Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad

$- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and torn - 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 cup roasted pecans, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup poppy seeds - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - Salt and pepper to taste Fresh spinach provides a crisp base. Strawberries add a sweet touch, balancing the greens. Roasted pecans give a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Red onion brings a bit of zing. Feta cheese adds creaminess and saltiness. Poppy seeds finish it off with a unique bite. For the dressing, I use olive oil for richness. Apple cider vinegar brings tang. Honey sweetens the mix, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Together, these ingredients create a tasty, fresh dish that is perfect for any meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup of olive oil. Next, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons of honey. Finally, sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a whisk to mix all these ingredients. Whisk until the dressing is smooth. This step is key for great flavor. Now it’s time for the salad. Take a large salad bowl. Add 4 cups of fresh spinach, washed and torn. Then, add 2 cups of sliced strawberries. Next, toss in 1/2 cup of roughly chopped roasted pecans. Now add 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. Finally, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Gently toss all the ingredients. Make sure everything is well coated. Now it’s time for poppy seeds. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of poppy seeds on top. This adds a nice crunch. Serve the salad right away for the best taste and texture. Enjoy! To make your salad shine, start with fresh strawberries. Look for bright red berries with no bruises. They should smell sweet and feel firm. If they are too soft, they may be overripe. When it comes to spinach, choose young, tender leaves. They should be vibrant green and crisp. Avoid any leaves that are yellow or slimy. For the dressing, balance is key. You want a sweet and tangy mix. If your dressing tastes too sweet, add a bit more vinegar. If it’s too tart, add more honey. You can also try different dressings. A balsamic vinaigrette works well if you want a new flavor. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. The fresh flavors of the salad complement savory dishes nicely. For gatherings, make the salad in a large bowl. Add the poppy seeds right before serving for a nice crunch. You can also serve individual portions in clear cups for a fun touch. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest spinach and strawberries you can find for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Chill the Salad: For an extra refreshing dish, chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving. Pecan Alternatives: If you don't have pecans, walnuts or sliced almonds work great as substitutes for a different flavor profile. Dressing Variations: Experiment with different dressings, such as a citrus vinaigrette, to give the salad a new twist! {{image_2}} You can change this salad by adding other fruits. Try blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples. These fruits add color and flavor. You can also use different nuts or seeds. Almonds or walnuts can replace pecans. Sunflower seeds give a great crunch too. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste. If you need gluten-free options, this salad works well for you. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check your dressing to ensure it's gluten-free too. For a vegan dressing, swap honey for maple syrup. You can also use a creamy plant-based yogurt for a rich taste. Using seasonal produce makes this salad even better. In spring, add fresh peas or asparagus. In fall, think about roasted squash or apples. For holidays, you can add pomegranate seeds for a festive touch. Adjust the ingredients to fit the season or your next event. To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Always put the dressing on the side. This keeps the greens crisp and the flavors bright. If you have leftover salad, eat it within 2 days for the best taste. You can prepare the salad in advance, but keep some parts separate. Wash and tear the spinach ahead of time. Slice the strawberries and store them in a container with a lid. Nuts and cheese also store well in separate containers. This way, your salad stays fresh and tasty. If you have leftover salad, get creative! Use it in a wrap or a sandwich. You can also add it to a grain bowl with rice or quinoa for a quick meal. Mixing the salad into an omelet makes a great breakfast, too. You can prep the salad ingredients in advance. Keep the spinach, strawberries, and pecans separate. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Mix the dressing in a jar and shake it when ready to serve. This way, your salad stays fresh and crunchy. If you need a substitute for feta, try goat cheese or ricotta. These options still give a creamy texture. You could also use vegan cheese for a dairy-free choice. Each alternative will change the flavor a bit, but they work well in the salad. Using frozen strawberries is not ideal. They can make the salad watery and mushy. Fresh strawberries taste better and add a nice crunch. If frozen is all you have, let them thaw and drain excess water. This helps keep the salad more enjoyable. This blog post covered how to create a delicious salad with fresh ingredients. We discussed the key elements like spinach, strawberries, and the perfect dressing. By following the step-by-step guide, you can easily assemble your salad and impress your guests. Remember to choose fresh ingredients for the best taste and explore variations to fit your needs. With these tips, you can enjoy a tasty meal today or save it for later. Enjoy your cooking, and make your meals fun and healthy!$

Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad

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

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups fresh spinach, washed and torn
2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
0.5 cup roasted pecans, roughly chopped
0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup poppy seeds
0.25 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth to create the dressing.
In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, chopped pecans, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is well coated.
Sprinkle the poppy seeds over the top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Serve immediately for the best freshness and texture.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best freshness and texture.

Keyword healthy, poppy seed, salad, spinach, strawberry