Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups fresh spinach; 2 cups strawberries, sliced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup toasted almonds or pecans; 1/2 cup feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled; 1 tbsp poppy seeds; 1/3 cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt; 2 tbsp honey or sugar; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp milk; 1/4 tsp salt

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I like preparing this strawberry spinach salad when I want something fresh, colorful, and full of contrast. The sweetness of the strawberries pairs perfectly with the crisp spinach and the tangy, slightly sweet poppy seed dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how refreshing and light this salad feels, especially on warm days. The combination of sweet fruit, crunchy toppings, and a creamy dressing makes every bite interesting. I also appreciate how quickly I can put it together, making it ideal for both quick lunches and elegant side dishes.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

fresh spinach
strawberries, sliced
red onion, thinly sliced
toasted almonds or pecans
feta cheese or goat cheese
poppy seeds
mayonnaise or yogurt
honey or sugar
apple cider vinegar
milk
salt

Directions

I start by washing and drying the spinach thoroughly, then I place it in a large bowl.

I slice the strawberries and red onion, then add them on top of the spinach along with the toasted nuts and crumbled cheese.

In a separate bowl, I whisk together mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, milk, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

I drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss everything gently to coat.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time is around 15 minutes, and the total time is about 15 minutes since there is no cooking involved.

Variations

I sometimes add grilled chicken to turn this salad into a complete meal. When I want extra sweetness, I include blueberries or mandarin oranges. I also like swapping the nuts for walnuts or sunflower seeds depending on what I have available.

storage/reheating

I prefer storing the dressing separately from the salad to keep everything fresh. The salad ingredients can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days, while the dressing lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. I don’t reheat this dish since it is best enjoyed cold.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

I usually prepare the ingredients in advance but keep the dressing separate until just before serving.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the dressing?

I often use plain yogurt for a lighter option, and it still tastes great.

How do I keep the spinach from getting soggy?

I make sure the spinach is completely dry before assembling and only add dressing right before serving.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

I prefer fresh strawberries because frozen ones release too much moisture and affect the texture.

What cheese works best in this salad?

I like feta or goat cheese, but I sometimes use blue cheese for a stronger flavor.

Conclusion

I find this strawberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing to be a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements. It’s simple to prepare, visually appealing, and always a refreshing addition to any meal.