Strawberry Spinach Bliss Salad

$You need fresh ingredients to make this salad shine. Start with 4 cups of baby spinach. This gives a crisp and healthy base. Next, add 2 cups of strawberries. Make sure they are hulled and sliced. The strawberries bring a sweet burst of flavor. Finally, use 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced. This adds a sharp taste that pairs well with the fruit. For a creamy touch, include 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. This cheese adds a salty bite. It contrasts nicely with the sweet strawberries. The feta also enhances the salad's texture. You will need a few pantry items for the dressing. First, grab 1/4 cup of olive oil. This serves as the base of your dressing. Next, use 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for tanginess. Add 1 tablespoon of honey for sweetness. Don’t forget 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for crunch and flavor. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste. These simple staples make the salad dressing easy and delicious! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your fresh baby spinach and strawberries. Rinse the spinach well under cold water. It is important to remove any dirt. Place the clean spinach in a large salad bowl. Next, hull the strawberries and slice them. Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl with the spinach. Now, it’s time to add some flavor. Crumble feta cheese over the spinach and strawberries. Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds on top. Finally, thinly slice the red onion and add it to the mix. This base is colorful and full of taste. For the dressing, grab a small bowl or jar. Pour in the olive oil first. Then, add the apple cider vinegar. This will give the dressing a nice tang. Next, add honey for sweetness. Don’t forget the poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Now, whisk or shake the mixture well. It should blend to a smooth consistency. If you use a jar, make sure the lid is on tight. You want all the flavors to mix well. Before serving, drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Use just enough to coat everything lightly. Gently toss the salad with your hands or a large spoon. Make sure all the ingredients get a nice coating of dressing. Serve the salad right away. This keeps the spinach and strawberries fresh and crisp. You can showcase it in a clear glass bowl. Add a few whole strawberries and a sprinkle of poppy seeds on top for a beautiful touch. Enjoy your delicious strawberry spinach salad! You can swap ingredients to fit your taste. If you dislike feta, use goat cheese or fresh mozzarella. For nuts, try walnuts or pecans instead of almonds. If you want a sweeter flavor, use maple syrup instead of honey. If you have no apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar works well too. You can save time by prepping ahead. Wash and slice the strawberries early. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge. You can also mix the dressing a day before. Just keep it in a jar and shake well before using. Assemble the salad right before serving to keep the spinach fresh. Make your salad look great. Serve it in a large, clear glass bowl. This shows off the bright colors of the strawberries and spinach. Garnish with whole strawberries and a sprinkle of poppy seeds. This adds a fancy touch and invites people to dig in! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest spinach and strawberries you can find for the best flavor and texture. Toast Almonds: Toasting the almonds brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor, making the salad even more delicious. Vinaigrette Variations: Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or red wine, for a unique twist on the dressing. Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week; just toss it with the salad ingredients before serving. {{image_2}} You can make this salad heartier by adding protein. Grilled chicken works well with the sweet strawberries. Shrimp adds a nice touch, too. If you like tofu, grilled or baked tofu is a great choice. Simply slice it into cubes and toss it in. For a quick fix, try canned chickpeas. They boost protein and add a nice crunch. To make this salad vegan, skip the feta cheese. You can use avocado for creaminess instead. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without dairy. Use maple syrup instead of honey for the dressing. This keeps the salad sweet and vegan-friendly. Always check your ingredients to avoid dairy. You can swap out strawberries for other fruits, depending on the season. In summer, try peaches or blueberries for a fresh twist. In fall, add apples or pears for a crunchy texture. You can also change the greens. Kale or arugula can add a new flavor. Mix and match to keep your salad exciting! To keep your strawberry spinach salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the salad crisp. Place the salad and dressing in separate containers. If you mix them, the salad can get soggy. Use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. This method seals in the flavors and keeps the salad safe. This salad is best served cold. Do not heat it. If you need to, try adding some extra fresh spinach and strawberries. This will give it a fresh feel again. Just toss in the new ingredients and drizzle with dressing. When stored properly, the salad lasts about two days in the fridge. After that, the spinach may wilt, and the strawberries can spoil. Check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you see brown leaves or mushy berries, it’s time to toss it out. Enjoy the salad while it’s still fresh! Yes, you can use other greens. Kale or arugula work well. These greens add their own flavor. You may want to chop kale into smaller pieces. Arugula adds a peppery taste. Both can pair nicely with the strawberries. Just ensure any greens you choose are fresh. To make the dressing creamier, add yogurt. You can use plain Greek yogurt for a rich texture. Sour cream is another great option. Start with two tablespoons and mix well. Adjust to your taste. This will give your salad a nice, smooth finish. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It adds protein and makes a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread. A light soup goes well too. Try a tomato basil soup for a nice touch. These sides balance the fresh flavors of the salad perfectly. In this article, we explored how to create a delicious and fresh salad. We discussed key ingredients like fresh produce, dairy, and pantry staples. I shared step-by-step guides for making the base and dressing, along with tips for presentation. You can try variations to suit your taste, such as adding protein or using seasonal ingredients. Lastly, we reviewed the best storage practices and answered common questions. Enjoy crafting this salad, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!$

Strawberry Spinach Bliss Salad

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

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups fresh baby spinach
2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
0.25 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
0.25 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a large salad bowl, add the fresh baby spinach and sliced strawberries.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, and red onion over the spinach and strawberries.
In a separate small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well to emulsify the dressing.
Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving.
Gently toss the salad to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Serve immediately to maintain the freshness of the spinach and strawberries.

Notes

Serve the salad in a large, clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors. Garnish with a few whole strawberries and a sprinkle of extra poppy seeds on top for an elegant touch.

Keyword healthy, salad, spinach, strawberries, vegetarian