Strawberry Spinach Salad

A delightful and refreshing salad that balances the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the earthy notes of spinach, all brought together by a light poppy seed dressing. It's a perfect light lunch or elegant starter.

Strawberry Spinach Salad
  • Prep time: 25 minutes
  • Cook time: 0 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and toasted nuts.
  2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds.
  3. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
  5. Gently toss the salad to evenly coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
  6. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips

  • Toast the nuts lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this a more substantial main course.
  • Slice the strawberries just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store any leftover salad?

It's best to store the salad components separately if you have leftovers. Keep the dressing in a separate container. Toss just before serving again, as the spinach can wilt quickly.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are recommended for their texture, you can use thawed frozen strawberries. Drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the salad.

What can I substitute for the poppy seeds?

If you don't have poppy seeds, you can omit them or add a pinch of dried herbs like dill or basil to the dressing for a different flavor profile.