If you’re dreaming of a salad that’s both fresh and fabulously flavorful, you’ve found it: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed. Bursting with juicy strawberries, creamy feta, toasted pecans, and drizzled with a tangy, sweet poppy seed dressing, this bright bowlful is guaranteed to delight at any meal, from relaxed lunches to special gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant Flavor Explosion: Sweet strawberries, tangy feta, and that irresistible fresh poppy seed dressing create a truly crave-worthy salad.
- Speedy and Simple: You can have this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed on the table in just 15 minutes, with zero cooking fuss.
- Nutrition Superstar: Packed with greens, berries, and healthy fats, it’s energizing and satisfying—perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
- Always Crowd-Pleasing: It’s as beautiful as it is delicious, so it shines at potlucks, parties, holiday feasts, and weeknight meals alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad proves you don’t need a long list to create something truly exquisite—every ingredient here brings something wonderful to the party. From creamy feta to tangy Dijon, each one balances the sweet and savory flavors that make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed so vibrant.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The base of the poppy seed dressing; adds luscious, fruity richness that coats every bite.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle kick and helps emulsify the dressing, keeping it silky smooth.
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing and enhances the berries’ natural sugars.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brings sunshine-bright acidity that wakes up all the flavors.
- Poppy seeds: The star of the dressing—give a subtle crunch and that signature look.
- Baby spinach: Tender and nutrient-packed greens that form a perfect salad base.
- Strawberries: Juicy, sweet, and colorful—they transform this salad into a treat.
- Feta cheese: Adds creamy, salty tang that balances the fruitiness beautifully.
- Pecans (toasted): Bring delicious crunch and a warm, toasty flavor that pairs with the berries and cheese.
Variations
One of the best parts about Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed? It’s incredibly versatile! This salad welcomes substitutions and additions—so you can tweak it for your mood, what’s in your pantry, or any dietary need.
- Add Grilled Chicken: For a heartier meal, top with sliced grilled chicken or even shrimp for extra protein.
- Swap the Nuts: Try walnuts, slivered almonds, or even candied pecans for a different flavor and crunch.
- Cheese Alternatives: Goat cheese or blue cheese can replace feta if you want a new twist on the creaminess.
- Berry Swap: Sub in blueberries or raspberries alongside—or instead of—strawberries for a nice change-up.
- Leafy Green Switch: Baby arugula or a spring mix can be substituted for (or mixed with) the spinach if you prefer a peppery or more varied green base.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed
Step 1: Mix the Poppy Seed Dressing
Grab a small mason jar or bowl and combine the extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and about half of your poppy seeds. Give it a vigorous whisk (or shake, if using a jar) until the dressing is thickened and glossy, making sure the mustard and honey emulsify with the oil. Taste and tweak with more honey for sweetness or extra mustard for zing—it’s all about your preference here!
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl (or right into four individual bowls for a pretty presentation), layer the baby spinach first. Scatter on the sliced strawberries and toasted pecans—some whole for crunch, some chopped for texture. This is where all the color starts to pop, and your kitchen smells amazing thanks to those toasty nuts!
Step 3: Dress and Finish
Drizzle the creamy poppy seed dressing over the salad, then gently toss everything together until each leaf and berry glistens. Finally, shower on the crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle with the remaining poppy seeds. Serve right away for maximum crispness, or let the flavors meld for a few minutes if you like the spinach slightly wilted by the dressing.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed
- Berry Best Results: Choose strawberries that are deeply red and fragrant—the juicier the berry, the more vibrant your salad.
- Toast for Flavor: Lightly toasting your pecans intensifies their flavor and adds addictive crunch—don’t skip this simple step!
- Dress Just Before Serving: Add the poppy seed dressing right before you eat to keep your spinach leaves perfectly crisp.
- Customize the Tang: Mix up the dressing and taste before pouring, adding extra lemon or honey until the balance makes your tastebuds dance.
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed
Garnishes
Garnish your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed with a final scatter of bright extra poppy seeds, a generous handful of chopped fresh herbs like mint or basil, or even a few curls of lemon zest for extra zing. Each touch not only looks beautiful but adds a subtle pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad is incredible on its own, but it sings alongside a crusty baguette, fresh sourdough, or a cup of creamy soup. For a dinner party, pair it with grilled chicken, simple salmon, or a savory quiche for a balanced, feel-good meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, layer the ingredients in a clear trifle bowl to showcase all those gorgeous greens and reds. Or, serve the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed in individual mason jars for a picnic or potluck—guaranteed to turn heads and spark conversation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extras, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps the spinach from wilting and the nuts crunchy until you’re ready for your next bowl.
Freezing
While freezing this salad isn’t recommended (the strawberries and spinach don’t hold up well), you can freeze the poppy seed dressing alone for up to a month. Just shake well after thawing and use with fresh ingredients.
Reheating
No need to reheat—this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature! If the refrigerated salad feels too chilly, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors bloom again.
FAQs
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Can I make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed ahead of time?
Absolutely! Simply prep and store the dressing, greens, berries, nuts, and cheese separately, then toss together just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
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What’s the best way to toast pecans for this salad?
Spread your pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in a 350ºF oven for 6–8 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the salad for ultimate crunch.
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Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice really makes the dressing pop with flavor, but in a pinch, you can use bottled—just know the flavor won’t be quite as bright or zesty.
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How do I make the salad dairy-free or vegan?
For dairy-free, simply swap the feta for your favorite vegan cheese or omit altogether. For vegan, use maple syrup in place of honey in the dressing and opt for plant-based cheese.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to taste this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed! It’s vibrant, full of sweet and savory surprises, and comes together so quickly. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with friends, I promise it’ll become a favorite at first bite. Enjoy, and happy salad making!
Print
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed is a delightful blend of fresh flavors and textures, perfect for a light and refreshing meal.
Ingredients
Salad Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds, divided
Spinach Strawberry Salad:
- 6 oz baby spinach
- 12 ounces strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and sliced (about 3 cups)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Make salad dressing: Combine olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds in a mason jar. Whisk well with a fork for a minute or 2 until emulsified. Add more honey or mustard to taste.
- Assembly: Combine spinach, sliced strawberries, and toasted pecans (some whole, some chopped) in a large serving bowl (or in 4 individual salad bowls). Add salad dressing and toss to combine. Top with crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle with extra poppy seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
