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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

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A vibrant, easy summer salad featuring sweet strawberries, tender baby spinach, creamy feta, crunchy toasted pecans, and a homemade sweet-tart poppy seed dressing. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a refreshing lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups baby spinach (about 6 oz), stems removed if desired
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries (about 2 cups), hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 small avocado, sliced (optional)
  • Poppy seeds, for garnish
  • 1/3 cup olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the baby spinach thoroughly. Tear any large leaves into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Hull and slice the strawberries into thin rounds or quarters. Thinly slice the red onion if using. Set aside.
  3. Toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden. Let cool.
  4. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Add spinach to a large salad bowl. Top with sliced strawberries, red onion, toasted nuts, and crumbled feta. Add avocado if using.
  6. Drizzle about half the dressing over the salad. Toss gently with tongs or large spoons until everything is lightly coated. Add more dressing as needed.
  7. Sprinkle with extra poppy seeds for garnish. Serve immediately for best freshness.

Notes

For vegan, use maple syrup and plant-based cheese or omit cheese. Nut-free options include sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Prep ingredients ahead but toss with dressing just before serving for best texture. If prepping for a picnic, keep dressing separate until ready to serve. Use the freshest strawberries and spinach for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, poppy seed dressing, summer salad, easy salad, picnic salad, gluten-free, vegetarian, healthy salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-with-poppy-seed-dressing-easy-summer-recipe/