like spinach and strawberries offer a healthy boost, while variety in texture from crunchy nuts and creamy feta keeps every bite interesting. Crowd favorite for any occasion, this vibrant dish brings everyone together, proving that healthy eating can be delicious and fun! For more inspiring and easy recipes, check out my other salad creations!
Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
- Fresh Spinach – A nutrient-rich base that adds freshness and color.
- Thinly Sliced Strawberries – Juicy and sweet; they elevate the flavor profile of the salad.
- Thinly Sliced Red Onion – Adds a sharp, tangy bite to balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
For the Dressing
- Poppy Seed Dressing – This creamy dressing ties the salad together with its sweet and tangy notes.
- Toasted Pecans – Providing a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to enhance the salad’s texture.
- Feta Cheese – Gives creaminess and a salty kick that complements the fresh ingredients beautifully.
Feel free to experiment with substitutions to find the perfect flavor balance for your own strawberry spinach salad!
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, add fresh spinach, thinly sliced strawberries, and red onion. This base creates a vibrant mix, perfect for your colorful salad.Dress the Salad
Drizzle a portion of the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Gently toss to combine, ensuring every bite gets a taste of that creamy goodness.Add Crunch and Creaminess
Toss in the toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese; give it a light mix. This will elevate your salad texture, combining crunch with smooth creaminess.Season to Taste
Add additional dressing as needed, then sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step is crucial to enhance flavors and make it truly irresistible!Serve Fresh
Serve immediately after mixing or store the components separately until ready to enjoy. This keeps the spinach fresh and crunchy!
Optional: Garnish with extra strawberries for a visually appealing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
This irresistible strawberry spinach salad is perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights! You can wash and dry the spinach and slice the strawberries up to 24 hours in advance, then store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To keep the ingredients fresh and prevent the salad from getting soggy, make the poppy seed dressing ahead of time (it keeps well for up to 3 days) and store it in a jar. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the prepped ingredients with the dressing, toasted pecans, and feta just before enjoying. This way, you’ll have a delightful, fresh salad with minimal last-minute fuss!
What to Serve with Strawberry Spinach Salad?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful pairings that complement this refreshing salad perfectly.
Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken adds protein and enhances the meal’s heartiness while harmonizing with the fresh flavors.
Quinoa Pilaf: The nutty flavor and fluffy texture of quinoa pilaf bring a wholesome contrast to the salad’s crispness, making for a satisfying plate.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread offers a savory bite, balancing the salad’s sweetness and providing a comforting addition to your meal.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully, enhancing the salad’s fruitiness and refreshing nature while making it feel extra special.
Berry Tart: End your meal on a sweet note with a light and fruity dessert like berry tart, which echoes the salad’s bright colors and flavors.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and creamy texture provide a delicious contrast to the fresh, tangy salad, making for a cheerful and colorful plate.
Mix and match these pairings for a well-rounded meal that celebrates the season and showcases your culinary talents!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Spinach Salad
Fridge: Store undressed salad components in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
Poppy Seed Dressing: Keep the poppy seed dressing in a separate sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before using.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled strawberry spinach salad, as the texture of spinach and strawberries will deteriorate.
Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold, so simply toss together fresh ingredients when ready to serve for optimal flavors and textures.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredient Freshness: Use the freshest strawberries and spinach possible. Freshness enhances flavor and texture, making your strawberry spinach salad more enjoyable.
Dressing Timing: Make the poppy seed dressing in advance and add it just before serving to keep the salad vibrant and crispy.
Alternate Greens: If you find spinach isn’t available, try using mixed greens or arugula. This switch keeps things interesting without sacrificing taste in your salad.
Nut Options: Toast your pecans to intensify their flavor, but if you’re nut-free, sunflower seeds make a wonderful crunchy substitute in the salad.
Balancing Flavors: Taste the salad before serving and adjust seasoning. A pinch of salt or an extra drizzle of dressing can enhance the overall flavor of your strawberry spinach salad.
Strawberry Spinach Salad Variations
Feel free to play with flavors and textures to make this salad your own!
Berry Bliss: Substitute strawberries with a mix of blueberries and raspberries for a berry burst of sweetness.
Mixing different berries adds depth to the dish while keeping it colorful and inviting.Gluten-Free Grains: Add cooked quinoa or farro for a heartier salad that’s still gluten-free.
These grains not only increase protein, but also add a chewy texture, elevating your meal.Nut-Free Delight: Use sunflower seeds instead of pecans or walnuts to keep the crunch while making it nut-free.
Sunflower seeds offer a delightful pop of flavor without any allergens!Zesty Citrus: Toss in orange or grapefruit segments for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens the flavors.
The tanginess of citrus perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a vibrant medley.Creamy Avocado: Incorporate sliced avocado for a rich, creamy texture that enhances each bite beautifully.
Its buttery consistency provides a lovely contrast to the salad’s crunchy elements.Spicy Kick: Add thinly sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a hint of heat that balances the sweet dressing.
This surprise kick will awaken your taste buds, making each forkful exciting!Herbed Touch: Mix in fresh herbs like basil or mint for an aromatic depth that amplifies the salad’s flavor profile.
These herbs not only taste delightful but also make your salad visually stunning as well.Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap feta for a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a healthy vegan option without losing the cheesy element.
This keeps your salad creamy while catering to dairy-free preferences!
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting strawberries?
Absolutely! When choosing strawberries, look for bright red color and fresh green leaves. They should be firm and plump—avoid any that have dark spots all over, as that could indicate overripeness or spoilage.
How do I store leftover salad?
Great question! Store any undressed salad components in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep them fresh. Keep the dressing separate to prevent wilting.
Can I freeze the strawberry spinach salad?
I wouldn’t recommend it! Freezing can affect the texture of the spinach and strawberries, making them soggy when thawed. Instead, prepare the salad fresh and enjoy it cold for the best flavor and crunch!
What if I have nut allergies?
Very important consideration! If you or your guests have nut allergies, swap out the toasted pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. You can also add crispy chickpeas for crunch without the nuts.
How can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Certainly! To make the poppy seed dressing ahead, simply combine the required ingredients (oil, vinegar, sugar, poppy seeds, and mustard) in a jar. Seal it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before drizzling over your salad.
Is this salad suitable for pets?
That’s a thoughtful question! While spinach is generally safe for dogs, strawberries should be given in moderation due to their sugar content. Always double-check with your vet regarding any pet dietary questions, just to be safe.
Irresistible Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Equipment
- - Large bowl
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 cups fresh spinach A nutrient-rich base that adds freshness and color.
- 2 cups thinly sliced strawberries Juicy and sweet; they elevate the flavor profile of the salad.
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion Adds a sharp, tangy bite to balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing This creamy dressing ties the salad together with its sweet and tangy notes.
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans Providing a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to enhance the salad's texture.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese Gives creaminess and a salty kick that complements the fresh ingredients beautifully.
Instructions
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad
- In a large bowl, add fresh spinach, thinly sliced strawberries, and red onion. This base creates a vibrant mix, perfect for your colorful salad.
- Drizzle a portion of the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Gently toss to combine, ensuring every bite gets a taste of that creamy goodness.
- Toss in the toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese; give it a light mix. This will elevate your salad texture, combining crunch with smooth creaminess.
- Add additional dressing as needed, then sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step is crucial to enhance flavors and make it truly irresistible!
- Serve immediately after mixing or store the components separately until ready to enjoy. This keeps the spinach fresh and crunchy!