Summer Lovin Spinach Strawberry Salad with Dreamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a salad that tastes like summer in a bowl? Honestly, who wouldn't? This Spinach & Strawberry Salad with its sweet and tangy flavour is just the ticket.

The poppy seed dressing really makes it pop!

Brief Overview

This classic salad has American origins, dating back to the 1970s. It's an easy peasy recipe, ready in about 20 minutes.

Makes four servings perfect for a light lunch or Brunch Salad .

Main Benefits

Spinach And Strawberry Salad is packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the fruit and leaves. It’s a Light lunch salad that’s perfect for a warm day and will make you feel great.

Perfect to serve at an Easter Brunch Salad .

Summer on a Plate: Getting to Know Your Ingredients

Alright, let's dive into what makes this Strawberry spinach salad recipe so special.

You know, I first made this Spinach And Strawberry Salad back in uni. We were having a garden party, and I wanted something easy but impressive.

This recipe ticked all the boxes! I even added a sprinkle of crumbled feta. It was a total winner.

This isn’t just any old salad with poppy seed vinaigrette , mind you! The combo of sweet strawberries, slightly bitter spinach, and that creamy dressing? Oh my gosh, it's divine.

Even better when you make it with fresh picked strawberries!

The recipe also calls for a handful of toasted almonds for a bit of crunch. Honestly, don't skip this step.

It really elevates the whole Summer salad recipes . The whole thing is just lovely, perfect for those long summer evenings.

Perfect Easter Salad .

Let's get started, shall we? Next up, ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!

Alright, fancy a Spinach & Strawberry Salad with a creamy poppy seed dressing? This Spinach And Strawberry Salad is all about fresh ingredients.

It’s perfect for a Brunch Salad or a quick Light lunch salad . Let’s see what you need.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you need to make this Fruity summer salad really shine. Measurements, you ask? Got 'em covered.

• Baby Spinach: 5 oz (140g) . Look for vibrant green leaves. Avoid slimy or wilted spinach.
• Fresh Strawberries: 1 pint (570g) . Bright red colour and firm texture is key.
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup (30g) , thinly sliced.
• Toasted Sliced Almonds: 1/4 cup (30g) . Totally optional but adds a great crunch!
• Feta Cheese (optional): 1/4 cup (60g) , crumbled.

For that amazing Poppy Seed Dressing , you’ll need:

• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) .
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
• Honey: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Or maple syrup for a vegan twist.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
• Poppy Seeds: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
• Sea Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .

Seasoning Sensations

The poppy seed dressing is the star. The tang of the vinegar and Dijon balances the sweetness of the honey. It's basically liquid gold on your salad.

If you are in a hurry, Sesame seeds are a good sub for poppy seeds. White wine vinegar is perfect if you don't have apple cider vinegar.

Essential Equipment for Salad Success

Honestly, you don't need much!

• Large mixing bowl: For tossing all the goodness together.
• Small whisk: For the dressing. A fork works in a pinch!
• Measuring cups and spoons: Obvs!
• Toasting pan: If you're toasting those almonds.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: To get those strawberries sliced.

This Easter Salad or Easter Brunch Salad is super simple to throw together. And a salad with poppy seed vinaigrette is always a winner, right? If you try this Strawberry spinach salad recipe , let me know what you think! Happy salad making! For more delicious Summer salad recipes , stay tuned!

Cooking Method: Building Your Best Summer Salad

Right then, let's talk cooking method! Honestly, making a Spinach & Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is dead easy.

This ain't rocket science, more like a gentle stroll through a summer meadow. It's the perfect way to enjoy those lazy summer days.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place , innit? That fancy French term just means get your ingredients prepped and ready.

Wash and dry your 5 oz spinach. Hull and slice that 1 pint of strawberries. Thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion if you’re prone to tears, try chilling the onion first.

I swear it helps!

Organization is key! Get all your ingredients measured and laid out. This will make assembling the salad a breeze. Safety note: watch your fingers when slicing those strawberries! We don't want any first aid emergencies.

step-by-step: Five Easy Pieces

Here's the lowdown:

1. Toast the almonds. If you're using 'em, spread 1/4 cup of sliced almonds in a dry pan. Toast over medium heat for about 5 minutes , stirring until golden. Don’t burn them!
2. Make the Poppy Seed Dressing . Whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons poppy seeds, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Combine the salad ingredients. In a large bowl, toss together 5 oz spinach, 1 pint sliced strawberries, and 1/4 cup red onion.
4. Dress the salad. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Don't drown it!
5. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and crumbled feta cheese if you fancy. Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game

Don't overdress the salad! This is a classic mistake. The spinach will get soggy. No one wants that. Add the dressing gradually, tossing until lightly coated.

Consider that this summer you can even put this Summer salad recipes to use.

Want a make-ahead option? You can prep the dressing a day in advance. Store it in the fridge. Just don't dress the salad until right before serving.

It's also a great Easter Salad .

Recipe Notes: Secrets to Salad Success

Alright, so you're ready to tackle this Spinach & Strawberry Salad with poppy seed dressing. Ace! But before you dive in, let’s chat about a few bits and bobs to make sure your salad is absolutely banging.

Honestly, these are the little things that elevate it from "meh" to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing".

Serving Suggestions: Va-Va-Voom Your Presentation

How you present your food matters, yeah? For a simple light lunch salad , consider layering the spinach on a platter, then artfully arranging the strawberries on top.

Scatter the red onion and almonds for a pop of color and texture. This makes a lovely Easter Salad or Brunch Salad .

This Fruity Summer Salad is amazing with grilled chicken or fish. A chilled glass of rosé or homemade lemonade is the perfect pairing for this Spinach And Strawberry Salad .

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

If you have any leftover Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe (unlikely!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Dressing separately helps loads.

It'll stay fresh for about 1-2 days. Freezing isn't really recommended. The spinach will get all soggy, and nobody wants that.

When reheating, just give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. I had this salad once on Easter and the trick is to avoid keeping it dressed for too long before you serve it.

Variations: Your Salad, Your Way

Fancy a tweak? Easy peasy. For a vegan option, swap honey in the salad with poppy seed vinaigrette for maple syrup.

To make it gluten-free, make sure your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free. You can change the season. Swap the strawberries for peaches or nectarines in late summer for a delightful twist.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This Summer Salad Recipes is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, thanks to the spinach and strawberries. It’s relatively low in calories, around 220 per serving, and provides a decent dose of fiber.

The healthy fats from the olive oil and almonds are great for your heart too. What a win!

So there you have it! A cracking Spinach And Strawberry Salad recipe that's simple, delicious, and totally customizable. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Get in the kitchen and show those fruits and greens who's boss!