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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

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A vibrant and refreshing salad combining sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, toasted pecans, and a creamy tangy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups fresh baby spinach (washed and dried)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans (roughly chopped)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • 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 skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. (Alternatively, toast in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully.)
  2. Prepare the strawberries: Rinse under cold water, pat dry, hull and slice into thin pieces about 1/4 inch thick. Set aside.
  3. Slice the red onion: Peel and cut thin slices about 1/8 inch thick. Soak in cold water for 5 minutes if raw onion is too strong, then drain.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. Add salt and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, add baby spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted pecans, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese if using. Pour dressing over the top.
  6. Toss gently: Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss the salad gently to coat all ingredients with dressing without bruising the spinach leaves.
  7. Serve immediately for freshest taste and texture. If preparing ahead, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving.

Notes

Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning. Dry spinach thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Shake dressing in a jar for best emulsification. Start with half the dressing and add more as needed to avoid overdressing. Dressing can be made ahead and stored up to 5 days in fridge.

Nutrition

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

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