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Fresh Strawberry Poppy Seed Spinach Salad

fresh strawberry poppy seed spinach salad - featured image
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A quick and easy summer salad featuring fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, toasted pecans, and a homemade poppy seed dressing that balances sweet and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • For the poppy seed dressing:
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and toast, stirring frequently, for about 3-5 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch closely to avoid burning. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. Set aside.
  3. Wash and dry spinach: Use a salad spinner or gently pat with a clean kitchen towel to remove moisture.
  4. Slice the strawberries and onions: Hull and slice strawberries into thin pieces. Thinly slice the red onion. If raw onion is too sharp, soak slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain.
  5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted pecans, and red onion. Crumble feta cheese over the top if using.
  6. Add the dressing: Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  7. Serve immediately: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving. Toss lightly before plating if chilled.

Notes

Use the freshest spinach and strawberries for best results. Dry spinach thoroughly to help dressing adhere and prevent sogginess. Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning. Toss salad just before serving to keep it crisp. For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and omit feta or use vegan cheese.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/fresh-strawberry-poppy-seed-spinach-salad-recipe-easy-healthy-summer-salad-ideas/