Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad

It’s funny how some of the simplest recipes become family favorites, isn’t it? For us, this Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad has been exactly that. It started as a way to use up some beautiful, ripe strawberries from our local farmer’s market, and quickly morphed into a dish we crave all year round. Even my kids, who are usually salad-skeptical, devour this one! The sweet strawberries and tangy dressing are just irresistible, especially combined with the crisp spinach and satisfying crunch of poppy seeds. It’s vibrant, healthy, and honestly, just a joy to eat. Whether it’s gracing our Easter table, brightening up a summer BBQ, or simply making a weeknight dinner feel a little more special, this salad is a guaranteed hit. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to throw together!

Ingredients

• Fresh Spinach: The base of our salad, providing a mild, slightly earthy flavor and tons of nutrients. Baby spinach is preferred for its tenderness.
• Strawberries: Sweet and juicy, these are the stars of the show! Choose ripe, red strawberries for the best flavor and vibrant color.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, pungent bite that balances the sweetness of the strawberries. Use sparingly or soak in water to mellow the flavor if you prefer.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings a salty, tangy creaminess that complements the other flavors beautifully. You can also use goat cheese for a similar effect.
• Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal. They are also a key ingredient in the classic poppy seed dressing.
• Olive Oil: Forms the base of our healthy and flavorful dressing. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its superior taste and health benefits.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides the necessary acidity to balance the sweetness and oil in the dressing, adding a tangy kick.
• Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to enhance the dressing and complement the strawberries. Maple syrup is a great alternative for a vegan option.
• Dijon Mustard: Emulsifies the dressing and adds a subtle savory depth and tanginess.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors and bring the salad to life.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spinach and Strawberries: Thoroughly wash the spinach and pat it dry with a salad spinner or paper towels. Remove the stems from the strawberries and slice them into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
2. Prepare the Red Onion (Optional): If using red onion, peel and thinly slice it. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10-15 minutes to reduce their sharpness. Drain well before adding to the salad.
3. Make the Poppy Seed Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake in a jar until the dressing is well emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add a bit more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess depending on your preference.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion (if using). Crumble the feta cheese over the top.
5. Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overdress the salad, start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more to taste.
6. Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad immediately after dressing. This prevents the spinach from wilting and keeps the strawberries fresh.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, approximate)

• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 250 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Vitamin C: Excellent source
• Vitamin K: Excellent source
• Vitamin A: Good source
• Folate: Good source
• Iron: Good source
• Calcium: Good source

(Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes. This is an estimate.)

Preparation Time

This Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • This includes washing and prepping the spinach and strawberries, slicing the red onion (if using), and making the poppy seed dressing.
• Total Time: 15 minutes
  • From start to finish, you can have this vibrant and delicious salad ready to serve in just about 15 minutes! It’s a fantastic recipe for when you need a healthy and flavorful dish in a hurry.

How to Serve

This versatile Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad can be served in numerous ways, making it a wonderful addition to any meal or occasion.

• As a Light Lunch: Enjoy a generous portion of this salad as a refreshing and satisfying light lunch. It’s packed with nutrients and flavor to keep you energized throughout the afternoon.
• As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a balanced and healthy dinner. The bright flavors of the salad complement savory main courses beautifully.
• At BBQs and Potlucks: This salad is always a crowd-pleaser at BBQs and potlucks. Its vibrant colors and delicious taste make it a standout dish on any buffet table. It travels well if you keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
• For Brunch: Add a touch of elegance to your brunch spread with this salad. It pairs wonderfully with quiches, frittatas, and other brunch favorites.
• As a Salad Course: Serve it as a refreshing salad course before a main meal. It’s light enough to cleanse the palate and prepare your taste buds for the courses to follow.
• With Sandwiches or Wraps: Pair a smaller portion of this salad with sandwiches or wraps for a complete and nutritious meal. It adds freshness and texture to your lunchtime favorites.
• In Mason Jars for Meal Prep: Layer the salad ingredients in mason jars for easy and healthy meal prep. Put the dressing at the bottom, followed by heartier ingredients like red onion and feta, then spinach, and finally strawberries on top to keep them fresh. Shake well before eating.
• As a Topping for Grain Bowls: Add this salad as a vibrant and flavorful topping to grain bowls made with quinoa, farro, or rice. It adds a burst of freshness and nutrients.

Additional Tips for the Best Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad

To elevate your Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad to the next level and ensure it’s always a success, here are some helpful tips:

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the taste of the salad. Opt for fresh, vibrant spinach, ripe, juicy strawberries, and good quality feta cheese. Using extra virgin olive oil for the dressing will also make a noticeable difference in flavor.
2. Wash and Dry Spinach Thoroughly: Nobody likes gritty salad! Make sure to wash your spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or sand. A salad spinner is your best friend for drying spinach effectively, ensuring the dressing adheres properly and the salad doesn’t become soggy.
3. Don’t Dress the Salad Too Early: Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting and the strawberries from becoming mushy. If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving.
4. Mellow the Red Onion (If Desired): If you find raw red onion too pungent, soak the thinly sliced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes. This helps to reduce its sharpness while still retaining its flavor and crunch. Drain and pat dry before adding to the salad.
5. Toast the Poppy Seeds for Enhanced Flavor: Toasting poppy seeds briefly in a dry pan over medium heat enhances their nutty flavor and aroma. Be careful not to burn them; they toast quickly. Let them cool completely before adding them to the dressing.
6. Customize the Cheese: While feta is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Goat cheese provides a similar tangy creaminess. For a milder option, try crumbled fresh mozzarella or ricotta salata. For a vegan version, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative.
7. Add Nuts or Seeds for Extra Crunch: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds to the salad. Slivered almonds, pecans, or walnuts would all be delicious additions. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are also great options for nut-free alternatives.
8. Experiment with Different Vinegars: While apple cider vinegar is used in this recipe, you can experiment with other vinegars to change the flavor profile of the dressing. White wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar can all be used to create variations of the poppy seed dressing. Balsamic vinegar will give a richer, sweeter flavor.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad

Here are some common questions and answers to help you make the perfect Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad:

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: It’s best to assemble and dress this salad just before serving to maintain the freshness of the spinach and strawberries. You can, however, prepare the individual components ahead of time. Wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, prepare the red onion, crumble the feta, and make the poppy seed dressing. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply combine the ingredients and dress the salad.

Q2: Can I use frozen strawberries?

A: Fresh strawberries are highly recommended for this salad as they provide the best texture and flavor. Frozen strawberries will become soft and watery when thawed, which can make the salad soggy. If you must use frozen strawberries, thaw them completely and drain off as much excess liquid as possible. Consider adding them to the salad right before serving while they are still slightly chilled.

Q3: What if I don’t like poppy seed dressing? Are there other dressing options?

A: While poppy seed dressing is a classic pairing for this salad, you can certainly use other dressings. A light vinaigrette, such as a balsamic vinaigrette, raspberry vinaigrette, or lemon vinaigrette, would also complement the flavors of the spinach and strawberries beautifully. A simple honey-mustard vinaigrette could also be a delicious alternative.

Q4: Can I make this salad vegan?

A: Yes, this salad can easily be made vegan. Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based feta alternative. Ensure that the honey in the dressing is replaced with a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar. Most Dijon mustard brands are vegan, but it’s always a good idea to check the ingredient list to be sure.

Q5: How long will the poppy seed dressing last in the refrigerator?

A: Homemade poppy seed dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The oil and vinegar in the dressing act as natural preservatives. You may need to whisk or shake the dressing again before using it as it may separate slightly upon standing.

Q6: Can I add protein to this salad to make it a complete meal?

A: Absolutely! Adding protein can transform this salad into a more substantial and satisfying meal. Grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, chickpeas, white beans, or lentils are all excellent protein additions. For a vegetarian option, consider adding hard-boiled eggs or grilled halloumi cheese.

Q7: What are some variations I can try with this salad?

A: There are many ways to customize this salad to your liking! Consider adding other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or mandarin oranges. Avocado slices add creaminess and healthy fats. Cucumber or bell peppers can add extra crunch and freshness. For a sweeter twist, add dried cranberries or candied pecans. Experiment with different herbs like fresh mint or basil for added flavor.

Q8: Is this salad suitable for people with allergies?

A: This salad is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free/vegan by omitting or substituting the feta cheese and honey. However, poppy seeds can be a potential allergen for some individuals, although less common than other seed allergies. Always be mindful of potential allergens and inform your guests if you are serving this salad to people with known allergies. If you are unsure about poppy seed allergies, you can omit them from the dressing or substitute them with sesame seeds for a similar texture.

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