Spinach Strawberry Bliss Salad with Luscious Poppy Dressing

$- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and dried - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and elegantly sliced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced for a touch of sharpness Fresh produce is key for this salad. Baby spinach adds a crisp green base. Strawberries bring a sweet, juicy flavor. Red onion adds a hint of sharpness that balances the sweetness. - 1/2 cup creamy feta cheese, crumbled into delightful morsels - 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (or substitute with pecans for a unique crunch) Creamy feta cheese adds richness. It melts in your mouth and pairs well with strawberries. Nuts give your salad a nice crunch. Walnuts or pecans add a nutty flavor and healthy fats. - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for tang - 1 tablespoon pure honey to add sweetness - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds for a delightful crunch - Freshly ground salt and pepper to taste The dressing is where the magic happens. Olive oil brings a smooth texture. Apple cider vinegar adds tang, while honey balances it with sweetness. Poppy seeds add an unexpected crunch. A dash of salt and pepper enhances all flavors. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, wash and dry the baby spinach. I like to use a salad spinner for this. It helps remove all the water. You want the spinach to be crisp and dry. This keeps the salad from getting soggy. Next, slice the strawberries. Remove the green tops, then cut them into thin slices. This makes the strawberries easy to eat. For the red onion, cut it into fine slices. You want just enough to add flavor without being too strong. Now, it’s time to layer the salad. Start with the fresh spinach at the bottom. This is the base of your salad. Next, add the sliced strawberries on top. The bright red color makes the salad pop! Sprinkle the creamy feta cheese over the strawberries. The cheese adds a rich taste that balances the sweetness of the fruit. Then, add the chopped walnuts. They give a nice crunch that contrasts well with the soft cheese and strawberries. Finally, sprinkle the sliced red onion across the top. This adds a touch of sharpness that brightens the dish. To make the poppy dressing, take a small bowl. Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Then, add the honey. It brings a sweet touch to the dressing. Stir in the poppy seeds for a nice crunch. Don’t forget a pinch of freshly ground salt and pepper. This makes the dressing taste well-rounded. Whisk until everything is smooth and blended. Now your salad is ready to enjoy! Drizzle the poppy dressing over the top and toss gently. Be careful not to crush the feta. Serve it right away for the best flavor and freshness! To keep your salad fresh, use cold ingredients. Keep the spinach and strawberries in the fridge before making the salad. Wash and dry the spinach well. This helps remove any grit. If you have extra salad, store it in a sealed container. Avoid adding dressing until serving. This keeps the greens crisp. When tossing the salad, use gentle hands. Start by adding the dressing to the bowl. Then, lift the ingredients from the bottom. This method mixes without smashing the delicate feta cheese. Toss just before serving to maintain freshness. You can modify the sweetness and tang of your dressing easily. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. For a tangier taste, increase the apple cider vinegar. Adjust these ingredients to suit your flavor preference. Adding flavor variations can enhance the dressing. Try mixing in Dijon mustard for a zesty kick. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or mint for a fresh finish. Experiment with different ingredients to find your favorite blend. For presentation, serve the salad in clear glass bowls. This lets the vibrant colors shine through. Garnish with extra strawberry slices and a sprinkle of poppy seeds. These small touches make the salad look even more inviting. This salad is perfect for many occasions. Serve it at picnics, barbecues, or family dinners. It also makes a great side for grilled meats. Enjoying it on a warm day is a delight, as the flavors are bright and refreshing. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use the freshest spinach and strawberries you can find for the best flavor and texture. Walnut Alternatives: If you prefer a different nut, pecans or almonds work beautifully as substitutes for added crunch. Chill Your Salad Bowl: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your salad bowl in the fridge before assembling the salad. Make Ahead Dressing: The poppy dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week, enhancing the flavors. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in this salad. Goat cheese adds a creamy touch. Try it if you want a different flavor. For nuts, walnuts are great, but pecans work too. They give a nice crunch and sweetness. You can also use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds if you prefer. This salad shines with seasonal fruits. In summer, blueberries add a pop of color and flavor. Sliced peaches in late summer bring a juicy sweetness. In fall, diced apples can brighten the salad. Each fruit adds its unique taste, making the salad fresh and exciting. Making this salad vegan is easy. Swap out the feta for a dairy-free cheese. Use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness. For a gluten-free option, just ensure your dressing is gluten-free. Most oils and vinegars are safe, but always check the labels. These changes keep the salad tasty and inclusive for all diets. To keep your leftover salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent wilting. It’s best to keep the dressing separate. This way, the greens stay crisp. If you mix the salad with dressing, it may get soggy. Use the salad within two days for the best taste and texture. For the poppy dressing, pour it into a clean jar with a lid. Store it in the fridge. The cool temperature keeps it fresh. Shake the jar before use to mix it well. This dressing will last about a week in the fridge. The overall storage duration for the salad is about two days. The poppy dressing can last one week. After this time, flavors may fade. Always check for freshness before using the salad or dressing. Enjoy your Spinach Strawberry Salad while it’s at its best! Leftovers of this salad keep well for one to two days. To store, place the salad in an airtight container. Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy greens. When you’re ready to eat, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently. This keeps your salad fresh and crisp. You can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Wash and dry the spinach and slice the strawberries ahead of time. Store them in the fridge. Keep the walnuts and feta cheese in a separate container. Mix the dressing and store it in a jar. When it’s time to serve, combine everything and enjoy! If you run out of poppy seeds, don’t worry! You can use sesame seeds or sunflower seeds as great substitutes. These alternatives add crunch and flavor to your salad. You can also try chopped nuts for a different texture. In this blog post, we explored a delicious salad recipe featuring fresh produce, creamy feta, and a simple poppy dressing. I shared steps for preparing your salad base, serving suggestions, and storage tips to keep your dish fresh. Remember, you can personalize it with seasonal fruits or different nuts. Embrace the variations and enjoy making this salad your own. Whether for a picnic or dinner, this versatile dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking!$

Spinach Strawberry Bliss Salad with Luscious Poppy Dressing

A vibrant salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, feta cheese, and a delightful poppy dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and dried
1 cup strawberries, hulled and elegantly sliced
0.5 cup creamy feta cheese, crumbled into delightful morsels
0.25 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (or substitute with pecans)
0.25 cup red onion, finely sliced
0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon pure honey
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
to taste freshly ground salt and pepper

Instructions

Begin by placing the fresh baby spinach into a large salad bowl, ensuring it forms a beautiful green base for your salad.
Generously layer the sliced strawberries on top of the spinach, creating a vibrant splash of color.
Sprinkle the creamy crumbles of feta cheese over the strawberries, allowing their richness to elevate the flavors.
Evenly distribute the chopped walnuts and sliced red onion across the salad for added texture and taste.
In a separate small bowl, create your luscious poppy dressing. Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Drizzle the delightful poppy dressing over the salad, adjusting the amount based on your preference for tanginess.
With gentle hands, toss the salad to mix all the ingredients, being careful to preserve the integrity of the feta cheese.
Serve the salad immediately to ensure maximum freshness and enjoy a burst of flavors in every bite!

Notes

Serve in clear glass bowls to showcase the layers, garnishing with extra strawberry slices and poppy seeds.

Keyword healthy, poppy dressing, salad, spinach, strawberry