If you are on the lookout for a vibrant, fresh, and delightfully tangy salad, you have to try this Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe. It perfectly marries the sweetness of juicy strawberries with the earthy freshness of spinach, all tied together with a creamy yet tangy poppy seed dressing. This salad is a refreshing burst of color and flavor that feels both light and satisfyingly rich, making it a standout for any meal or gathering. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a favorite go-to that you’ll want to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with simple, high-quality ingredients, and this salad is no exception. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crispness of fresh spinach to the sweet juiciness of the strawberries, creating a perfect symphony of flavors and textures.
- Fresh Spinach: The leafy base of the salad provides a tender, slightly earthy flavor and vibrant green color.
- Juicy Strawberries: Sliced into quarters, these offer a burst of natural sweetness and a lovely pop of red.
- Poppy Seeds: Small but mighty, they add a subtle crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Red Onion: Thin slices lend a mild, sharp contrast that balances the sweetness.
- Greek Yogurt: It’s the creamy base for the dressing, adding a luscious texture and tang.
- Honey: A touch of natural sweetness that perfectly complements the strawberries.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a bright acidity that lifts the dressing’s flavor profile.
- Olive Oil: Brings richness and helps blend the dressing smoothly.
How to Make Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Start by washing your fresh spinach leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit or dirt. Once cleaned, pat them dry using a salad spinner or paper towels so the dressing doesn’t get watered down. The freshness and crispness of the spinach will be the foundation for this delightful salad.
Step 2: Slice the Strawberries
Next, hull the strawberries by removing the green tops, then slice each into quarters. This size is just perfect to get bursts of strawberry flavor in every bite without overpowering the salad. Their vivid red color also makes your salad beautiful and appetizing.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and poppy seeds. Whisk these ingredients together until you get a smooth, creamy dressing. The sweetness from the honey balances the tanginess of the vinegar and the creamy richness of the yogurt, while the poppy seeds add character to every bite.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
In a large bowl, add your spinach, quartered strawberries, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until the leaves and fruit are well coated. Use a light hand here—you want to maintain the delicate texture of the spinach and prevent bruising the strawberries.
Step 5: Serve Fresh
Transfer the tossed salad to your serving plates or bowls. You can sprinkle a little extra poppy seed on top for a pretty finishing touch and an additional crunch. This salad is best enjoyed immediately to preserve the freshness and vibrant textures.
How to Serve Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this salad, consider garnishing with extra poppy seeds or a few whole strawberries arranged artfully on top. A sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds or walnuts can add an irresistible crunch that complements the softness of the spinach and berries. Fresh mint leaves also work wonders if you want a hint of herbal freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with a light protein like grilled chicken or fish, making for a balanced, nutritious meal. It also shines as a vibrant side dish alongside heavier entrees such as roasted meats or pasta dishes, where its crisp acidity and sweetness can refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve this salad in individual glass bowls or elegant salad plates to showcase all the vivid colors. Another fun idea is to layer the ingredients in a clear jar and toss just before serving—perfect for picnic lunches or potlucks. You could also pile it high on a bed of arugula or mixed greens for added complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine them right before serving to keep the spinach crisp and strawberries fresh. The salad should stay good for up to 2 days.
Freezing
This Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended. The delicate texture of the spinach and strawberries would not hold up well to freezing and thawing, which can leave them mushy and watery.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is generally not applicable. If paired with warm dishes, simply serve it chilled alongside your meal for a refreshing contrast.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this salad?
Fresh strawberries are definitely preferred because they maintain the best texture and sweetness. Frozen strawberries can become mushy as they thaw, which might change the salad’s overall freshness and appearance.
Is there a dairy-free version of the poppy seed dressing?
Absolutely! You can swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free substitute like coconut yogurt or a silky nut-based yogurt to keep it creamy without any dairy.
How long does the dressing stay fresh?
The poppy seed dressing will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container, making it great for meal prep or quick salads throughout the week.
Can I add nuts or cheese to this salad?
Definitely! Adding nuts like almonds or pecans can enhance the salad’s texture, and crumbled cheeses like feta or goat cheese bring a lovely tangy creaminess that pairs beautifully with the strawberries and dressing.
What other fruits can I add to the salad?
Feel free to experiment with fruits like blueberries, mandarin oranges, or even thinly sliced apples to add different sweet and tart dimensions—just make sure to keep the balance with the dressing’s flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out—a bright, fresh, and delicious way to celebrate simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a vibrant side at dinner, or to impress guests, it’s sure to become one of your cherished salad recipes. Give it a try, and enjoy every colorful, flavorful bite!
Print
Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry and Spinach Salad tossed with a creamy, tangy poppy seed dressing made from Greek yogurt, honey, and apple cider vinegar. This quick and healthy salad balances sweet strawberries with crisp spinach and a hint of red onion, making it perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and patted dry
- 1 cup juicy strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach: Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit, then gently pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to ensure the leaves are crisp and not soggy.
- Prepare the strawberries: Hull the strawberries by removing the green leafy tops, then slice each strawberry into quarters to create bite-sized pieces perfect for salad.
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and poppy seeds until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a creamy and tangy dressing.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle the prepared poppy seed dressing over the top.
- Toss and serve: Gently toss the salad ingredients with the dressing until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately on plates or bowls, garnished with extra poppy seeds if desired for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- For added crunch, consider topping the salad with toasted almonds or walnuts.
- Use fresh and ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a small amount of water or more apple cider vinegar to adjust consistency.
- This salad is best served fresh and does not keep well for long periods after dressing.
