Spinach Strawberry Salad Fresh (Print Version)

Bright mix of spinach, strawberries, nuts, and a sweet poppy seed dressing for fresh, crisp flavors.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Recipe Steps:

01 - In a large salad bowl, mix spinach, strawberries, nuts, feta cheese, and red onion if using.
02 - Whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until emulsified.
03 - Pour dressing over salad just before serving and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
04 - Serve immediately to preserve freshness and crunch.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes and feels like you've spent way more effort than you actually did.
  • The combination of sweet strawberries, peppery spinach, and nutty crunch creates a flavor balance that surprises everyone at the table.
  • That poppy seed dressing is dangerously easy to make and tastes nothing like store-bought versions.
02 -
  • Don't dress the salad more than a few minutes before eating—spinach wilts quickly once it meets liquid, and half the appeal is that crisp, fresh bite.
  • If you're making this ahead for a gathering, keep the components separate and assemble just before guests arrive; it takes only minutes and ensures the best texture.
03 -
  • Make the dressing in a mason jar and shake vigorously for 30 seconds—it emulsifies better than whisking and you can save any leftovers for tomorrow.
  • Toast your own nuts from raw if you can; the difference between fresh-toasted and pre-toasted is the difference between a good salad and an unforgettable one.
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