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Fresh Spring Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing

fresh spring strawberry spinach salad - featured image
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A crisp and refreshing salad combining fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, and a creamy homemade sweet poppy seed dressing. Perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or spring occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 180 grams), washed and dried
  • 2 cups sliced strawberries (about 300 grams), fresh and ripe
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (50 grams), roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • For the Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the baby spinach thoroughly and spin or pat dry. Slice the strawberries thinly and set aside. Thinly slice the red onion and soak it in cold water for 10 minutes if you want a milder flavor, then drain well.
  2. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans or walnuts and toss frequently until fragrant and slightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang as preferred.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, drained onion, toasted nuts, and crumbled feta cheese if using.
  5. Pour the sweet poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Start with about half the dressing, toss, then add more if needed.
  6. Serve immediately. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad; start with less dressing and add more if needed. Toast nuts just before serving for best crunch. Soak red onions in cold water to mellow sharpness. Use ripe, fresh strawberries for best flavor. Dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored refrigerated. For vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and honey with maple syrup; omit feta or use vegan cheese alternative. Nut-free option: omit nuts and add toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, poppy seed dressing, spring salad, fresh salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, quick salad

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/fresh-spring-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-easy-sweet-poppy-seed-dressing/