Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad Fresh and Flavorful

Name: Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried; 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced; 0.5 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 0.25 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped; 0.25 cup poppy seeds; 0.5 cup olive oil; 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; to taste salt and pepper

October 10, 2025September 22, 2025 by Madison

Looking for a refreshing dish that bursts with flavor? My Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad is just what you need! This colorful salad combines fresh spinach and sweet strawberries, topped with feta and crunchy nuts. Drizzled with a light poppyseed dressing, it makes a perfect side or main dish. Join me as I walk you through each step to create this delightful meal that pleases both the eyes and the palate!

Why I Love This Recipe

Fresh and Vibrant: This salad is a burst of freshness with its vibrant colors and flavors, making it a perfect dish for spring and summer gatherings.
Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with leafy greens, fruits, and nuts, this recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that promote health.
Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, this salad is a hassle-free option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand, making it versatile for any occasion.

Ingredients

Fresh Ingredients

– 4 cups fresh baby spinach

– 2 cups strawberries

– 1/2 cup red onion

– 1/2 cup feta cheese

– 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts

Dressing Ingredients

– 1/2 cup olive oil

– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 1/4 cup poppy seeds

– Salt and pepper to taste

Nutritional Information

This salad offers about 150 calories per serving. It packs a good mix of nutrients. Each serving has around 3 grams of protein, 12 grams of fat, and 10 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it a light yet satisfying dish. The fresh spinach and strawberries provide vitamins and minerals. The nuts add healthy fats and crunch. Overall, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a blend of flavors and nutrition in one bowl.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Salad

To start, grab a large salad bowl. In this bowl, combine 4 cups of fresh baby spinach and 2 cups of sliced strawberries. Mix them well. The bright green spinach and red strawberries create a nice contrast. Next, add 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion. This adds a sweet and zesty kick. Now, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Feta gives the salad a creamy taste. Finally, toss in 1/4 cup of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for some crunch and flavor.

Making the Dressing

For the dressing, take a small mixing bowl. Whisk together 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Add in 1/4 cup of poppy seeds. This adds a fun texture and taste. Taste the dressing and season it with salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning as needed to fit your taste.

Assembling the Salad

Now it’s time to put everything together. Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Make sure to cover everything with the dressing. Then, gently toss the salad so the spinach and strawberries mix well. This helps all the flavors blend together. Serve the salad right away for the best taste. If you prefer, let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This lets the flavors meld even better. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad!

Tips & Tricks

Serving Suggestions

To show off this salad’s beauty, use a clear glass bowl. The bright greens and reds pop against the glass. You can also garnish with whole strawberries and extra poppy seeds. This adds flair and draws the eye.

For main dishes, this salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. The sweet and tangy flavors complement savory proteins. It’s also great with a light pasta dish. Serve it at a picnic or family meal to add a fresh touch.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh for up to two days. If you can, keep the dressing separate. This prevents the spinach from wilting. When ready to eat, drizzle the dressing on and toss gently.

To keep the salad crisp, avoid mixing in the nuts until serving. They stay crunchy this way. Also, place a paper towel in the container. It helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the greens fresh longer.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, try goat cheese or even ricotta. These options still give a creamy texture and flavor. For nuts, swap pecans for sliced almonds or hazelnuts. Each nut adds its own unique taste and crunch.

You can also try sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. This keeps the salad delicious and safe for those with nut allergies.

Pro Tips

Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest spinach and strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your salad.
Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Nuts for Crunch: Toast your nuts before adding them to the salad to enhance their flavor and provide a delightful crunch.
Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix in other greens like arugula or kale for added nutrition and a different taste profile.

Variations

Seasonal Variations

You can change this salad with seasonal fruits. In summer, add blueberries or peaches. They bring a burst of sweetness and color. In fall, try diced apples for crunch. You can also switch greens. Arugula adds a peppery taste. It pairs well with strawberries.

Dietary Modifications

To make this salad vegan, skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based option. You can also replace honey with maple syrup for sweetness. For gluten-free options, check your nuts and dressing. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this salad easy to enjoy.

Flavor Enhancements

For more flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or mint. They brighten the salad up. You can also add protein to make it a meal. Grilled chicken works great here, or use chickpeas for a plant-based boost. Both options make the salad hearty and filling.

FAQs

How can I make the salad ahead of time?

To make this salad ahead, prep the ingredients first. Wash and dry the spinach. Slice the strawberries, onions, and nuts. Store each in separate containers. This helps keep them fresh. When ready to serve, mix them in a bowl. Drizzle the dressing just before serving. This keeps the salad crisp and tasty.

Can I make the dressing in advance?

Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time. Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds in a jar. Shake it well until mixed. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using it again. This makes salad prep easier on busy days.

What are the health benefits of this salad?

This salad is packed with health benefits.

– Spinach is high in vitamins A and K. It is good for your bones and eyes.

– Strawberries are rich in antioxidants. They help fight inflammation and boost heart health.

– Feta cheese adds protein and calcium. It supports strong bones and muscle health.

– Nuts, like pecans or walnuts, provide healthy fats. They can help with cholesterol levels.

Overall, this salad is fresh, light, and full of nutrients. It is a great choice for a healthy meal!

History and Background

Origin of Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad

The strawberry spinach poppyseed salad has roots in America. It gained fame in the 1980s. It quickly became a favorite at picnics and potlucks. The bright colors and fresh flavors made it stand out. People loved how well the strawberries paired with spinach. The poppy seeds added a fun crunch. Over time, the salad found its way into many homes and restaurants.

Cultural Significance

Salads have played a big role in many cultures. They often represent fresh, healthy eating. In American cuisine, salads are more than side dishes. They are often the main focus of a meal. The strawberry spinach poppyseed salad shows how salads can be creative. They can mix flavors and textures. This salad is a great example of how food can bring people together.

Evolution of the Recipe

The strawberry spinach poppyseed salad has changed a lot over the years. While the core ingredients remain, chefs have added their twists. Some add nuts for crunch or swap out feta for goat cheese. Others play with dressings, making them lighter or more flavorful. This evolution shows how versatile the salad can be. It adapts to seasonal ingredients and personal tastes while keeping its charm.

This blog post covered how to make a delicious Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad. We discussed fresh ingredients, a simple dressing, and step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for serving, storage, and substitutions to fit your needs. Variations help you explore new flavors, while the FAQs answered common questions.

Try this salad for a tasty and healthy choice. Enjoy the flavors and the benefit

$- 4 cups fresh baby spinach - 2 cups strawberries - 1/2 cup red onion - 1/2 cup feta cheese - 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts - 1/2 cup olive oil - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 1/4 cup poppy seeds - Salt and pepper to taste This salad offers about 150 calories per serving. It packs a good mix of nutrients. Each serving has around 3 grams of protein, 12 grams of fat, and 10 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it a light yet satisfying dish. The fresh spinach and strawberries provide vitamins and minerals. The nuts add healthy fats and crunch. Overall, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a blend of flavors and nutrition in one bowl. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large salad bowl. In this bowl, combine 4 cups of fresh baby spinach and 2 cups of sliced strawberries. Mix them well. The bright green spinach and red strawberries create a nice contrast. Next, add 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion. This adds a sweet and zesty kick. Now, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Feta gives the salad a creamy taste. Finally, toss in 1/4 cup of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for some crunch and flavor. For the dressing, take a small mixing bowl. Whisk together 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Add in 1/4 cup of poppy seeds. This adds a fun texture and taste. Taste the dressing and season it with salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning as needed to fit your taste. Now it’s time to put everything together. Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Make sure to cover everything with the dressing. Then, gently toss the salad so the spinach and strawberries mix well. This helps all the flavors blend together. Serve the salad right away for the best taste. If you prefer, let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This lets the flavors meld even better. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad! To show off this salad's beauty, use a clear glass bowl. The bright greens and reds pop against the glass. You can also garnish with whole strawberries and extra poppy seeds. This adds flair and draws the eye. For main dishes, this salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. The sweet and tangy flavors complement savory proteins. It's also great with a light pasta dish. Serve it at a picnic or family meal to add a fresh touch. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh for up to two days. If you can, keep the dressing separate. This prevents the spinach from wilting. When ready to eat, drizzle the dressing on and toss gently. To keep the salad crisp, avoid mixing in the nuts until serving. They stay crunchy this way. Also, place a paper towel in the container. It helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the greens fresh longer. If you're not a fan of feta cheese, try goat cheese or even ricotta. These options still give a creamy texture and flavor. For nuts, swap pecans for sliced almonds or hazelnuts. Each nut adds its own unique taste and crunch. You can also try sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. This keeps the salad delicious and safe for those with nut allergies. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest spinach and strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Nuts for Crunch: Toast your nuts before adding them to the salad to enhance their flavor and provide a delightful crunch. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix in other greens like arugula or kale for added nutrition and a different taste profile. {{image_2}} You can change this salad with seasonal fruits. In summer, add blueberries or peaches. They bring a burst of sweetness and color. In fall, try diced apples for crunch. You can also switch greens. Arugula adds a peppery taste. It pairs well with strawberries. To make this salad vegan, skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based option. You can also replace honey with maple syrup for sweetness. For gluten-free options, check your nuts and dressing. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this salad easy to enjoy. For more flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or mint. They brighten the salad up. You can also add protein to make it a meal. Grilled chicken works great here, or use chickpeas for a plant-based boost. Both options make the salad hearty and filling. To make this salad ahead, prep the ingredients first. Wash and dry the spinach. Slice the strawberries, onions, and nuts. Store each in separate containers. This helps keep them fresh. When ready to serve, mix them in a bowl. Drizzle the dressing just before serving. This keeps the salad crisp and tasty. Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time. Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds in a jar. Shake it well until mixed. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using it again. This makes salad prep easier on busy days. This salad is packed with health benefits. - Spinach is high in vitamins A and K. It is good for your bones and eyes. - Strawberries are rich in antioxidants. They help fight inflammation and boost heart health. - Feta cheese adds protein and calcium. It supports strong bones and muscle health. - Nuts, like pecans or walnuts, provide healthy fats. They can help with cholesterol levels. Overall, this salad is fresh, light, and full of nutrients. It is a great choice for a healthy meal! The strawberry spinach poppyseed salad has roots in America. It gained fame in the 1980s. It quickly became a favorite at picnics and potlucks. The bright colors and fresh flavors made it stand out. People loved how well the strawberries paired with spinach. The poppy seeds added a fun crunch. Over time, the salad found its way into many homes and restaurants. Salads have played a big role in many cultures. They often represent fresh, healthy eating. In American cuisine, salads are more than side dishes. They are often the main focus of a meal. The strawberry spinach poppyseed salad shows how salads can be creative. They can mix flavors and textures. This salad is a great example of how food can bring people together. The strawberry spinach poppyseed salad has changed a lot over the years. While the core ingredients remain, chefs have added their twists. Some add nuts for crunch or swap out feta for goat cheese. Others play with dressings, making them lighter or more flavorful. This evolution shows how versatile the salad can be. It adapts to seasonal ingredients and personal tastes while keeping its charm. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad. We discussed fresh ingredients, a simple dressing, and step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for serving, storage, and substitutions to fit your needs. Variations help you explore new flavors, while the FAQs answered common questions. Try this salad for a tasty and healthy choice. Enjoy the flavors and the benefits!$