why make this recipe
This salad is fresh, bright, and easy. It uses simple ingredients. It comes together fast. You get sweet strawberries, leafy spinach, and a tangy balsamic poppy seed dressing. It makes a light meal or a fresh side.
introduction
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing mixes sweet and savory in one bowl. It is quick to make and looks pretty on the plate. If you want a warm main to pair with this salad, try the chicken Parmesan with Alfredo sauce recipe.
how to make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
Wash and dry the spinach well. Slice the strawberries and thinly slice the red onion. Crumble the feta and chop the nuts. Whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Toss the salad with the dressing just before you serve.
Ingredients :
- 6 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and nuts.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or a meal.
how to serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
Serve the salad right after you add the dressing. It works well as a side with chicken, fish, or pasta. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal. Use a large shallow bowl so the salad looks full and colorful.
how to store Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
Store leftover dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep salad ingredients separate if you plan to store them. Do not dress the salad until just before serving. If you must store a dressed salad, eat it within a few hours because the spinach will wilt.
tips to make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
- Dry the spinach well. Wet leaves make the dressing slide off.
- Slice strawberries just before serving so they stay fresh.
- Toast the nuts briefly in a pan for more flavor.
- Taste the dressing and add a little more honey if you want it sweeter.
- Add the nuts last so they stay crunchy.
variation (if any)
- Use arugula or mixed baby greens instead of spinach.
- Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier taste.
- Use sliced almonds or sunflower seeds if you prefer those nuts.
- Try a lemon poppy seed dressing for a brighter flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: No. Use fresh strawberries. Frozen ones become mushy when thawed.
Q: How long does the dressing last?
A: Keep the dressing in the fridge for up to 5 days in a closed jar.
Q: Can I make the salad ahead?
A: Make the components ahead, but toss with dressing only before serving.
Q: Can I skip the poppy seeds?
A: Yes. The dressing still tastes good without poppy seeds.
Q: Can I use a different vinegar?
A: You can try red wine vinegar, but balsamic gives the best sweet-tang balance.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and bright salad combining sweet strawberries, leafy spinach, and a tangy balsamic poppy seed dressing, perfect as a light meal or a side dish.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and nuts in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined in a small bowl or jar.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftover dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep salad ingredients separate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
