Strawberry Spinach Salad Poppy Seed

The first time I made this salad was for a last-minute brunch when my sister announced she was visiting in 20 minutes. I had strawberries sitting on the counter and a bag of spinach, and something told me to throw them together with that homemade dressing my grandmother used to whisk up by memory. Everyone went quiet after the first bite, and now my sister texts me annually from April through August asking when strawberry season will bring this salad back to our table.

Last summer I brought this to a potluck and watched three different people ask for the recipe before they even finished their first serving. Theres something about the combination of fresh strawberries and that creamy, tangy dressing that makes people pause mid-conversation and reach for seconds.

Ingredients

• Fresh baby spinach: Baby spinach is tender and mild, making it perfect for delicate salads where you dont want bitter greens overpowering the sweet strawberries.
• Fresh strawberries: Look for berries that are fully red and fragrant, avoiding any white shoulders or soft spots, as theyre the star of this show.
• Feta cheese: The salty crumbles cut through the sweetness and add that creamy element that ties everything together beautifully.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds just enough bite and color contrast without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
• Toasted pecans or walnuts: Toasting the nuts first brings out their natural oils and creates this wonderful crunch that makes every bite interesting.
• Sunflower seeds: These add extra texture and a little nutty flavor without competing with the other elements.
• Extra virgin olive oil: A good quality olive oil forms the base of your dressing and adds that fruity, peppery note you cannot get from lesser oils.
• Apple cider vinegar: This provides the tangy brightness that cuts through the rich elements and makes the salad taste alive.
• Honey or maple syrup: Just enough sweetness to balance the vinegar and highlight the natural sugars in the strawberries.
• Dijon mustard: The secret ingredient that emulsifies your dressing and adds that subtle depth everyone notices but cannot quite place.
• Poppy seeds: These tiny seeds add a gentle crunch and that classic speckled look that makes the dressing feel homemade and special.
• Fine sea salt and black pepper: Salt enhances all the flavors while pepper adds a gentle warmth that rounds out the dressing.

Instructions

Whisk the dressing:

In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper, whisking vigorously until the mixture thickens slightly and everything is fully incorporated.

Prep the strawberries:

Hull the strawberries by removing the green tops, then slice them into quarters or halves depending on their size, keeping the pieces substantial enough to show off their beautiful red color.

Assemble the base:

In a large salad bowl, pile in the washed and dried spinach as your foundation, then arrange the sliced strawberries, red onion, crumbled feta, and toasted nuts on top in sections rather than tossing everything together yet.

Dress and toss:

Drizzle about half the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently with salad servers or your hands, adding more dressing gradually until the leaves are lightly coated but not drowning.

Finish and serve:

Sprinkle the sunflower seeds over the top as a final touch and serve immediately while the nuts still have their crunch and the strawberries are perfectly chilled.

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This salad became my go-to for bridal showers after the bride told me it was the only thing she actually ate during her own reception, choosing to hover near the salad instead of the fancy appetizers. Sometimes the simplest dishes become the most memorable ones.

Making It Your Own

I have discovered that adding grilled chicken or roasted shrimp turns this from a side dish into a complete meal that feels substantial enough for dinner. The protein does not compete with the delicate flavors, it just makes everything feel more satisfying.

Seasonal Swaps

When strawberries are not in season, try fresh sliced peaches or even segmented oranges for that same sweet fruit element. The dressing works beautifully with whatever fresh fruit is at its peak, making this a year-round recipe in disguise.

Get Ahead Tips

You can wash and dry the spinach, slice the onions, toast the nuts, and even crumble the cheese up to a day in advance, storing everything separately in the refrigerator. The dressing can be made ahead and kept at room temperature, which actually helps the flavors develop even more beautifully.

• Wait to slice the strawberries until the last minute to prevent them from releasing too much juice.
• Keep the nuts separate until serving time so they maintain their perfect crunch.
• Bring the dressing to room temperature before drizzling if you have stored it in the refrigerator.

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This is the salad that converts spinach skeptics and makes everyone believe that maybe, just maybe, healthy food can be the most delicious thing on the table.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare all ingredients separately and store in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar. Toss everything together just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of fresh spinach and prevent strawberries from becoming soggy.

→ What other greens work well with strawberries?

Arugula adds a peppery bite that complements sweet strawberries beautifully. Mixed baby greens, spring lettuce mix, or young kale also work well. For a more delicate presentation, use butter lettuce or tender Boston lettuce leaves.

→ How long does homemade poppy seed dressing last?

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The oil may solidify when cold—let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and whisk well before using. Shake vigorously to recombine ingredients.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are highly recommended for their texture and appearance. Frozen strawberries become mushy when thawed and release excess water, which will make the salad soggy. If fresh aren't available, consider using fresh berries from the market.

→ What protein additions work best?

Grilled chicken breast pairs wonderfully with the sweet and tangy flavors. Shrimp adds a light seafood option. For vegetarian protein, try quinoa, chickpeas, or sliced hard-boiled eggs. Add protein after tossing with dressing to keep it pristine.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

Replace honey with pure maple syrup or agave nectar. Substitute feta with vegan feta alternatives, or simply increase the nuts and seeds. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor element if desired.