Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a salad that’s not just salad – it’ll be the most delicious. What is it like to eat a bowl? Think of it as the sunshine-y cousin of a classic Caesar, but instead of heavy dressing and heavy meat. croutons, we’re talking juicy strawberries, crisp spinach, crunchy almonds, and a tangy-sweet poppy seed. And we are talking cran What is the seed dressing? Is this salad a springtime dish? I crave it all year round. What is the perfect side dish to bring to a potluck, BBQ, or just enjoy as an appetizer?

What is a spinach salad?

Strawberry Spinach Salad is exactly what it sounds like: spinach and strawberries. a delicious combination of fresh spinach leaves, sweet strawberries, and other complementary ingredients. All ingredients, tossed in a flavorful dressing. Think of it as a symphony of textures and tastes – the slight bitterness of spinach is perfectly balanced. The sweetness of strawberries, and the crunch of nuts or seeds add another layer of sweetness to the strawberry. Is it a celebration of seasonal ingredients? You can easily customize it with different cheeses, proteins, or even other fruits depending on what you want. What do you have on hand? What is the best poppy seed dressing?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What I love about this strawberry Spinach Salad is how it manages to be both incredibly healthy and delicious. What is the best way to make a sandwich? Is this the kind of recipe that you can throw together in a few minutes? What are the busy week What is the best thing about a phone? The sweetness of the strawberries against the earthy spinach is a match made in heaven, and that’s what I like about it. What is poppy seed dressing? Is it sweet and tangy?

What is a budget-friendly meal? Spinach and strawberries are often on sale, and you can usually find affordable nuts and seeds to make a meal. Add some crunch. What are some of the best ways to add Grilled Chicken or shrimp to your diet? Go for it! Crumble some goat cheese on top. What is a blank canvas to make your own salad? Instead of apples and grapes, this salad is made with whole wheat flour. Is the poppyseed dressing lighter than mayonnaise dressing on waldorf salad?

What are some of the best salads to make with spinach? I promise, it’ll become a staple in your rotation, just like it has in mine!

How do you make spinach salad?

Quick Overview

How do you make a Spinach Salad? First, you’ll wash and prep your spinach and strawberries. What’s the recipe for poppy seed dressing? What is the best way to combine everything in a big bowl and enjoy! What is the best flavor to use? What are some of the best recipes for a simple dish?

Ingredients

For the Salad:
* 6 ounces fresh spinach, washed and dried thoroughly. Is it safe to use baby spinach or regular spinach?
* 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced. What are the best strawberries to eat?
* 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted. How do you toast almonds?
* 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional). Feta adds a nice salty tang that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
* 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional). If you’re not a fan of raw onion, you can soak it in cold water for ten minutes to mellow out the flavor.

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
* 1/4 cup olive oil. Use a good-quality Olive oil for the best flavor.
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. You can also use white vinegar or balsamic vinegar .
* 2 tablespoons honey. Agave nectar or maple syrup also work well.
* 1 tablespoon poppy seeds. Don’t skip the poppy seeds – they add a lovely texture and subtle flavor.
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. This adds a nice tang to the dressing.
* Salt and pepper to taste. Season generously!

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Wash spinach thoroughly and dry it completely. I like to use a salad spinner for this, but you can also pat it dry with paper towels. How do you prevent a salad from becoming soggy?

Step 2: Slice the Strawberries

How do you slice strawberries into thin slices? The thinner the slices, the more surface area for dressing to cling to!

Step 3: Toast the Almonds

What should I do if I want to toast almonds in a large skillet over medium heat? Is there a hint of golden brown? Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. If you want to toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, you can use a non-stick pan.

Step 4: Make the Poppy Seed Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard and salt. How do you mix mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined? Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, toasted almonds, and feta cheese (if using), and red pepper flakes. Set aside. What is onion (if using)? What is the best poppy seed dressing for salad?

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Is it safe to serve Spinach Salad immediately? If you’re making it ahead of time, you can store the spinach, strawberries, almonds, and dressing. Separate and combine them just before serving.

Step 7: Enjoy!

How do I make a spinach salad? I like to serve it as a light lunch or as side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

8. Adding Protein:

What protein should I add to a dish? If you want to add protein to a dish, you can add the chicken or fish to it.

What should I serve it with?

What is a spinach salad?

For a Light Lunch: What is the best wayServe it alongside grilled chicken breast or a slice of quiche for healthy and satisfying meals. What is a crusty piece of bread?

For a BBQ:What is a good salad to serve with barbecue sauce? It complements grilled meats and vegetables perfectly, and is a refreshing alternative to heavier foods.

For a Brunch:What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled salmon or shrimp? Serve it with mimosas or iced tea for a truly festive occasion.

For a Potluck:What is a good salad for potlucks? Is it easy to transport and will impress your friends and family? I’ve even brought it to Thanksgiving once as something lighter and fresher for everyone. Just don’t dress it until right before serving so it doesn’s not soggy!

How do you prepare a spinach salad?

What are some of the best ways to make a spinach salad delicious?

Spinach Prep:How do you wash spinach thoroughly? I like to use a salad spinner, but you can also pat it dry with paper towels. I always do this step first so the spinach can dry while I prep everything else.

Strawberry Selection: What areWhat are the best strawberries to eat? If the strawberries are too tart, you can add a little honey to the dressing. I have tested this when my strawberries weren’t the greatest, and it really helps!

Almond Toasting: Toasting the almonds is crucial for adding a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. Keep a close eye on them while they’re toasting, as they can burn easily. Alternatively, use slivered almonds or even pecans, for a different taste!

Dressing Consistency: The poppy seed dressing should be slightly sweet and tangy. Adjust the honey and vinegar to your liking. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a little water or olive oil to thin it out. I always do a little taste test before tossing the salad!

Serving Time: Serve the salad immediately after dressing it to prevent the spinach from wilting. If you’re making it ahead of time, you can store the components separately and combine them just before serving.

Red Onion Mellowing: If you’re not a fan of the bite from red onions, here’s a trick I learned! Soak the sliced red onion in ice water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will mellow out the flavor and make it more palatable.

Adding Protein: Want to make this salad a main course? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a boost of protein. I often grill some extra chicken on the weekend just so I can throw it on salads throughout the week!

Storing and Reheating Tips

While this strawberry spinach salad is best enjoyed fresh, there are a few ways to store it if you have leftovers.

Room Temperature: I don’t recommend storing the salad at room temperature for more than a couple of hours, as the spinach will wilt and the dressing will separate.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Store the dressing separately in a sealed container. This will help keep the spinach crisp and prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Trust me, soggy salad is NO fun!

Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the spinach will become mushy and the strawberries will lose their texture.

Glaze Timing Advice: Only dress the salad right before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. If you have leftovers, store the undressed salad and dressing separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of spinach?

While baby spinach is preferred for its tenderness, you can use regular spinach. Just be sure to remove the tough stems and chop it into smaller pieces. You could even use mixed greens if you like!

What if I don’t have poppy seeds?

If you don’t have poppy seeds on hand, you can substitute them with sesame seeds or hemp seeds for a similar texture. Or, you can simply omit them altogether – the dressing will still be delicious!

Can I use frozen strawberries?

I don’t recommend using frozen strawberries, as they tend to be mushy when thawed. Fresh strawberries are definitely the way to go for this salad.

Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries all pair well with spinach and strawberries. Get creative and use whatever fruits are in season! I’ve even tried adding some mandarin oranges once, and it was surprisingly good!

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure that they are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

This strawberry spinach salad is more than just a recipe – it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and simple ingredients. It’s the perfect way to brighten up any meal, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other salad recipes for more delicious inspiration! And please, let me know in the comments how yours turns out! I can’t wait to hear what you think and how you’ve personalized it to make it your own. Happy salad-making!