Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the crunch of poppy seeds and the earthiness of spinach. refreshing Ranch Cucumber Bites Each bite bursts with flavor, making it an irresistible addition to any meal or gathering.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad?
- How do I make the dressing for this salad?
- Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Imagine serving this colorful salad on a warm summer day, where the sweet aroma of ripe strawberries mingles with the fresh scent of leafy greens. Sweet Potato Kale Tray This delightful dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply as a light lunch that promises to tantalize your taste buds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad offers effortless preparation while delivering a delightful flavor explosion
- Its eye-catching colors make it an appealing centerpiece for any table
- The versatility allows you to serve it as a side dish or a main course
- Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy family dinners, this salad brings joy to every occasion
One unforgettable picnic I organized featured this salad, and my friends were raving about it long after we packed up our blankets and leftovers.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars.
- Fresh Spinach: Look for vibrant green leaves; baby spinach has a milder flavor and tender texture.
- Ripe Strawberries: Choose bright red strawberries; they should be firm and sweet for the best taste.
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a delightful crunch; use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the salad.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds zing; soak in cold water briefly to mellow its sharpness.
- Walnuts (or Pecans): Toasted nuts provide richness; ensure they are fresh for maximum crunch and flavor.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the dressing’s flavor; use it generously.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This tangy vinegar complements the sweetness of strawberries perfectly; choose unfiltered for a more robust taste.
- Honey: Sweeten your dressing with honey; adjust according to your preference for sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard: This adds depth to the dressing; a little goes a long way in enhancing flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. Cheesy Chicken Meatballs.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients first to avoid any kitchen chaos later on. Rinse spinach and strawberries under cool water. Pat dry gently with paper towels.
Create The Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Toss The Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion. Drizzle half of the dressing over the top before tossing gently.
Add Crunchy Elements: Sprinkle toasted walnuts over the salad before adding any remaining dressing. Toss again lightly until everything is coated evenly.
Serve Immediately Or Chill : You can serve right away or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to enhance flavors. Enjoy fresh!
This Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad is not just food; it’s an experience—one where flavors dance together in harmony like you at a wedding buffet! Enjoy every delightful bite! For more inspiration, check out this Delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.
You Must Know
- Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad is not just a dish; it’s an experience
- The sweet, juicy strawberries combined with crunchy poppy seeds create a delightful contrast
- This salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, and even as a light lunch option that impresses guests every time
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by washing the spinach and strawberries thoroughly. Slice the strawberries into thin pieces while preparing the dressing, ensuring everything is fresh and ready to go.
Add Your Touch
You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or swap the spinach for kale if you’re feeling adventurous. A sprinkle of feta cheese also kicks up the flavor!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid reheating; this salad is best enjoyed chilled and fresh.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a vibrant look, mix colors!
- Combine various berries or add sliced oranges for zest
- To prevent sogginess, toss the salad right before serving rather than letting it sit too long
- Fresh ingredients make all the difference in taste and texture!
Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad has been a family favorite at summer barbecues. One time, my cousin declared it “the best salad ever,” which made me feel like a culinary genius!
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad?
For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Recipe recipe.
Frozen strawberries work, but fresh ones offer better flavor and texture.
How do I make the dressing for this salad?
Combine poppy seeds, honey, vinegar, and olive oil for a quick and easy dressing.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but keep dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad is a refreshing blend of sweet strawberries, crunchy poppy seeds, and nutritious spinach that makes for an irresistible side or light lunch. Bursting with vibrant colors and flavors, this salad is perfect for summer picnics or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 1 cup ripe strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and dry the spinach and strawberries. Slice the strawberries and red onion.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss the salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion. Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle toasted nuts over the salad and drizzle remaining dressing if desired. Toss lightly to coat.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or let chill in the fridge for up to 30 minutes for enhanced flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg