Key Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Let’s break down the stars of this salad, and why each ingredient works so well:

• Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves are the foundation of this salad. Their tender texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor complement the strawberries and poppy seed dressing beautifully. Got extra spinach? Toss it into green smoothies or use it as the base for another vibrant salad!
• Strawberries: Choose the ripest, juiciest strawberries you can find. Feel free to experiment by adding or substituting other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Looking for a time-saving tip? The NorPro Speed Slicer is a fantastic, affordable gadget that evenly slices strawberries in seconds.
• Red Onion: Raw red onions can be a bit overpowering, so I like to soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. This simple trick mellows their sharpness and eliminates that harsh aftertaste, making them much more enjoyable.
• Feta Cheese: While I’m a big fan of shortcuts, for this spinach strawberry salad, I highly recommend buying a block of feta cheese and crumbling it directly into the salad. The texture of freshly crumbled block feta is significantly creamier than the pre-crumbled variety. If feta isn’t your thing, blue cheese also works wonderfully.
• Toasted Slivered Almonds: Toasted almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the salad. Don’t skip the toasting step – it really enhances their flavor! If you’re not a fan of almonds, try substituting walnuts or pecans instead. Find the toasting instructions below.

For the complete ingredient list and quantities, be sure to check out the recipe card at the end of this article!

The Ultimate Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

No spinach strawberry salad is complete without a delicious poppy seed dressing. My homemade version perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, and it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry:

• Balsamic vinegar: Feel free to experiment with different types of vinegar. Champagne vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or red wine vinegar would all work beautifully and complement the fresh ingredients in the salad.
• Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness.
• Poppy seeds: The signature ingredient, providing a subtle crunch and nutty flavor.
• Garlic: A touch of minced garlic adds depth and complexity.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: The base of the vinaigrette, providing richness and flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To enhance the other flavors and bring everything together.

Simply whisk all the ingredients together for a homemade poppy seed vinaigrette that’s light, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. It truly is ready in minutes!

Easy Steps to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad

Making this salad is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a delicious and satisfying dish:

1. Make the dressing. The easiest and quickest way to prepare this poppy seed dressing is to combine all ingredients in a Mason jar, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until well combined.
2. Assemble the salad. Add the spinach, strawberries, and red onion to a large bowl. Gently toss to combine the ingredients.
3. Add toppings. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted slivered almonds evenly over the salad.
4. Dress and serve. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with This Summer Salad

This strawberry spinach salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Here are some of my favorite combinations:

• Honey Garlic Shrimp
• Glazed Honey Soy Chicken Thighs
• Marinated Tri-Tip

To transform this salad into a satisfying main course, simply add shredded rotisserie chicken or smoked salmon. For a vegetarian option, mix in some cooked quinoa. And don’t forget a side of Caprese garlic bread to complete your delicious meal!

Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Entertaining

Like most salads, it’s best to store the salad ingredients and dressing separately. For spinach strawberry salad, it’s also recommended to keep the feta cheese separate.

Store the poppy seed vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Remember to shake well before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.

When you’re ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing, then gently crumble in the feta and add the toasted nuts. Lightly toss everything together to combine.

The Secret to Perfectly Toasted Nuts

Toasting nuts enhances their flavor and is a simple step that adds significant taste to the overall salad. Here are two easy methods for toasting nuts, either in the oven or on the stovetop:

• To Toast Nuts In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes, until they are toasted and fragrant. Keep in mind that different nuts will toast at different rates, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
• To Toast Nuts On the Stovetop: Place the nuts in a small skillet over low heat. Cook the nuts, stirring occasionally, until they are toasted and fragrant, about 5 to 10 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size, variety, and quantity of nuts you are using.

More Delicious Summer Salad Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more refreshing and flavorful salad ideas? Try these:

• Zucchini Pasta Salad
• Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad
• Quinoa Salad with Warm Goat Cheese
• Melon Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
• Kale Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas