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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
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A fresh and satisfying spinach salad with ripe strawberries, toasted almonds, and a creamy poppy seed dressing that balances sweetness and tang perfectly. Quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
  • ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 4 cups of baby spinach thoroughly and spin or pat dry until crisp. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. Hull and slice 1 pint of fresh strawberries evenly.
  3. Toast ½ cup sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. Thinly slice ½ a small red onion. If desired, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes then drain to mellow the bite.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste. Shake or whisk vigorously until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, red onion, and ½ cup crumbled feta cheese to the spinach. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine without bruising the berries or spinach.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more vinegar for tang or honey for sweetness.

Notes

Dry spinach thoroughly to avoid soggy salad. Toast almonds carefully to prevent burning. Taste and adjust dressing as needed. Dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to one week. For dairy-free, omit cheese and use vegan mayo. Use fresh strawberries for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, creamy poppy seed dressing, fresh salad, quick salad recipe, healthy salad, easy salad dressing

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-easy-creamy-poppy-seed-dressing-3/