If you are craving a salad that bursts with freshness and vibrant colors, the Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is the perfect choice. This delightful dish combines tender baby spinach leaves with the natural sweetness of juicy strawberries, all brought together by a creamy, tangy dressing loaded with poppy seeds. Every bite offers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, making it an irresistible treat for lunch or as a side for any meal. It’s quick to prepare yet feels special enough to serve guests or enjoy as a nourishing everyday favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the crisp greens and succulent berries to the silky dressing that ties everything together. These few essentials make the salad fresh, flavorful, and visually stunning without any fuss.
- Fresh Spinach: Choose baby spinach for a tender, mild base that complements the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly.
- Juicy Strawberries: Opt for ripe, in-season berries to ensure maximum flavor and a pop of bright red color.
- Poppy Seeds: These add a subtle crunch and a little nutty flavor to the dressing for extra texture.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced to provide a gentle sharpness that balances the sweetness in the salad.
- Greek Yogurt: Acts as a creamy base for the dressing, lending a tangy richness without heaviness.
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally while enhancing the flavor of the strawberries.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright, acidic note that cuts through the creaminess of the yogurt perfectly.
- Olive Oil: Smooths out the dressing and brings a fruity undertone that ties the ingredients together.
How to Make Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Begin by washing the fresh spinach under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Gently pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels—excess moisture can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy, so this step is key for a crisp final dish.
Step 2: Slice the Strawberries
Hull the strawberries by removing the green leafy tops, then slice each berry into quarters. This size is perfect for easy mixing and ensures that every forkful has a burst of strawberry sweetness without being overpowering.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and poppy seeds. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity if needed—this dressing strikes a wonderful balance of tangy and sweet.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, layer the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the top and gently toss using salad tongs or clean hands. The goal is to coat every leaf and berry evenly without bruising them.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Transfer the salad onto individual plates or into serving bowls. For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle extra poppy seeds on top. This salad is best served fresh to enjoy the crispness of the spinach and the vibrant flavors at their peak.
How to Serve Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping the salad with toasted almonds or crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and texture contrast. A handful of fresh herbs like mint or basil can also brighten the dish beautifully and enhance the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light yet satisfying meal. It also complements heartier options like roasted pork or a creamy pasta, adding a refreshing counterpoint to richer dishes on your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the salad in small glass jars or on crisp crostini for a playful appetizer. Layering the ingredients in a clear bowl creates an eye-catching effect that showcases the vivid reds and greens, making it as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover salad, store it without the dressing to prevent wilting. Keep the spinach and strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator and add the dressing fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended because the delicate spinach and strawberries will lose their texture and become mushy once thawed.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is unnecessary and would compromise its crispness and flavor. Enjoy it cold for the best experience!
FAQs
Can I use baby kale instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale offers a slightly heartier texture and robust flavor that pairs nicely with the sweet strawberries and creamy dressing. Just make sure to remove any tough stems before assembling.
Is there a vegan option for the dressing?
Yes, you can replace the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt and swap honey for maple syrup. This keeps the dressing creamy and sweet while remaining vegan-friendly.
How long does the poppy seed dressing last?
The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good whisk before using, as the ingredients may settle over time.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this salad?
Definitely! Toasted walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that complements the softness of the berries and spinach.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, with a little planning. Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat and store the salad components in air-tight containers. Assemble and dress just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe that makes it a standout in any meal. It’s fresh, light, and loaded with flavor, yet easy enough to whip up on a busy day. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your go-to salads. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you get a dish that feels thoughtful and celebratory every time.
Print
Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry and Spinach Salad tossed with a creamy, tangy poppy seed dressing. This quick and easy salad combines fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, and crisp red onion with a homemade Greek yogurt-based dressing, perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and patted dry
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach: Wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit, then pat them dry using a kitchen towel or salad spinner to ensure the leaves are crisp and not soggy.
- Slice the strawberries: Hull the strawberries to remove the green leafy tops, then slice each strawberry into quarters for bite-sized pieces that blend well with the other salad ingredients.
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and poppy seeds until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, forming the tangy poppy seed dressing.
- Combine salad ingredients: Place the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, and thinly sliced red onion into a large bowl. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the spinach leaves.
- Serve the salad: Immediately transfer the tossed salad to serving plates or bowls. For added texture and visual appeal, sprinkle extra poppy seeds on top as garnish before serving.
Notes
- For added protein, top the salad with grilled chicken or toasted nuts.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- You can prepare the dressing in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
- Serve immediately after tossing to avoid soggy spinach.
