If you’re on the lookout for a salad that feels like a burst of sunshine on your plate, look no further than this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe. It’s a vibrant mix of fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy nuts, and tangy cheese, all lovingly tied together with a luscious, homemade balsamic poppy seed dressing. This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and color. From the fresh greens to the sweet strawberries and the crunchy nuts, each element comes together to make this salad truly unforgettable.
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach: The leafy green base packed with nutrients and a mild, tender texture that complements the sweetness of strawberries.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Adds natural sweetness and a juicy pop of vibrant red color.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Brings a mild pungency and crunch that balances the salad’s sweetness.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese: Offers creamy, tangy bites that enhance the salad’s complexity.
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pecans, chopped: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty depth.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional): Introduces chewy texture and subtle tartness for extra flavor layers.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: The acidic backbone of the dressing that ties all flavors together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and smoothness to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Sweetens the dressing naturally and balances the tang of balsamic.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a little kick and helps emulsify the ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds: Brings a subtle crunch and visual appeal to the dressing.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to elevate every flavor.
How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start by combining balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and beautifully emulsified. Taste and adjust the sweetness or seasoning to your liking — this dressing is the magic that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, gently toss together the fresh baby spinach, hulled and sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onions, and dried cranberries if you’re using them. This mix delivers a brilliant combination of fresh, sweet, and tangy elements that brighten each bite.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Nuts
Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese and toasted almonds or pecans over the top. These toppings add richness, creaminess, and a delightful crunch, elevating the salad’s texture and taste with every forkful.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Just before serving, drizzle the luscious balsamic poppy seed dressing over your salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every leaf and topping is perfectly coated — this ensures each mouthful is bursting with the flavorful dressing that made this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe so beloved.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures. This salad shines as a light lunch or a stunning side alongside grilled chicken or fish, making it perfect for any occasion.
How to Serve Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra flourish, consider tossing fresh herbs like mint or basil on top for a refreshing twist. A few extra toasted nuts or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper also boosts the visual appeal and flavor intensity.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted proteins such as chicken breast, salmon, or shrimp. A crusty baguette or your favorite artisan bread can round out the meal perfectly without overshadowing the salad’s delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in colorful individual bowls or layered in a clear glass bowl to showcase the beautiful red strawberries against the vibrant green spinach. For gatherings, consider assembling the salad over a large platter and drizzling the dressing at the table for an interactive and eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately. Keep the salad ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day to maintain freshness, and the dressing can keep for up to a week. Toss just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing isn’t recommended. The delicate spinach and juicy strawberries do not fare well after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Enjoy it chilled for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular spinach instead of baby spinach?
Absolutely! Just chop the regular spinach into smaller pieces to ensure it’s tender and easy to eat. Baby spinach is preferred because it’s naturally tender and mild, but either will work.
What can I substitute for poppy seeds in the dressing?
If you don’t have poppy seeds on hand, you can omit them or substitute with a small amount of sesame seeds or chia seeds for a similar texture and visual effect.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
It absolutely can be! Just skip the feta or goat cheese or opt for a plant-based cheese alternative. Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it entirely vegan.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead but keep the dressing separate. Toss everything together just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and strawberries fresh.
What drinks pair well with this salad?
This salad pairs amazingly with light, crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water infused with citrus or berries for a refreshing, non-alcoholic option.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but comes together quickly and effortlessly. The way the sweet strawberries, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and tangy dressing mingle makes every bite a true delight. Give it a try for your next meal—you just might find your new favorite salad!
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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 tender baby spinach leaves, sweet sliced strawberries, tangy red onion, creamy feta cheese, crunchy toasted nuts, and optional dried cranberries, all tossed in a homemade balsamic poppy seed dressing. This light and nutritious salad is perfect as a refreshing side or a light meal, especially when paired with grilled chicken or fish.
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. Adjust the sweetness and seasoning to your liking, then set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, place the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and dried cranberries if using. Gently toss them together to mix the flavors evenly.
- Add Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese on top of the salad, followed by the toasted almonds or pecans. These add creamy and crunchy textures that complement the fresh produce.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared balsamic poppy seed dressing over the salad ingredients just before serving. Toss the salad gently to ensure every leaf and topping is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the freshness and contrasting textures. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and balanced meal.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese if you prefer a tangier flavor over feta.
- To toast the nuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, stirring frequently.
- Dried cranberries are optional but add a lovely chewiness and sweetness to the salad.
- For a vegan version, omit the cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
- This salad is best served fresh to prevent the spinach from wilting and the nuts from losing their crunch.
