If there’s one salad that can stop a crowd and make taste buds dance, it’s Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing. Imagine juicy strawberries mingling with tender baby spinach, pops of tangy feta, and the irresistible crunch of candied pecans, all embraced by a sweet-tart, glossy balsamic poppy seed dressing. This vibrant medley isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s the ultimate celebration of flavor, freshness, and texture in each bite — perfect for spring lunches, summer gatherings, or just a weeknight burst of color at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad is pure proof that a few simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary. Each one brings its own flair, whether it’s a burst of color, a creamy contrast, or a sweet note that keeps you coming back for more.
- Fresh baby spinach: The tender leaves set a gentle, earthy stage for all the bright flavors to shine on.
- Fresh strawberries: Sliced, their vibrant sweetness lights up the salad both visually and in taste.
- Red onion: Thin slices add a zippy bite and subtle crunch in every forkful.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on top, it brings a tangy, creamy finish that complements the berries beautifully.
- Candied pecans or walnuts: These are your secret weapon for delightful crunch and caramelized sweetness.
- Avocado (optional): Sliced, it melts into the salad, adding rich, buttery texture for an extra touch of luxury.
- Poppy seeds: They’re more than just a pretty speck, adding subtle crunch and a playful look in the dressing.
- Honey: Balances tartness with natural sweetness—feel free to swap with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Balsamic vinegar: The star of the dressing, bringing its deep, fruity tang to tie all the flavors together.
- Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon for sharpness and body in your dressing.
- Olive oil: Adds silkiness and richness, creating that classic vinaigrette base.
- Salt and pepper: Essential finishers for seasoning the salad and bringing every bite into balance.
How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
Step 1: Build the Salad Base
Start by grabbing your largest salad bowl—you want plenty of room for tossing! Add the fresh baby spinach first, then layer on those bright slices of strawberry, a scattering of vibrant red onion, the tangy crumbles of feta, and your candied pecans or walnuts. If you’re in the mood for extra creaminess, tuck in those optional avocado slices. The colors alone will have you swooning before you even add the dressing.
Step 2: Whisk the Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
In a smaller bowl or a mason jar, combine the poppy seeds, honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Whisk or shake until the mixture is smooth, emulsified, and flecked with those happy little poppy seeds. Taste, then add salt and pepper to make the flavors pop even more. This simple (but, honestly, unforgettable) dressing is what pulls the whole Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing together!
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Right before you’re ready to serve, drizzle your luscious balsamic poppy seed dressing generously over the salad. Use salad tongs or two big spoons to toss gently, making sure every leafy green and juicy berry gets a touch of that sweet-tangy magic. Toss just to combine—you want to keep all those beautiful layers and textures intact.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Divide the Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing among plates or let everyone dig in family-style from the bowl. It’s a showstopper as is, but feel free to sprinkle on a little extra feta or a few more nuts before serving to really wow your guests (or just treat yourself!).
How to Serve Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
Garnishes
A handful of extra feta crumbles or a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves can add a dash of elegance to each plate. For a finishing touch, a quick twist of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of additional balsamic glaze makes the salad restaurant-worthy in seconds.
Side Dishes
This colorful creation pairs beautifully with classic grilled chicken, juicy salmon fillets, or herby turkey breast for a heartier meal. If you want to keep it light, try serving with crusty sourdough bread, a steaming cup of soup, or a refreshing summer gazpacho.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off the beauty of Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing by layering it in a trifle bowl or arranging it on a platter for guests to mix themselves. You can also portion it into small mason jars for picnics or layered parfait-style for a potluck—every version looks spectacular!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any of this irresistible salad left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for about a day, though the spinach may wilt slightly once dressed (it’s still delicious, just a bit softer).
Freezing
Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing isn’t well-suited for freezing, as the fresh produce loses its texture and flavor after thawing. Instead, prepare your dressing in advance and freeze just that, then assemble the rest fresh for best results.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad—just give any refrigerated leftovers a gentle toss and enjoy chilled or at cool room temperature. If the salad has become watery, drain off any excess liquid and, if possible, toss in a handful of fresh spinach to perk it back up.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! Goat cheese is a fantastic swap for feta, adding creamy tang, or try fresh mozzarella pearls for a mild, milky counterpoint. Dairy-free options work great too if you prefer a vegan salad.
How do I make the salad nut-free?
You can simply leave out the candied pecans or walnuts, or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch without the nuts. The salad stays delicious and textured, even without them.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely. The balsamic poppy seed dressing keeps beautifully in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using as the poppy seeds and other ingredients may settle.
Is it possible to add protein right into the salad?
Of course! Grilled chicken, sliced steak, cooked shrimp, or even chickpeas turn Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing into a satisfying main course while keeping every bite lively and fresh.
What’s the best way to slice strawberries for this salad?
For the prettiest presentation and even bites, wash and hull your strawberries, then slice them vertically into ¼-inch pieces. They’ll look gorgeous scattered over the spinach, and every forkful gets a little strawberry goodness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing salad that actually feels special, you can’t go wrong with Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing. Once you taste that blend of sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy, it’s bound to wind up on repeat in your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, whip up this showstopper, and let your next meal shine!
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Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing is a delightful combination of fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a flavorful balsamic dressing.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and candied pecans. Add avocado slices if desired.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together poppy seeds, honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until well blended. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or salmon for a heartier meal.
- To make it vegan, omit the feta or use a plant-based alternative and swap honey for maple syrup.
- The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
