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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

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A fresh, vibrant salad featuring baby spinach, juicy strawberries, and a creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for spring and summer, this quick and easy salad balances sweet and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds or chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry about 6 cups of baby spinach leaves thoroughly. If you don’t have a salad spinner, gently pat dry with kitchen towels so the dressing clings nicely.
  2. Rinse 2 cups of fresh strawberries, hull them, and slice thinly. Aim for uniform slices for balanced flavor.
  3. Cut 1/4 of a small red onion into very thin rings or half-rings. Soak in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow sharpness if desired, then drain well.
  4. Toast 1/3 cup of slivered almonds or chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove promptly to avoid burning.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon poppy seeds, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth and creamy.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and toasted nuts. Crumble 1/2 cup feta cheese over the top. Pour about half the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly. Add more dressing as needed to taste.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately for the freshest texture and flavor.

Notes

Dry spinach thoroughly to help dressing cling and prevent sogginess. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. Whisk dressing until creamy and smooth. Dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate if prepping salad ahead to avoid wilting.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, poppy seed dressing, fresh salad, spring salad, summer salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad

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