If you are looking for a salad that bursts with freshness and offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, the Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant, colorful salad combines tender baby spinach leaves with sweet, juicy strawberries and a creamy, tangy poppy seed dressing that feels like a hug in every bite. Perfect for warm days or as a bright side dish to your favorite meal, this recipe is as simple to prepare as it is delicious to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this salad is thoughtfully chosen for its ability to build layers of flavor and lively colors, making the preparation straightforward yet impactful. From the crisp spinach to the fresh strawberries and the creamy dressing elements, you’ll see how each component plays its part.
- 1 lb of Spinach: Use fresh, tender spinach for a light, leafy base that offers an earthy counterpoint to the sweetness in the salad.
- 2-3 cups of fresh sliced strawberries: Ripe strawberries add natural sweetness and a juicy pop that elevates every forkful.
- 3 tbsp chopped green onions or chives: These bring a mild oniony sharpness, cutting through the sweetness with just a touch of bite.
- 1 cup of mayo: Provides the creamy, smooth texture essential for the poppy seed dressing’s luscious consistency.
- 1.5 tbsp poppy seeds (rinsed and drained): Adds a subtle crunch and a nutty flavor, also lending a beautiful speckled look to the dressing.
- 2 tbsp of vinegar: A splash of acidity brightens the dressing and balances the creaminess and sweetness perfectly.
- 1/3 cup of sugar: Sweetens the dressing just enough to complement the fresh strawberries and spinach without overpowering them.
How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Poppy Seed Dressing
Start by combining the mayo, rinsed and drained poppy seeds, vinegar, and sugar in a bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pop this dressing into the refrigerator so it can chill and meld its flavors while you prepare the salad, ensuring every bite is coated with that wonderful mixture.
Step 2: Get the Spinach Ready
Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly and dry them well, using a salad spinner if you have one. Dry leaves prevent the dressing from becoming watery and keep the salad refreshing. Place the spinach into a large mixing bowl where everything will come together.
Step 3: Slice and Add Strawberries
Next, slice your fresh strawberries carefully, aiming for uniform pieces for an even distribution of flavor in every bite. Add these vibrant slices directly to the bowl over the spinach, watching how their bright red color livens up the greens right away.
Step 4: Sprinkle with Chopped Green Onions
Rather than overwhelming the other flavors, sprinkled chopped green onions or chives contribute just the right amount of zest. This step adds a subtle complexity that brings the salad ingredients into harmonious balance.
Step 5: Toss with Dressing
Pour the chilled poppy seed dressing over the salad to taste. Gently toss everything together, making sure the spinach and strawberries get evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, which can bruise the strawberries and wilt the spinach; a light touch keeps the salad visually appealing and flavorful.
How to Serve Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, consider adding some toasted sliced almonds or crumbled feta cheese on top. Both add a textural contrast and elevate the salad from simple to stunning with crunchy or creamy toppings that complement the existing flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad is a perfect companion to grilled chicken, fish, or even a satisfying quiche. Its bright, fresh profile pairs beautifully with richer mains, providing balance and a splash of color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in a large glass bowl so the red strawberries, green spinach, and speckled dressing shine through, making it as visually appetizing as it is delicious. You could also prep single-serving cups layered artistically for parties or buffet-style meals, allowing guests to appreciate the beauty of the salad at first glance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. Toss them together just before serving to keep the spinach from wilting and the strawberries from becoming mushy.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing the spinach or strawberries will compromise their texture and freshness, so freezing is not recommended for this recipe.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating it is not advisable. It’s best served cold or at room temperature to preserve its crispness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use baby kale or arugula instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale and arugula bring their own unique flavors that work wonderfully with the sweet strawberries and creamy poppy seed dressing. Just keep in mind that arugula has a peppery bite which will change the salad’s flavor profile.
Is there a way to make the dressing lighter?
Yes, you can substitute half or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing while still keeping that creamy texture.
How long will the dressing keep in the refrigerator?
The poppy seed dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. Always give it a good stir before using, as ingredients may settle over time.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this salad?
Definitely! Toasted pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty dimension that pairs beautifully with the salad’s fresh ingredients.
What’s the best way to slice strawberries for the salad?
Slice strawberries lengthwise into thin, even pieces to maximize their visual appeal and ensure every bite has an inviting burst of strawberry flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up the Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe soon because it truly is a crowd-pleaser. It brings together fresh, sweet, savory, and tangy notes in such a simple way that you’ll find yourself making it time and time again. Whether for a casual lunch or a special gathering, this salad never fails to brighten the table and delight the taste buds.
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Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Spinach Strawberry Salad featuring fresh spinach, sweet sliced strawberries, and a creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad combines crisp greens with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing for a delightful burst of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 lb of fresh spinach
- 2–3 cups of fresh sliced strawberries
- 3 tbsp chopped green onions or chives
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1.5 tbsp poppy seeds (rinsed and drained)
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 1/3 cup sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine the mayonnaise, rinsed and drained poppy seeds, vinegar, and sugar in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well blended. Refrigerate the dressing until ready to use to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Salad Base: Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly and dry it completely to avoid excess moisture. Place the spinach in a large serving bowl. Slice the strawberries and add them on top of the spinach.
- Add Green Onions: Sprinkle the chopped green onions or chives evenly over the salad to add a mild onion flavor and fresh crunch.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the chilled dressing over the salad. Gently toss the salad to evenly coat the spinach, strawberries, and green onions with the dressing. Adjust the amount of dressing to taste before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing and draining poppy seeds helps remove any bitterness and improves their texture in the dressing.
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries to enhance the sweetness of the salad.
- Spinach should be completely dry before tossing to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- This salad is best served immediately after dressing to maintain freshness and texture.
- For a lighter dressing option, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
