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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

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A light and satisfying salad combining fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, toasted almonds, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a luscious creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for quick lunches or light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups baby spinach (about 180g), washed and dried
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries (about 300g), hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds (about 60g), toasted
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 75g)
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (about 80ml)
  • 1/4 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt (about 60ml)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (about 30ml)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (about 15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (about 2g)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast 1/2 cup sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Wash and dry 6 cups baby spinach thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels.
  3. Hull and slice 2 cups fresh strawberries into approximately 1/4-inch thick pieces.
  4. If using, thinly slice 1/4 small red onion and soak in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon poppy seeds. Season with salt and black pepper to taste until smooth and creamy.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, red onion, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated, being careful not to bruise the strawberries.
  8. Serve immediately for best freshness and crispness.

Notes

Toast almonds carefully over medium-low heat to avoid burning. Dry spinach thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising strawberries. Dressing can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the fridge. For vegan option, use dairy-free yogurt and mayonnaise and omit feta cheese. Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, creamy poppy seed dressing, fresh salad, healthy salad, quick salad recipe, easy salad, summer salad

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-poppy-seed-dressing-guide/