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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
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A refreshing summer salad combining fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, and a creamy homemade poppy seed dressing. Perfect for quick meals, gatherings, or a light, satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 180g), washed and dried
  • 2 cups strawberries (about 300g), hulled and sliced
  • ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup toasted pecans or almonds (about 60g)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (120g), full-fat or low-fat
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the baby spinach leaves thoroughly and spin or pat them dry.
  2. Slice the strawberries into thin, even slices about ¼ inch thick.
  3. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans or almonds and toast, stirring frequently, for about 3-4 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. If using, slice the red onion as thin as possible to avoid overpowering bites.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted nuts, and red onion.
  7. Drizzle the creamy poppy seed dressing over the salad.
  8. Toss gently using salad tongs or clean hands to coat each leaf and berry without bruising them.
  9. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad for an added creamy, salty pop (optional). Toss lightly once more or serve with the cheese on top.

Notes

Keep dressing separate until serving to prevent soggy spinach. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. Use fresh, firm strawberries for best texture. Dressing can be made dairy-free by substituting Greek yogurt and mayo with plant-based alternatives. Nuts can be swapped for seeds or omitted for nut-free option.

Nutrition

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

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