The Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant salad perfect for spring and summer. Tender baby spinach leaves are paired with juicy, sweet strawberries, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese, then tossed with a delightfully tangy and slightly sweet poppy seed dressing.

This salad is ideal as a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish and is both healthy and visually appealing. The combination of flavors and textures — crisp greens, sweet fruit, nutty crunch, and creamy dressing — makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from casual meals to elegant brunches.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this salad because it’s light, refreshing, and bursting with natural flavors. The sweetness of the strawberries complements the earthy spinach, while the creamy poppy seed dressing ties everything together. Toasted nuts add a satisfying crunch, and a sprinkling of cheese adds richness.

It’s a dish that feels gourmet yet effortless, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, summer picnics, or brunch gatherings.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
• Flavorful and Balanced: Sweet, tangy, and nutty elements in each bite.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes.
• Versatile: Works as a main salad, side dish, or brunch item.
• Visually Stunning: Bright colors that enhance any table spread.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes (optional for toasting nuts)
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~220 kcal per serving

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Salad / Appetizer / Side Dish
• Cuisine: American / Modern Salad

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¼ cup sliced almonds or pecans, toasted
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
• Optional: ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Toast the Nuts (Optional)

1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast almonds or pecans for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
2. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Poppy Seed Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion (if using).
2. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Step 4: Add Toppings

1. Sprinkle toasted nuts and crumbled cheese over the top.
2. Serve immediately for freshness.

Step-by-Step Preparation Summary

1. Toast nuts in a skillet until golden and fragrant (optional).
2. Make poppy seed dressing by whisking mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds.
3. Combine spinach and strawberries in a large bowl.
4. Drizzle dressing and toss gently.
5. Top with nuts and cheese and serve immediately.

How to Serve

• Serve as a side salad alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
• Make it a light lunch by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Serve at brunch or picnics for a colorful, refreshing dish.
• Present on a large platter for parties with nuts and cheese sprinkled artfully.

Recipe Tips

• Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
• Baby spinach is preferred for tenderness, but mixed greens can be used.
• Toast nuts for added depth of flavor and crunch.
• Toss dressing lightly — too much can overpower the delicate strawberries.
• Serve immediately — the salad is best fresh to maintain the texture and color.

Variations

1. Berry Medley:
   Add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for extra color and flavor.
2. Citrus Twist:
   Add orange or grapefruit segments for a refreshing citrus note.
3. Vegan Version:
   Use plant-based yogurt for dressing and omit cheese.
4. Grilled Protein Addition:
   Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
5. Nut Variations:
   Use walnuts, pistachios, or sunflower seeds for different crunch and flavor.
6. Cheese Options:
   Swap feta or goat cheese with blue cheese or ricotta salata for variety.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store salad components separately (greens, strawberries, nuts, dressing) for up to 1 day. Assemble just before serving.
• Freezing: Not recommended — fresh spinach and strawberries do not freeze well.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl for dressing
• Skillet for toasting nuts (optional)
• Whisk or fork

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare ingredients and dressing separately and assemble just before serving.

Q2: Can I substitute baby spinach?
Yes, mixed greens or arugula work well.

Q3: Can I store the salad after dressing?
It’s best eaten immediately — dressing can wilt the greens if left too long.

Q4: Can I add more fruit?
Yes, berries, apples, or pear slices complement the flavors beautifully.

Q5: Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, it contains no meat.

Conclusion

The Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a fresh, colorful, and flavorful salad that’s perfect for spring and summer. The combination of tender spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and tangy-sweet poppy seed dressing creates a deliciously balanced salad that’s both healthy and visually appealing.

Ideal for luncheons, brunches, family dinners, or special occasions, this salad is quick, easy, and elegant, making it a must-try dish for anyone who loves fresh and vibrant flavors.