Why Make This Recipe

Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that offers a fresh and healthy option for any meal. The combination of baby spinach, sweet strawberries, crunchy almonds, and creamy feta cheese creates a salad that is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. This salad is perfect for warm weather or as a light side dish for picnics, barbecues, or even family dinners. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for those busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings.

Eating fresh salads like this one helps maintain overall health by providing essential vitamins and antioxidants. Spinach is rich in iron and vitamins A, C, and K, while strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber. Adding almonds increases the healthy fat content, which can help keep you feeling full longer. The feta cheese enhances flavor while adding a punch of protein and calcium. With all these benefits, this recipe not only satisfies your palate but also supports your well-being.

How to Make Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Making this salad is really simple and straightforward. Just gather all your ingredients, and you’ll have a healthy and delicious salad in no time!

Ingredients :

5 ounces (142 g) fresh baby spinach
2 cups (300 g) fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup (60 g) sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup (30 g) crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup (40 g) thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions :

Preheat the Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for toasting the almonds, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the salad.
Toast the Almonds:
- Place the sliced almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not burn. They should turn a light golden brown when they are done. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool.
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and emulsified. This dressing provides a tangy sweetness to complement the fresh ingredients in the salad.
Wash and Prepare the Greens:
- Rinse the fresh baby spinach under cold water to remove any dirt or sand. Gently spin it dry or pat it with a clean kitchen towel. Next, slice the strawberries and red onion.
Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the washed spinach, sliced strawberries, sliced red onion, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese.
Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Use just enough to coat the ingredients lightly without drowning them. Toss gently to combine everything, being careful not to crush the strawberries.
Serve Immediately:
- The salad is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right away. This will ensure that the greens remain crisp and vibrant.

How to Serve Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad can be served as a standalone dish or as a side salad. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or pork, making it a versatile option for lunch or dinner. You can also serve it at gatherings, potlucks, or picnic lunches. If you’re planning to serve it as a light lunch, consider adding a protein source like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a complete meal.

When serving, you can present the salad in a large bowl for guests to help themselves, or you can plate individual servings for a more formal setting. Drizzling a bit of extra dressing on the top before serving can add an appealing touch.

How to Store Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

If you need to store leftovers, it’s best to keep the parts separate until you are ready to eat. Here’s how to store the different components:

Store Salad Greens and Toppings:
- Place any remaining spinach, strawberries, almonds, and feta cheese in an airtight container. Make sure the container is dry to prevent the greens from wilting.
Store Dressing:
- Pour any leftover dressing into a separate container. This will help keep the salad fresh and crisp.
Refrigeration:
- Store both the salad components and the dressing in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 1 to 2 days. However, it’s best to consume the salad on the same day for optimal taste and texture.

When you’re ready to eat the salad again, simply toss the ingredients together with freshly poured dressing. Do make sure to give the dressing a good shake or stir before using it.

Tips to Make Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Use Fresh Ingredients:
Always select fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Look for vibrant spinach leaves, firm strawberries, and freshly toasted almonds.
Adjust Sweetness:
If you prefer a sweeter dressing, feel free to increase the amount of granulated sugar. Conversely, if you like it less sweet, you can reduce it to suit your personal taste.
Experiment with Nuts:
Although this recipe calls for almonds, you could also try pecans or walnuts for a different texture and flavor profile.
Feta Cheese Alternatives:
If you’re not a fan of feta or want to try something different, consider substituting it with goat cheese or even a vegan cheese option if you prefer dairy-free.
Add Extra Nutrition:
You may toss in some cooked quinoa, shredded carrots, or avocado slices to enhance the nutritional value and make the salad even more filling.

Variations

This salad is quite adaptable. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

Herbed Dressing:
Add some freshly chopped herbs like basil or cilantro into your dressing for an additional flavor boost.
Fruit Variations:
You can substitute strawberries with other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or even diced mango for a tropical twist.
Different Green Base:
Instead of spinach, try using kale or arugula for a bolder flavor. Make sure to massage tougher greens like kale for better texture.
Zesty Twist:
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice over the salad before serving to provide a zesty freshness that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.

FAQs

1. Can I make the salad ahead of time?
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the dressing and chop the toppings in advance. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and assemble them just before serving for optimal freshness.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Dijon mustard and ensure that no gluten-containing ingredients are added.

3. How long will the leftovers last?
If stored properly in separate containers in the refrigerator, the salad components should last about 1 to 2 days. Consume as soon as possible for the best taste and texture.

4. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones are not available, but be aware that they may become mushy once thawed. It’s best to use them only if you can accept a different texture.

5. What kind of mustard should I use?
Dijon mustard complements the flavors well, but if you prefer a spicier kick, you can use spicy brown or whole grain mustard for a different taste experience.

With this recipe, you can enjoy a salad that is not only delicious but also nutritious and customizable to your liking. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with friends and family, Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad is sure to be a hit!

Spinach and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Author: everly
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful salad combining fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, crunchy almonds, and creamy feta cheese, perfect for warm weather or as a side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

5 ounces (142 g) fresh baby spinach
2 cups (300 g) fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup (60 g) sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup (30 g) crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup (40 g) thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Toast the sliced almonds on a baking sheet for about 5 to 7 minutes.
Prepare the dressing by whisking olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper.
Wash the spinach and slice the strawberries and red onion.
Combine the spinach, strawberries, red onion, toasted almonds, and feta cheese in a large bowl.
Dress the salad with the prepared dressing and toss gently.
Serve immediately for best results.

Notes

Serve as a standalone dish or alongside grilled proteins for a complete meal. Store components separately to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No Cooking Required
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: spinach salad, strawberry salad, healthy salad, summer salad, easy salad