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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe Easy Zesty Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

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A fresh and flavorful salad combining crisp spinach, sweet strawberries, and a tangy zesty poppy seed vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner with a balance of sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 2 cups strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup almonds or pecans, toasted and chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the nuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of almonds or pecans and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Prepare the salad base: Rinse and dry 6 cups of fresh spinach leaves thoroughly. Place them in a large salad bowl. Thinly slice 2 cups of hulled strawberries and add them to the bowl. If using, thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion and add it in.
  3. Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk or shake vigorously until well emulsified and slightly thickened.
  4. Toss the salad: Drizzle about half the vinaigrette over the spinach and strawberries and gently toss to coat. Add more dressing as needed, but avoid overdressing.
  5. Add finishing touches: Sprinkle the toasted nuts and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese over the top. Gently toss to distribute evenly.
  6. Serve immediately for best freshness. You can prep the vinaigrette and toast the nuts a day ahead to save time.

Notes

Toast nuts carefully over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Dry spinach thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Adjust honey in vinaigrette based on strawberry sweetness. Toss salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp. For dairy-free, omit feta or use vegan cheese alternative.

Nutrition

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

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