Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad

$- Spinach: Use 4 cups of fresh spinach, washed and dried. Spinach adds a crisp texture and vibrant color. - Strawberries: You need 1 cup of strawberries, hulled and sliced. Strawberries bring sweetness and a pop of flavor. - Red onion: Use 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. It adds a nice bite and balances the sweetness. - Feta cheese: You’ll need 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Feta adds creaminess and a salty kick. - Sunflower seeds: Add 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds. They give a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. - Poppy seeds: You also need 1/4 cup of poppy seeds. They add a delicate crunch and visual appeal. - Olive oil: Use 1/2 cup of olive oil. It acts as the base for your dressing and adds richness. - Apple cider vinegar: You’ll need 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. It gives a tangy contrast to the sweet elements. - Honey: Add 2 tablespoons of honey for sweetness. It helps balance the vinegar's tartness. - Salt and pepper: Use salt and pepper to taste. They enhance all the flavors in the salad. These ingredients come together to create a fresh and tasty salad. Enjoy the bright colors and flavors! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to make the dressing. In a small bowl, add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients well. Whisking blends the flavors and keeps the dressing smooth. After mixing, set it aside. Letting it sit allows the flavors to blend for a better taste. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. These ingredients work together to create a fresh and tasty salad. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mix. Gently toss everything together. This step coats all the ingredients evenly with dressing. For the final touches, sprinkle the sunflower seeds and poppy seeds over the top. These seeds add a nice crunch to your salad. Toss lightly again to mix in the seeds. Serve the salad right away for the best taste. Enjoy the fresh flavors and vibrant colors! To make your salad shine, serve it in a large glass bowl. This lets the bright colors pop. You can add a few whole strawberries on top for a nice touch. This makes the dish look fresh and inviting. For added elegance, consider using a platter instead of a bowl. If you want to swap the spinach, try kale or arugula. Both add a different taste, yet still taste great. For those avoiding feta, you can use goat cheese or omit cheese entirely. If you need a vegan dressing, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and maple syrup. This keeps it light and tasty without dairy. Add fresh herbs like basil or mint for a burst of flavor. These herbs pair well with strawberries and add depth. You can also sprinkle in some cracked pepper for a bit of heat. If you want protein, try adding grilled chicken or chickpeas. These options make your salad more filling and satisfying. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, make sure to use the freshest spinach and strawberries available. Fresh produce not only enhances the taste but also adds vibrant color to your salad. Make Ahead Dressing: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good shake before drizzling it on the salad. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap the sunflower seeds with your favorite nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different crunch and flavor profile. This customization can make the salad more unique to your taste. Chill Before Serving: For a refreshing experience, chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavors and ensures a crisp bite! {{image_2}} You can change this salad with seasonal fruits. In summer, try adding blueberries or peaches. These fruits add a sweet touch. In fall, consider using sliced apples or pears. Both options keep the salad fresh and tasty. You can also mix in different nuts or seeds. For crunch, walnuts or almonds work well. They add flavor and texture. To turn this salad into a meal, add grilled chicken. It gives protein and makes it filling. You can also pair the salad with a whole grain. Quinoa or brown rice makes a great choice. This adds fiber and keeps you full longer. You can serve it as a main dish or a side. Try different vinegars or sweeteners in your dressing. Balsamic vinegar adds a rich taste. Maple syrup is a nice swap for honey if you prefer. You can also experiment with creamy poppy seed dressings. These can bring a smooth, rich flavor to the salad. Mix and match to find your perfect dressing! To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent wilting. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight lids. They work well for keeping air out. If you can, add the toppings just before serving. This keeps everything crispy and crunchy. The salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge. If you see any signs of spoilage, like brown spinach or mushy strawberries, toss it out. Always check for an off smell too. Freshness is key for the best taste. You can make parts of this salad ahead of time. Chop the spinach and slice the strawberries the night before. Store them in separate containers. Keep the dressing in a small jar in the fridge. This way, you can mix everything just before serving. It saves time and keeps the flavors bright. Yes, you can! To make a salad in advance, follow these tips: - Prep the ingredients: Wash and slice your spinach and strawberries. - Keep the dressing separate: Store the dressing in a jar. This keeps the salad fresh. - Assemble just before serving: Combine everything only when you are ready to eat. - Add crunchy toppings last: Sprinkle sunflower and poppy seeds right before serving for best texture. This way, your salad stays crisp and tasty! You can make this salad a complete meal easily! Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken: Add sliced grilled chicken for protein. - Chickpeas: Toss in canned chickpeas for a plant-based option. - Quinoa: Stir in cooked quinoa for carbs and protein. - Avocado: Add avocado slices for healthy fats and creaminess. These additions will help fill you up while keeping the salad fresh and vibrant. Yes, this salad is gluten-free! Here’s what you need to check: - Ingredients: All ingredients like spinach, strawberries, and feta cheese are gluten-free. - Dressing components: Olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper do not contain gluten. Always read labels if you use packaged products to ensure they are gluten-free. Enjoy this salad worry-free! This salad blends fresh produce with tasty ingredients for a satisfying meal. We started by discussing key components like spinach, strawberries, and feta cheese. You learned how to make a simple dressing and combine everything for a delightful dish. As you explore variations and tips, remember each ingredient adds its charm. Experiment with flavors and make it your own. This salad is not just a side—it's a chance to create something delicious. So, enjoy every bite and share your new favorite recipe!$

Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, feta cheese, and a delightful poppy seed dressing.

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Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
0.25 cup sunflower seeds
0.25 cup poppy seeds
0.5 cup olive oil
0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly in the dressing.
Just before serving, sprinkle the sunflower seeds and poppy seeds over the salad for a delightful crunch.
Toss lightly again to distribute the seeds and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve the salad in a large glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors, and garnish with a few whole strawberries on top for an added touch.

Keyword healthy, poppy seed, salad, spinach, strawberry