Spinach Strawberry Salad (Printable Version)

Tender spinach, juicy strawberries, nuts, and a sweet poppy seed dressing create a fresh blend.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad

01 - 5 oz fresh baby spinach leaves
02 - 9 oz strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 - ½ cup toasted pecans or sliced almonds
04 - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
05 - 2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

→ Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing

06 - ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - ¼ teaspoon sea salt
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - In a large salad bowl, toss together the spinach, strawberries, nuts, feta, and red onion if using.
02 - Whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar until emulsified.
03 - Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all components evenly.
04 - Present the salad fresh to preserve its vibrant flavor and crisp texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under fifteen minutes, making it the secret weapon for last-minute gatherings.
  • The contrast between soft spinach, juicy strawberries, and crunchy nuts creates a texture that feels indulgent without being heavy.
  • The poppy seed dressing strikes that rare balance between tangy and sweet—once you taste it, you'll find yourself drizzling it on everything.
02 -
  • Dress the salad no more than five minutes before serving, or the spinach will start to wilt and the berries will release their juice, diluting the dressing.
  • If you're prepping for a crowd, keep the components separate and dress individual servings, or make a double batch of dressing—it stores beautifully for days and people often ask for the recipe once they taste it.
03 -
  • Toast your own nuts if you have time—raw nuts lack the warmth and depth that makes this salad feel finished.
  • The dressing can be made hours ahead, but wait until the last moment to dress the salad itself, or invest in a salad spinner and dry the spinach thoroughly, which gives you a bit more grace with timing.
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