Looking for a bright, flavorful dish that refreshes and delights? This Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad is your answer! With fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, and creamy feta, each bite bursts with taste and crunch. Plus, I’ll show you how to whip up a simple poppyseed dressing that ties it all together. Get ready to impress your guests or add a pop of color to your lunch routine! Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients
– 4 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
– 2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup poppy seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
I love using fresh baby spinach in salads. It adds a lovely green color and a nice crunch. The ripe strawberries bring sweetness and bright flavor. Make sure to hull and slice them for easy eating. Toasted sliced almonds add a nutty crunch and extra texture. Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy saltiness that pairs well with the sweet strawberries. Lastly, thinly sliced red onion gives a hint of bite to balance the flavors.
For the dressing, I use olive oil as a base. It gives a rich flavor and helps to coat the salad. Honey adds a touch of sweetness, which works well with the strawberries. Apple cider vinegar brings brightness and a little tang. Poppy seeds add a fun crunch and visual appeal. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. This mix of ingredients creates a fresh and crisp delight that you will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Salad Base
– In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of fresh baby spinach, 2 cups of hulled and sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup of sliced toasted almonds, 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion.
– Toss the mixture gently. This helps to spread the ingredients evenly for great flavor in every bite.
Make the Poppyseed Dressing
– In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup of poppy seeds.
– Mix until the dressing is smooth and well combined. This makes your salad extra tasty and rich.
Combine and Serve
– Drizzle the poppyseed dressing over the salad base.
– Toss everything together to coat the salad well. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely before you serve.
Tips & Tricks
Ingredient Considerations
Choosing the best strawberries
Look for ripe strawberries. They should be bright red and firm. Check for any soft spots or mold. The best strawberries are sweet and juicy. If you can, buy local for more flavor.
Selecting fresh spinach
Choose baby spinach for a tender bite. The leaves should be bright green and crisp. Avoid any yellow or wilted leaves. Fresh spinach adds a nice crunch and nutrition.
Presentation Suggestions
Serving in a shallow bowl
A shallow bowl works great for this salad. It allows the vibrant colors to shine. The layers of spinach and strawberries look beautiful. Plus, it makes serving easy for everyone.
Garnishing tips for visual appeal
Add extra sliced strawberries and almonds on top. This gives a nice texture contrast. A light drizzle of dressing adds a glossy finish. These small touches make your salad look gourmet.
Flavor Enhancement
Allowing time for flavors to meld
After mixing, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This time helps the flavors blend well. The dressing soaks into the spinach and strawberries. You will taste a deeper flavor in every bite.
Adjusting dressing for taste preference
Taste the dressing before you pour it on. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey. For a tangier flavor, add more vinegar. Adjusting the dressing makes the salad perfect for your palate.
Variations
Recipe Customizations
You can easily change this salad to fit your taste. Here are two great ideas:
– Adding grilled chicken or shrimp: This makes the salad hearty. Grilled chicken adds protein and flavor. Shrimp provides a light, sweet taste. Just slice your meat and toss it in.
– Substituting nuts or cheese: If you don’t like almonds, try walnuts or pecans. You can switch feta for goat cheese or even vegan cheese. This keeps it fresh and fun.
Seasonal Adjustments
This salad is perfect all year. Here are ways to change it with the seasons:
– Incorporating other fruits like blueberries or pears: Blueberries add a burst of color and sweetness. Pears bring a nice crunch and taste. You can mix and match based on what is ripe.
– Adapting for holidays with unique toppings: For festive occasions, add pomegranate seeds or candied nuts. These toppings make your salad pop with color and flavor.
Dressing Alternatives
The dressing is key to this salad. You can try different options:
– Using a yogurt-based dressing: A yogurt dressing is creamy and tangy. It adds a nice twist while keeping it light.
– Experimenting with different vinegars: Swap apple cider vinegar for balsamic or red wine vinegar. Each vinegar adds its own unique taste. Play around with these to find your favorite!
Storage Info
Storing Unassembled Salad
Keep your salad ingredients in a cool, dry place. Use an airtight container for best results. Fresh spinach lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Sliced strawberries stay good for one to two days. Toasted almonds can last a few weeks, while feta cheese stays fresh for about a week.
Storing Leftover Salad
To keep leftover salad fresh, store it in a sealed container. It’s best to eat it within one day. If the salad gets soggy, try to separate the dressing. You can repurpose the leftovers by adding them to a wrap or a sandwich.
Dressing Storage
Homemade dressing should go in a sealed jar. Keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Olive oil can solidify when cold. Just let it sit at room temperature before using. Honey and apple cider vinegar last a long time, so they are great for future dressings.
FAQs
How long can I store the Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad?
You can store this salad for about one day. Keep it in the fridge. If you mix the dressing with the salad, it will get soggy. I suggest storing the dressing separately. This way, your salad stays fresh and crisp.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dressing a day in advance. Just whisk together olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds. Store it in a jar or container. When you are ready to serve, give it a good shake. This keeps all the flavors intact.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you need a feta substitute, try goat cheese or queso fresco. For a vegan option, use tofu or a nut-based cheese. These choices will still give you that creamy texture. You can enjoy the salad just as much with these alternatives.
This blog post covered a delicious Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad. We looked at fresh ingredients, easy steps, and some tips to enhance flavor. You can customize the recipe with added protein or different fruits. Remember to store your salad and dressing properly for freshness. Enjoy making this simple dish that’s fresh and full of flavor! It’s a perfect choice for any meal.
