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
Scale
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.
