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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

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A fresh, vibrant salad combining baby spinach, juicy strawberries, toasted pecans, and feta cheese, tossed in a creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a quick, light meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups (180g) baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup (50g) toasted pecans, roughly chopped
  • ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (60ml) plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Add water a teaspoon at a time if dressing is too thick.
  3. Prep the produce: Rinse baby spinach thoroughly and dry. Hull and slice strawberries. Thinly slice red onion if using.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, gently combine spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted pecans, and red onion. Crumble feta cheese over the top.
  5. Toss with dressing: Pour the creamy poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat evenly without bruising the spinach leaves. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve immediately: Best enjoyed freshly tossed to keep spinach crisp and dressing vibrant. If preparing ahead, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving.

Notes

Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning. Use fresh, dry spinach to prevent sogginess. Dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored refrigerated. For vegan version, substitute mayo and yogurt with vegan alternatives and omit or replace feta. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising spinach. Serve salad within an hour of tossing for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, poppy seed dressing, fresh salad, healthy salad, summer salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-creamy-poppy-seed-dressing-guide/