Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

why make this recipe

This salad is fresh, quick, and easy. It mixes sweet strawberries with salty feta and crunchy nuts. The balsamic poppy seed dressing is bright and creamy. You can make it as a side or add protein to make it a light meal. It uses simple ingredients and comes together in minutes.

introduction

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing is a bright, healthy choice for warm days. The flavors mix sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite. If you like strawberry recipes, try a different strawberry treat like high-protein strawberry chia seed pudding for dessert or a snack.

how to make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

1. Wash and dry the spinach well so the dressing sticks.
2. Slice the strawberries and thinly slice the red onion.
3. Combine spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta, and chopped nuts in a large bowl.
4. Whisk the dressing: balsamic vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds, honey, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat.
6. Serve right away so the spinach stays crisp.

Ingredients :

• 6 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions :

1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and nuts.
2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.
4. Serve immediately as a side dish or a meal.

how to serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

Serve the salad immediately after dressing it so the spinach stays crisp. Offer extra dressing on the side. For a main course, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. For a full meal, pair with crusty bread or a light soup.

how to store Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

Store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Store the dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you must pre-make the salad, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.

tips to make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

• Dry the spinach well to avoid a soggy salad.
• Cut strawberries just before serving so they stay fresh.
• Toast the nuts for more flavor.
• Taste the dressing and add more honey or salt if you like.
• Toss gently to keep the spinach leaves whole.

variation (if any)

• Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier taste.
• Swap walnuts or pecans for almonds or sunflower seeds for different crunch.
• Replace spinach with baby kale or mixed greens.
• Add sliced avocado or cooked quinoa for more richness or protein.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this salad ahead?
A: Yes, but keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving to keep the greens crisp.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Fresh is best. If you use frozen, thaw and drain them well, but they may be softer and make the salad wet.

Q: How long does the dressed salad last?
A: Once dressed, eat it within a few hours for best texture. Leftovers will get soggy.

Q: Can I use a different vinegar?
A: Yes. A light red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work, but balsamic adds a sweet tang.

Q: Is this salad good as a main dish?
A: Yes. Add grilled chicken, tofu, or beans to make it more filling.

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A fresh and vibrant salad combining sweet strawberries, salty feta, and crunchy nuts with a bright balsamic poppy seed dressing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Wash and dry the spinach well so the dressing sticks.
2. Slice the strawberries and thinly slice the red onion.
3. Combine spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta, and chopped nuts in a large bowl.
4. Whisk the dressing: balsamic vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds, honey, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat.
6. Serve right away so the spinach stays crisp.

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Notes

For a main course, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Store leftover salad without dressing in the fridge for up to 1 day.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg