Irresistible Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

The moment you take a bite of this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing, your taste buds will be doing the cha-cha! Picture vibrant green spinach leaves dancing alongside sweet, juicy strawberries. Zesty Italian dressing pasta salad Each mouthful bursts with freshness, while the poppy seed dressing adds a delightful crunch and zesty kick. flavorful noodle salad flavorful pesto pasta salad This salad doesn’t just plate well; it’s practically runway ready!

Now, let me take you down memory lane. I remember the first time I whipped up this salad for a summer barbecue. The sun was shining, birds were singing, and I thought, “What better way to impress my friends than with a salad that looks like a work of art?” The looks on their faces when they tasted it were priceless—pure bliss! It’s perfect for potlucks or family dinners, and each serving promises an explosion of flavors that’s sure to leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredients for Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

For more inspiration, check out this Vegetarian Chili Recipe recipe.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Baby Spinach: Use about 6 cups of fresh baby spinach for its tender texture and vibrant color.
• Strawberries: About 2 cups, hulled and sliced; choose ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness.
• Feta Cheese: Optional but highly recommended; about 1 cup crumbled for a creamy texture.
• Red Onion: A quarter of a small red onion, thinly sliced adds a punch of flavor that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
• Poppy Seeds: About 2 tablespoons; these little seeds add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

For the Dressing:

• Balsamic Vinegar: Use about 1/4 cup for its rich flavor; consider using high-quality balsamic for extra depth.
• Olive Oil: About 1/3 cup; this adds creaminess and balances the acidity of the vinegar.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Use about 1 tablespoon to sweeten the dressing naturally.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. Thai peanut chicken recipe.

How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Greens

Start by washing your fresh baby spinach thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner if you have one (this is not just an excuse to show off your kitchen gadgets).

Step 2: Slice Those Strawberries

Hull and slice your strawberries into bite-sized pieces. If you’re feeling fancy, cut them into hearts—because who doesn’t love a little romance on their plate?

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), and poppy seeds until well combined. Taste it; if it needs more zing, feel free to adjust!

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, feta cheese (if using), and red onion. Drizzle your dressing over top and toss gently until everything is well-coated.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Transfer your colorful salad into individual bowls or plates for serving. Drizzle any remaining dressing over each serving—don’t skimp here; it’s where all the magic happens!

Step 6: Enjoy

Grab your fork and dig in! This Spinach Strawberry Salad is best served fresh but can hang out in the fridge for up to two hours if needed.

So there you have it—a light yet satisfying Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering! Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it at a picnic with friends, this dish brings sunshine to every table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing the spinach and strawberries thoroughly. While the greens dry, whip up the dressing by combining balsamic vinegar, poppy seeds, and a touch of honey. Toss everything together right before serving for optimal freshness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap strawberries for blueberries or mandarin oranges if you’re feeling fruity. You can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Don’t hesitate to sprinkle some feta cheese for a creamy twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh, so only dress what you plan to eat immediately to prevent sogginess.

The first time I made this salad, my friends couldn’t stop raving about how refreshing it was—one even said it made her feel like she was having a picnic in a dream!

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing?

To prepare a delicious Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing, gather fresh spinach, ripe strawberries, slivered almonds, and feta cheese. For the dressing, you will need balsamic vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds, honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and salt and pepper to taste. This combination of ingredients creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy.

How do you make the Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing?

Making the Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing is simple and quick. In a small bowl or jar, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well until all ingredients are blended smoothly. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference. This dressing complements the freshness of the spinach and strawberries beautifully.

Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Yes! Feel free to customize your Spinach Strawberry Salad by adding other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or mandarin oranges. These fruits enhance the salad’s flavor profile and provide additional nutrients. Mixing different fruits adds variety and makes your salad more visually appealing while keeping it healthy. For more inspiration, check out this Blood Orange Salad recipe.

How can I store leftovers of Spinach Strawberry Salad?

To store leftovers of your Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing, keep the salad components separate from the dressing. Place spinach and strawberries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Store the dressing in a separate jar. When ready to eat, combine them again for a fresh taste.

Conclusion for Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing:

In conclusion, preparing a Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. The vibrant flavors from fresh spinach and strawberries paired with a tangy dressing make this dish perfect for any occasion. Customize it further by adding additional fruits or nuts to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a side dish or light meal that everyone will love!

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Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

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Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish, perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal. This delightful salad combines tender baby spinach and sweet strawberries, all drizzled with a zesty balsamic poppy seed dressing. With its stunning colors and an explosion of flavors, this salad will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds!

• Total Time: 39 minute
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach
• 2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions

1. Wash the spinach thoroughly and pat dry.
2. Hull and slice strawberries into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), and poppy seeds until combined.
4. In a large bowl, toss together spinach, sliced strawberries, feta cheese (if using), and red onion. Drizzle with dressing and mix gently.
5. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.

• Author: Adriana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: - Customize by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. - Substitute strawberries with seasonal fruits such as blueberries or mandarin oranges. - Enjoy leftovers within two days by storing components separately.