Imagine sinking your teeth into a vibrant Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing. The sweetness of ripe strawberries dances gracefully with the earthy crunch of fresh spinach. It’s like a party in your mouth with every bite bursting with flavor. This delightful dish doesn’t just look pretty; it’s the kind of salad that makes you want to throw confetti every time you serve it.
I first encountered this colorful creation at a picnic where my Aunt Betty served it proudly. As everyone dug in, I swear I saw rainbows shoot out of the bowl! Perfect for summer gatherings or just jazzing up a weekday lunch, this salad promises an explosion of taste that will keep you coming back for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-make Strawberry and Spinach Salad is packed with vibrant flavors that will impress your guests
- The creamy poppy seed dressing adds a delightful twist
- It’s visually stunning, making it perfect for special occasions or everyday meals
- Plus, you can customize it based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences!
As I made this salad for my family’s Sunday brunch last week, they couldn’t stop raving about how fresh and delicious it was!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Spinach: Choose bright green leaves without blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
- Strawberries: Look for ripe strawberries that are deep red; they should smell sweet!
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a wonderful nutty flavor; feel free to toast them for extra crunch.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives the salad a pleasant bite; soak in cold water to mellow its flavor if desired.
- Sunflower Seeds: For added crunch and nutrition; choose unsalted to keep flavors balanced.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the dressing’s flavor profile.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This tangy vinegar brings brightness to the dressing; adjust according to your taste preference.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness balances the tartness of the vinegar in the dressing.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate all the flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
This delightful salad comes together in just a few simple steps that will have you feeling like a culinary superstar.
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing your spinach thoroughly under cold water; dry it gently using a salad spinner or paper towels until crisp.
Slice Those Strawberries!: Remove the stems from your strawberries and slice them thinly. Their juice should flow like sweet nectar at this point!
Create the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, and poppy seeds until smooth. It should look creamy and inviting!
Toss Everything Together: In a large serving bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion rings, and sunflower seeds. Drizzle half of the dressing over top.
Give It A Gentle Toss!: Using tongs or two large spoons, toss everything together gently so that each leaf gets coated without bruising them.
Add More Dressing If Desired!: Taste your salad feel free to add more dressing if you desire extra creaminess. Serve immediately for maximum freshness!
Enjoy your vibrant Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing! It’s fresh enough to brighten any day while satisfying even picky eaters at gatherings.
You Must Know
- This Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing bursts with vibrant colors and flavors, making it a delightful addition to any meal
- The combination of sweet strawberries and crunchy spinach offers a refreshing taste that brightens your plate and mood
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by washing your spinach thoroughly, then slice the strawberries just before serving to keep them fresh. Prepare the dressing while the ingredients are prepped for a smooth assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add nuts for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different fruits like blueberries or mandarin oranges for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid adding dressing until you’re ready to eat, preventing soggy salad.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For maximum flavor, let the salad sit for a few minutes after mixing to marry the flavors
- Don’t skip the poppy seed dressing; it adds a delightful sweetness and crunch
- Always serve fresh for optimal taste and texture
Sometimes I forget how much my friends love this salad; they devour it within minutes at parties, begging me for the recipe!
FAQ
What can I substitute for poppy seeds?
You can use sesame seeds or sunflower seeds as tasty alternatives.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare all ingredients but add dressing right before serving for freshness.
How long does leftover salad last?
Leftover strawberry and spinach salad stays fresh in the fridge for about two days.
Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a refreshing blend of sweet strawberries and crunchy spinach, drizzled with a creamy dressing that elevates any meal.
Ingredients
- Fresh spinach
- Ripe strawberries
- Poppy seeds
- Red onion
- Sunflower seeds
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Honey
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Wash the spinach thoroughly and dry it.
- Slice the strawberries thinly.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a serving bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, red onion, and sunflower seeds. Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss to coat without bruising the spinach.
- Add more dressing if desired and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
