Strawberry Spinach Poppy Salad

$- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried - 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced Fresh spinach gives this salad a crisp base. It adds a nice green color and is full of vitamins. Strawberries bring sweetness and bright red tones. Their juicy bites make every forkful exciting. Feta cheese adds a creamy and salty touch. It contrasts well with the sweet strawberries. Sliced almonds give a satisfying crunch. Toasting them enhances their nutty flavor. Red onion adds a mild bite. Its thin slices balance the sweetness and creaminess. - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 tablespoons poppy seeds - Salt and pepper to taste This dressing is simple yet tasty. Olive oil provides a smooth base. Balsamic vinegar adds depth with its tang. Honey brings sweetness, making the flavors pop. Poppy seeds add a fun crunch and great texture. Salt and pepper round out the flavors. You can adjust these to suit your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a small bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Then, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds. Whisk these ingredients well until they blend smoothly. Taste your dressing and add salt and pepper as needed. You want a nice balance of flavors. This dressing gives the salad a bright and fresh taste. Next, take a large salad bowl. Place 4 cups of washed and dried spinach in it. Then, add 2 cups of sliced strawberries. The sweetness of strawberries pairs well with the spinach. On top of that, sprinkle 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. For a nice crunch, add 1/4 cup of toasted sliced almonds. Finally, include 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion for some zest. This mix of fresh ingredients makes your salad colorful and tasty. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Drizzle the dressing over the salad right before serving. This keeps the spinach crisp. Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Make sure everything is mixed well. Serve it immediately for the best flavor. Enjoy the fresh and vibrant taste of your Strawberry Spinach Poppy Salad! - Alternatives for feta cheese If you can't find feta cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta. Both add creaminess. You can also use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. - Different nut options Sliced almonds are great, but walnuts or pecans work too. They add a rich flavor and crunch. Try sunflower seeds for a nut-free choice. - Plating ideas Present the salad on a large platter. This lets the colors pop. You can add whole strawberries and extra nuts on top for a beautiful look. - Pairing with other dishes This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. Serve it alongside a light soup for a full meal. It also goes great with crusty bread. - Additional herbs and spices Add fresh mint or basil for a twist. A pinch of cayenne or black pepper can enhance the taste. Experiment to find your favorite mix. - How to make it more filling Add cooked quinoa or chickpeas for protein. This makes the salad more filling and adds extra nutrients. You can also toss in some avocado for creaminess. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh spinach and ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Toast Your Nuts: Toasting the sliced almonds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. Make It Ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but add the dressing just before serving to keep the spinach crisp. Experiment with Cheese: Try substituting feta cheese with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can change this salad based on what's fresh. Adding other fruits makes it fun. Try blueberries or raspberries for a twist. They add a burst of flavor and color. You can also use apples or peaches when they are in season. Using different vegetables adds crunch and nutrition. Consider adding cucumbers for a cool taste. Carrots can also give a nice crunch and natural sweetness. You can even add bell peppers for color and a crunchy bite. If you're looking for a vegan version, skip the feta cheese. Try using avocado instead. It adds creaminess and healthy fats. You can also use a vegan cheese option if you want. Just make sure it fits your taste. For gluten-free options, check the dressing. Most ingredients are already gluten-free. Just make sure the honey is pure and not mixed with other ingredients. If you want to add grains, use quinoa or gluten-free pasta for a hearty touch. You can try different dressings to mix it up. A lemon vinaigrette can brighten the flavors. Just whisk lemon juice with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Another idea is a yogurt-based dressing. It adds creaminess and a tangy flavor. Mix plain yogurt with herbs like dill or basil. Feel free to experiment! Try adding spices or herbs to the dressings. A touch of garlic or a pinch of cayenne can change the taste. Making your own dressing allows you to find your favorite flavor profile. To store leftover strawberry spinach poppy salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents sogginess. It lasts for up to three days in the fridge. However, the strawberries may lose some texture over time. If you can, eat the salad within one day for the best taste. You can prepare parts of this salad in advance. Wash and dry the spinach the night before. Slice the strawberries and store them separately. Crumble the feta cheese and toast the almonds ahead of time. Keep everything in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving. This way, it stays fresh and colorful. I do not recommend freezing this salad. Freezing can change the texture of the spinach and strawberries. If you must freeze, separate the dressing from the salad. Store the dressing in a small, airtight container. When you want to eat the salad, thaw the dressing and mix it in fresh spinach and toppings. This salad packs a lot of health benefits. Here are some key ingredients and their values: - Spinach: High in vitamins A, C, and K. It helps boost your immune system. - Strawberries: Loaded with antioxidants. They support heart health and improve skin. - Feta cheese: Provides calcium and protein. It adds flavor without too many calories. - Sliced almonds: Offer healthy fats and vitamin E. They help keep your heart healthy. - Poppy seeds: Contain fiber, iron, and magnesium. They support digestion and bone health. Together, these ingredients make a balanced meal that tastes great and is good for you. You can prepare some parts of this salad in advance. Here are my tips for keeping it fresh: - Prep the dressing: Make it a day ahead. Store in the fridge in a sealed jar. - Wash and dry spinach: Do this a few hours before serving. Keep it in a dry container. - Slice strawberries: Do this up to a few hours ahead. Add them just before serving. - Combine everything last: Wait to mix the salad until you are ready to eat it. This keeps the spinach crisp. If you don’t have poppy seeds, here are some great options: - Chia seeds: They have a similar texture and add fiber. - Sesame seeds: These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. - Sunflower seeds: They can give an extra crunch and are great for snacking. - Chopped nuts: Almonds or walnuts can work well for added crunch. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home! This blog post covers how to create a delicious salad with fresh spinach, strawberries, and feta cheese. You learned easy steps to make the dressing and assemble the salad. I shared tips for serving and ways to adjust ingredients to fit your needs. Remember, this salad is not just tasty; it offers health benefits too. You can store leftovers and prepare ingredients ahead. Explore different variations to keep things interesting. Enjoy making your own unique salad!$

Strawberry Spinach Poppy Salad

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, and a poppy seed dressing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup sliced almonds, toasted
0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds to create the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach and sliced strawberries.
Add the crumbled feta cheese, toasted sliced almonds, and thinly sliced red onion on top of the spinach and strawberries.
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving.
Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

Notes

Serve on a large platter, allowing the vibrant colors to show. Garnish with extra almonds and a few whole strawberries for a beautiful touch.

Keyword healthy, poppy seeds, salad, spinach, strawberry