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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Candied Walnuts and Easy Poppy Seed Dressing

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A fresh and vibrant salad combining baby spinach, juicy strawberries, candied walnuts, and a creamy homemade poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a quick, light lunch or a colorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups (180 g) baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 2 cups (300 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup (120 g) candied walnuts
  • ¼ cup (40 g) red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (75 g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter (for candied walnuts)
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (for candied walnuts)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Candied Walnuts (if making fresh): In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons (30 g) of unsalted butter. Stir in ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar until it dissolves and starts bubbling. Add 1 cup (120 g) walnut halves and toss to coat evenly. Spread nuts on parchment paper to cool and harden (about 10 minutes). Watch closely to avoid burning.
  2. Make the Poppy Seed Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup (80 ml) mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) poppy seeds, and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the fridge while assembling the salad.
  3. Prep the Produce: Rinse and dry 6 cups (180 g) baby spinach thoroughly. Hull and slice 2 cups (300 g) fresh strawberries. Thinly slice ¼ cup (40 g) red onion. Crumble ½ cup (75 g) feta cheese.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, red onion, and crumbled feta. Add cooled candied walnuts (1 cup/120 g) and gently toss everything together to mix flavors without bruising the berries.
  5. Dress and Serve: Drizzle about ½ cup (120 ml) of the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss lightly again to coat. Taste and add more dressing if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest experience.

Notes

Dry spinach thoroughly to avoid soggy salad. Toss dressing separately and add just before serving if making ahead to keep greens crisp. Use a fork if no whisk is available. Watch candied walnuts closely to prevent burning. Dressing tastes better if chilled overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, candied walnuts, poppy seed dressing, fresh salad, quick lunch, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-candied-walnuts-and-easy-poppy-seed-dressing/