If you are craving a fresh and vibrant salad that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, the Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful salad features crisp baby spinach and juicy strawberries tossed with a luscious homemade balsamic poppy seed dressing. The addition of crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and a touch of red onion makes every bite a celebration of textures and tastes. Whether as a light lunch or a stunning side dish, this salad is sure to brighten your table and your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to creating a memorable Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe. Each component plays a key role in contributing to the salad’s vibrant color, fresh flavor, and charming contrast of textures.
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach: The tender leaves provide a fresh, mild base packed with nutrients.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Sweet and juicy berries add a burst of color and natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a hint of sharpness and crunch to balance the salad.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese elevates the flavor and richness.
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pecans, chopped: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional): For an extra touch of sweetness and chewiness.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: The key to a tangy, flavorful dressing base.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Provides richness and smoothness to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: A natural sweetener that balances the acidity.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds: Adds a delightful texture and mild nutty flavor to the dressing.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by combining your dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness or seasoning as you prefer. The dressing is where all the flavors come together, so take a moment to perfect it before moving on.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Place the fresh baby spinach into a large salad bowl. Add the sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and dried cranberries if you’re using them. This blend of ingredients creates a vibrant foundation bursting with contrasting textures and natural sweetness.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Nuts
Sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese evenly over the salad, allowing the creamy tang to mingle with the freshness of the greens and fruit. Follow with the toasted chopped almonds or pecans, which bring a satisfying crunch and nutty depth to every forkful.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the balsamic poppy seed dressing generously over the salad right before serving. Toss gently but thoroughly so that each leaf and topping is lightly coated in the dressing’s vibrant, tangy sweetness. This careful toss ensures every bite is flavorful and evenly balanced.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is ready to wow your taste buds! Serve it immediately while the berries are fresh, the greens crisp, and the dressing vibrant. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish if you want to turn it into a more substantial meal.
How to Serve Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Boost your salad’s look and flavor by adding fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh basil. A few extra poppy seeds or a scatter of shaved Parmesan can also elevate the presentation and taste, making your dish irresistible.
Side Dishes
This salad stands on its own perfectly but shines even brighter alongside light, grilled proteins like chicken breast, salmon, or shrimp. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple quinoa pilaf for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special gathering, serve the salad in individual clear bowls or elegant Mason jars to showcase the colorful layers. Alternatively, create a composed salad on a large platter for a show-stopping centerpiece that invites guests to help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad components and dressing separately in airtight containers. Keep the spinach and strawberries refrigerated but add the dressing only when ready to serve to prevent sogginess and keep everything fresh.
Freezing
Because this salad is fresh and delicate, freezing is not recommended. The strawberries and leafy greens lose their texture and flavor once frozen and thawed, so it’s best enjoyed freshly made.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is unnecessary and would diminish the crisp texture and bright flavors that make the Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use spinach substitutes in this salad?
Absolutely! Baby kale, arugula, or mixed spring greens can be used if you prefer a different texture or flavor profile. Each will bring its own unique twist while still pairing wonderfully with the strawberries and dressing.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
To make it vegan, simply replace the feta or goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it entirely. Also, be sure to choose maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
How long does the dressing keep?
The balsamic poppy seed dressing can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good shake or stir before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
Can I add protein to make this a main dish?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon pairs beautifully with this salad, transforming it into a satisfying main course that balances freshness with protein-rich nourishment.
What is the best way to toast nuts for this salad?
To toast almonds or pecans, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool before chopping and adding to the salad to maintain their crunch.
Final Thoughts
There is something so joyful about the fresh, colorful combination of this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe. It’s a celebration of the season’s best flavors in every bite, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself. Once you try it, this salad will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for brightening any meal and nourishing your body with wholesome, delicious ingredients.
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Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Spinach Strawberry Salad featuring baby spinach, sweet strawberries, tangy red onions, creamy feta cheese, crunchy toasted nuts, and a luscious balsamic poppy seed dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a colorful side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness and seasoning as desired. Set the dressing aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and dried cranberries if using. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese along with the toasted and chopped almonds or pecans evenly over the salad.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared balsamic poppy seed dressing over the assembled salad just before serving. Toss gently and carefully to coat the spinach and toppings evenly without bruising the strawberries.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for optimal freshness and texture. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish to make a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely.
- To add more protein, top with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Ensure strawberries are fresh and ripe for maximum sweetness in the salad.
- Adjust honey or maple syrup in the dressing based on sweetness preference.
- To toast nuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden and fragrant.
