Looking for a refreshing dish that bursts with flavor? This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is the perfect choice! With fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, and creamy feta, it's a treat for your taste buds. Plus, the homemade poppyseed dressing ties it all together beautifully. Join me as we explore how to make this delightful salad that’s great for any occasion—it’s simple, delicious, and sure to impress!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: This salad is packed with vibrant, fresh ingredients that contribute to its delicious flavor and nutritional value.
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner side dish.
- Beautiful Presentation: The bright colors of strawberries and spinach create an eye-catching dish that’s perfect for entertaining.
- Versatile Dressing: The poppyseed dressing adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the salad beautifully and can be adjusted to taste.
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients
- Spinach leaves: 6 cups, washed and dried
- Strawberries: 1 ½ cups, hulled and sliced
- Red onion: ½ small, thinly sliced
This salad starts with fresh spinach leaves. I like to wash them well and dry them thoroughly. Clean spinach ensures a crisp bite. Next, we add strawberries. Choose ripe ones for the best taste. Slice them thinly for a lovely look. Finally, add red onion. A small amount adds a nice zing.
Cheese and Nuts
- Feta cheese: ½ cup, crumbled
- Sliced almonds: ¼ cup, toasted
Feta cheese gives this salad a creamy, salty touch. Crumble it over the top for a beautiful finish. Then, we need some nuts. Toasted sliced almonds add a nice crunch. The heat brings out their flavor. Just be careful not to burn them!
Dressing
- Poppyseed dressing: ½ cup, store-bought or homemade
The dressing is key to this salad. Poppyseed dressing adds a sweet and tangy flavor. You can buy it or make it at home. If you make it, use a mix of vinegar, oil, poppy seeds, and a bit of sugar. Just remember, drizzle it on right before serving for the best taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Salad Base
To start, you need to wash and dry the spinach leaves well. Rinse them under cold water in a colander. Make sure to remove any dirt or grit. After washing, gently shake the colander to remove excess water. Then, pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Once the spinach is dry, place it in a large salad bowl. You want to spread the leaves out evenly for a nice base. This way, everyone gets a good mix of flavors.
Layering Ingredients
Next, it’s time to layer the ingredients. Take your hulled and sliced strawberries. Distribute them evenly over the spinach. The bright red strawberries add a sweet touch. Then, add the thinly sliced red onion. This gives a nice bite to the salad.
Now, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. The creamy cheese pairs well with the sweet strawberries. Finally, add the sliced almonds for a crunchy texture. Make sure every bite has a bit of each ingredient.
Dressing the Salad
Before serving, drizzle the poppyseed dressing over the salad. Use just enough to coat the ingredients lightly. Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. After drizzling, gently toss the salad to mix everything. Be careful not to bruise the spinach.
It’s best to serve the salad right away. This helps keep the spinach crisp and fresh. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors that come together in this dish!
Tips & Tricks
Selecting the Best Ingredients
To make the best Strawberry Spinach Salad, you need fresh ingredients. Choose bright red strawberries that smell sweet. Look for firm berries with no bruises. They should feel slightly soft but not mushy.
Next, pick crisp spinach leaves. They should be bright green and free from wilting. Avoid any yellow or brown leaves. Fresh spinach adds a nice crunch to the salad.
For feta cheese, I recommend using a creamy variety. Brands like Athenos or President work well. Their taste and texture enhance the salad. Crumbled feta adds a salty flavor that pairs nicely with sweet strawberries.
Dressing Considerations
You can make homemade poppyseed dressing for the salad. Mix ½ cup of Greek yogurt, ¼ cup of honey, ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds. Whisk until smooth. This dressing is creamy and tangy.
If you prefer store-bought, many brands offer good options. Look for dressings with simple ingredients. Annie's and Brianna's have tasty poppyseed dressings. Just make sure they use real ingredients.
Presentation Ideas
Presentation matters! Serve your salad in a large wooden bowl for a rustic look. This adds warmth and charm to your table.
For gatherings, consider adding whole strawberries on top. They add color and invite people to dig in. You might also sprinkle extra almonds for a nice crunch.
To finish, garnish with fresh mint leaves. This adds a pop of green and fresh flavor. The colorful layers of greens, reds, and whites will impress your guests.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest spinach and strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your salad.
- Toasting Almonds: Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor before adding them to the salad.
- Dressing Timing: Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting and to maintain a crisp texture.
- Variety is Key: Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or mandarin oranges for added flavor and color.
Variations
Seasonal Ingredients
You can switch up the fruits in this salad. Try using blueberries or diced apples for a new twist. These fruits add different flavors and colors, making your dish pop. If you want a cheese swap, use goat cheese instead of feta. Goat cheese has a creamy texture and tangy flavor that works great with the other ingredients.
Protein Additions
Adding protein makes this salad more filling. Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. Just slice them up and place them on top. For a vegan option, try chickpeas or edamame. Both add protein and a nice crunch.
Dressing Alternatives
While poppyseed dressing is a star, other dressings can shine too. A balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing pairs nicely with this salad. If you want to cut calories, try a yogurt-based dressing. It’s creamy but lighter and still tastes great.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Strawberry Spinach Salad fresh, store the ingredients separately. This prevents sogginess and keeps flavors bright. Place spinach, strawberries, and onions in one container. Store feta cheese and almonds in another. Keep the poppyseed dressing in a small jar.
In the refrigerator, your salad components will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. Always check for wilting or spoilage before using. If you notice any changes, it’s best to toss those bits.
Freezing Options
You cannot freeze the prepared salad as the textures will change. Fresh ingredients like spinach and strawberries don't hold up well in the freezer.
If you want to freeze some ingredients, consider the almonds. Toasted almonds can freeze well. Just remember to store them in an airtight bag. When you're ready to use them, let them thaw in the fridge. This way, you can enjoy that crunch later!
FAQs
How long can the Strawberry Spinach Salad be stored?
You can store the Strawberry Spinach Salad in the fridge for about 1 day. To keep it fresh, separate the dressing from the salad. This way, the spinach won't wilt. Use an airtight container for the salad. Keep the dressing in its own container. When you're ready to eat, add the dressing just before serving.
Can I make the salad in advance?
Yes, you can prep some ingredients ahead. Wash and dry the spinach a day before. Slice the strawberries and red onion a few hours ahead. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. You can also crumble the feta cheese and toast the almonds early. Just mix everything together and add dressing right before serving. This keeps flavors fresh.
What are some good pairings for this salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken for a light meal. It also goes great with fish, like salmon. You can serve it alongside a nice steak for a hearty dinner. If you want a vegetarian option, try it with quinoa or a chickpea dish. Enjoy the salad with any of these main dishes for a balanced meal.
This blog post showed you how to create a fresh and tasty strawberry spinach salad. You learned about the key ingredients, like spinach, strawberries, and feta cheese. I shared clear steps for preparing, layering, and dressing the salad. We also explored tips for selecting the best items and led you through storage options. Remember, this salad is easy to make, healthy, and great for any meal. Try different fruits or proteins to mix things up. Enjoy making your salad fun and delicious!
