Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad Fresh and Flavorful

Looking for a fresh, flavorful dish that pops with color? You’ve found it! This Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad combines sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, and creamy feta for a tasty treat. Perfect for lunch or a side dish, this salad is not only delicious but also easy to make. Join me as I guide you through every step to create this vibrant salad that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Fresh Spinach

I use 4 cups of fresh spinach. This leafy green is the base of our salad. Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals. It adds a nice crunch and a vibrant green color. Make sure you wash it well and dry it gently.

Ripe Strawberries

Next, I add 1 cup of ripe strawberries. These berries bring sweet and juicy flavors to the salad. They should be hulled and thinly sliced. The bright red color makes the salad look beautiful. Strawberries are also rich in antioxidants, which are great for health.

Feta Cheese and Other Mix-ins

For a creamy touch, I use ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese. Feta adds a salty flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberries. I also include ¼ cup of finely sliced red onion for a bit of sharpness. To add crunch, I toss in ¼ cup of lightly toasted sunflower seeds. Lastly, I sprinkle in ¼ cup of poppy seeds for a unique flavor and texture.

Dressing Components

Now, let's talk about the dressing. I mix together ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil and ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar. This combination gives a nice tangy taste. I also add 2 tablespoons of honey to sweeten it up. A pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper complete the dressing. This blend ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dressing

To make the dressing, grab a small mixing bowl. Add ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil. Then, pour in ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar. Next, add 2 tablespoons of honey. You can adjust the honey for sweetness as you like. Sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt and a bit of freshly ground black pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together until they blend well. This will create a smooth, creamy dressing. Set it aside to let the flavors mix.

Assembling the Salad

Now, take a large salad bowl. Place 4 cups of fresh spinach into the bowl. Make sure the spinach is clean and dry. Next, add 1 cup of ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced thin. Sprinkle in ½ cup of crumbled creamy feta cheese and ¼ cup of finely sliced red onion. Toss the ingredients gently with your hands or a large spoon. This helps mix the flavors without bruising the spinach.

Combining and Serving

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to toss everything together. Make sure each piece of spinach and strawberry is coated in the dressing. This adds flavor to every bite. Just before serving, sprinkle ¼ cup of lightly toasted sunflower seeds and ¼ cup of poppy seeds on top. This adds a nice crunch to the salad.

Presentation Tips

For a stunning presentation, use a clear glass bowl. This way, you can show off the bright colors of the salad. You can also add a few whole strawberries on top for decoration. A sprinkle of extra sunflower seeds will make it look even better. This will make your salad inviting and ready to eat!

Tips & Tricks

Choosing the Best Ingredients

Select fresh spinach that is bright green and crisp. Look for ripe strawberries that are red and sweet. When picking feta cheese, choose creamy and tangy varieties for great taste. You can swap sunflower seeds with nuts or seeds you enjoy. The right ingredients make a big difference in flavor.

Making Ahead or Preparing Fresh

You can prepare the dressing ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. For the salad, I suggest mixing it just before serving. This keeps the spinach fresh and crisp. If you must prep ahead, store the dressing and salad separately.

Adjusting Sweetness and Flavor

Taste the honey in the dressing. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. You can also adjust the vinegar for more tang. A pinch of sea salt can enhance all the flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment until it's just right for you.

Variations

Adding Protein Options

You can easily add protein to your salad. Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. For a plant-based option, try chickpeas or tofu. These ingredients make the salad filling and nutritious. You can add about one cup of your chosen protein.

Substituting Ingredients

Feel free to swap ingredients based on your taste. If you don’t like feta cheese, try goat cheese or a nutty cheese. You can also use walnuts instead of sunflower seeds. If strawberries are out of season, use blueberries or raspberries instead. This keeps the salad fresh and exciting.

Seasonal Variations

Change the salad with the seasons. In summer, add fresh peaches or nectarines for a sweet twist. In fall, try adding roasted butternut squash or apples. Winter can bring in citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits. These changes keep your salad vibrant and full of flavor year-round.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your salad fresh, store the leftovers in an airtight container. Place the spinach and strawberries in the bottom. Add the feta cheese and seeds on top. This helps prevent sogginess. Keep the dressing separate in a small jar. When you want to eat the salad again, simply add the dressing just before serving.

Reheating Tips

You won’t need to reheat this salad. It tastes best cold. If you want to warm it, you can heat the dressing slightly. Just warm it on low heat for a minute. This can enhance the flavors, but use it sparingly.

Best Practices for Ingredient Longevity

To keep spinach fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in a plastic bag with a paper towel. This helps absorb moisture. Strawberries should be kept in their original container. Don’t wash them until right before you eat them. This helps them last longer. Feta cheese can be stored in its brine. If you don’t have brine, use a small container with a lid. Keep sunflower seeds in a cool, dark place to avoid rancidity.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. However, they may become mushy when thawed. Fresh strawberries are best for crunch and taste.

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make this salad vegan, skip the feta cheese. You can add avocado for creaminess. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor too.

What dressings pair well with this salad?

A light vinaigrette works well. You can also use a balsamic dressing. A citrus-based dressing adds a nice zing.

How long can I store the salad?

You can store the salad for up to two days. Keep it covered in the fridge. Dress it right before serving to keep it fresh.

What are the nutritional benefits of this salad?

This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals. Spinach is great for iron and calcium. Strawberries provide vitamin C and antioxidants. Feta adds protein and calcium. Sunflower seeds offer healthy fats and vitamin E.

This blog post covered how to make a fresh and tasty salad. We explored key ingredients like spinach, strawberries, and feta. I walked you through step-by-step instructions for dressing and assembly. You gained tips for picking fresh items and adjusting flavors. We also discussed variations and storage practices.

In closing, this salad is not just easy to make; it's a treat for the senses. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. Your creativity will make every bite specia

Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, ripe strawberries, and a delightful poppy seed dressing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and gently dried
• 1 cup ripe strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
• 0.5 cup creamy feta cheese, crumbled
• 0.25 cup red onion, finely sliced
• 0.25 cup sunflower seeds, lightly toasted
• 0.25 cup poppy seeds
• 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey, or to taste
• to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified. Set this dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
• In a spacious salad bowl, combine the cleaned fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled creamy feta cheese, and finely sliced red onion. Toss gently to ensure an even distribution of the ingredients.
• Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture, then use salad tongs or two large spoons to gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring each piece is coated with the delicious dressing.
• Just before serving, generously sprinkle the toasted sunflower seeds and poppy seeds over the top of the salad to add a delightful crunch and texture.
• Give the salad a light toss again to evenly distribute the seeds throughout, and then serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Notes

Serve in a clear glass bowl for visual appeal and garnish with whole strawberries.

Keyword healthy, poppy seed, salad, spinach, strawberry