Hey y'all! If you're looking for a crisp, vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that screams springtime freshness, look no further. This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing is a colorful mash-up of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors—with juicy strawberries, baby spinach, and a totally craveable homemade dressing. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, backyard BBQs, or just a quick and healthy lunch. Ready to wow your taste buds? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
- Super quick—just 15 minutes start to finish!
- Amazing blend of fresh, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite.
- Loaded with nutrients: vitamin-rich spinach and antioxidant-packed strawberries.
- Perfect for meal prep and makes a hit at gatherings.
- Easily customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients for Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
- For the Salad:
- 6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup candied pecans (or toasted walnuts)
- ¼ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- For the Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Directions: How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
1. Prepare the Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper.
- Shake or whisk until completely emulsified and creamy. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Spinach Strawberry Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and candied pecans.
- Gently toss to mix everything evenly.
- Drizzle about half of the poppy seed dressing over the salad; toss lightly to coat the spinach and strawberries.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta over the top.
- Serve immediately, passing extra dressing at the table.
Notes for the Best Spinach Strawberry Salad
- For extra crunch, toast your nuts in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp. Learn more about how to properly dress salads from Bon Appétit.
- Swap feta for goat cheese or omit for a dairy-free version.
Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing: Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Berry Medley: Swap half the strawberries for blueberries or blackberries.
- Vegan: Use maple syrup in the dressing and a plant-based cheese alternative.
Required Equipment for Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
- Large salad bowl
- Small whisk or jar with lid (for dressing)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Tongs for tossing salad
Spinach Strawberry Salad Storage Instructions
Store any undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing separate in a jar (up to 1 week). Dressed salad is best enjoyed immediately; leftovers can get soggy.
Serving Recommendations for Spinach Strawberry Salad
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or as a light lunch with crusty bread.
- Pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled rosé or sparkling water.
- For brunch, add avocado slices and hard-boiled eggs.
Pro Tips for the Best Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
- Always use the ripest, sweetest strawberries for maximum flavor—learn how to select the best berries from EatRight.org.
- Chill your bowls and plates before assembling the salad for extra freshness.
- Taste the dressing before adding—adjust honey or balsamic to strike your perfect sweet-tangy balance. Curious about adjusting salad dressings? Find great tips from Serious Eats.
FAQ: Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- Yes! Prep all ingredients and keep them separate. Dress the salad right before serving for best texture.
- I don't like poppy seeds—can I omit them?
- Absolutely, the dressing will still taste delicious without poppy seeds.
- Is this salad gluten-free?
- Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your cheese and candied nuts for any hidden gluten.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 large salads
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
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2Place baby spinach in a large salad bowl.
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3Add sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, red onion, and toasted pecans to the spinach.
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4Drizzle the balsamic poppy seed dressing over the salad ingredients.
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5Toss gently to evenly coat the salad with the dressing. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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