If you’re craving a dish that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious, this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed is your answer! It’s a vibrant, fresh salad bursting with sweet strawberries, earthy spinach, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans—all brought together with a luscious, homemade poppy seed dressing that you’ll want to pour on everything.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Fresh & Flavorful: Every bite is a burst of juicy strawberry, tangy feta, nutty pecan, and that zippy, sweet homemade poppy seed dressing.
- Ready in 15 Minutes: With a handful of ingredients and zero fuss, this salad comes together faster than you can decide what’s for dinner!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Gorgeous enough for a holiday table, yet effortless and light for everyday lunches or weeknight dinners.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, nut-free, or just want to use what you have on hand, there are tons of ways to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a short, simple ingredient list can give you something so crave-worthy! Each ingredient in this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed adds its own pop of flavor, color, or texture, and together, they’re absolute magic in a bowl.
- Baby Spinach (6 oz): Tender and mild, baby spinach forms a leafy green bed that pairs beautifully with the sweet strawberries.
- Strawberries (12 oz): Cleaned, hulled, and sliced, fresh strawberries bring a juicy, vibrant sweetness that’s irresistible.
- Pecans (½ cup): Toasted for an extra nutty crunch and rich flavor—you can use whole and chopped pieces for more texture.
- Feta Cheese (½ cup): Crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty contrast that ties the salad together (feel free to use goat cheese for a twist!).
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (¼ cup): The base of our silky, homemade salad dressing—be sure to use good-quality oil for the best flavor.
- Dijon Mustard (2 tbsp): Brings a gentle kick to the dressing and helps it emulsify into a dreamy consistency.
- Honey (3 tbsp): Naturally sweetens your dressing and balances the tanginess from lemon and mustard.
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice (3 tbsp): Brightens up every bite with fresh, zesty flavor.
- Poppy Seeds (2 tbsp, divided): These tiny seeds add a delightful crunch and signature look to the finished salad and dressing.
Variations
One of the best things about Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed is how easy it is to make it perfectly yours. You can swap, add, or skip ingredients to fit your taste, dietary needs, or just what you have in the kitchen.
- Swap the Nuts: Try walnuts, sliced almonds, or even sunflower seeds for different crunch and flavor profiles.
- Make it Vegan: Replace feta with a vegan cheese or diced avocado, and use maple syrup or agave in place of honey.
- Boost the Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or a scoop of quinoa for a heartier salad that works as a main dish.
- Dress it Up (or Down): Add red onions, blueberries, or a sprinkle of fresh basil for a new spin, or keep it simple for classic freshness.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed
Step 1: Whisk Together the Poppy Seed Dressing
Grab a mason jar or a small bowl and add the extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, honey, and half of the poppy seeds. Whisk vigorously with a fork (or give the jar a good shake with the lid on!) until the dressing is creamy and fully emulsified. Taste and adjust—add more honey if you like it sweeter, or mustard for extra zing.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
If you haven’t already, take a couple of minutes to toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often until they’re fragrant and golden brown. Let them cool before adding them to the salad—it gives an extra depth of flavor and irresistible crunch.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl or right on your serving platter, layer the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and most of the toasted pecans (saving a few for topping). Drizzle over your homemade poppy seed dressing and toss gently so every leaf is coated and the flavors mingle.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle on the crumbled feta cheese, reserved pecans, and the rest of the poppy seeds for that signature look. Serve immediately and watch how fast it disappears!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed
- Strawberry Selection: For maximum sweetness, look for fresh, local strawberries that are fragrant and beautifully red from top to bottom.
- Pecans, Perfectly Toasted: Keep an eye on your nuts—pecans can go from toasted to burned in seconds. As soon as they smell toasty, pull them off the heat!
- Dressing Emulsification: Whisk or shake your dressing until it’s thick and creamy—this not only blends the flavors but helps it cling deliciously to your spinach leaves.
- Assemble Last-Minute: For crisp spinach and perfectly dressed berries, toss everything together just before serving, especially if you’re entertaining.
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed
Garnishes
For a final flourish, scatter a few extra poppy seeds, some freshly cracked black pepper, or a drizzle of honey right at the end. You can also add whole or sliced fresh strawberries on top for a bold, inviting presentation—they practically invite you to dig in!
Side Dishes
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed is lovely next to grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, or quiche for brunch. If you want to keep lunch light, serve it alongside crusty bread or a chilled soup for a refreshing, sunshiny meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this salad into eye-catching individual portions in mason jars or parfait glasses, or arrange the spinach and strawberries on a large platter with toppings in decorative piles for a “build-your-own” experience at gatherings. Adding edible flowers makes it whimsical and beautiful for special occasions!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately whenever possible. The spinach (with strawberries, pecans, and cheese) keeps well in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but it’s freshest the day you make it.
Freezing
Sadly, this salad doesn’t freeze well—the delicate greens and juicy berries become mushy after thawing. For best results, enjoy your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed fresh and make only what you’ll eat in a day or two.
Reheating
This salad truly shines cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary (or recommended). Let it come to room temp if it’s been in the fridge, give it a gentle toss, and enjoy!
FAQs
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Can I use bottled dressing instead of homemade?
Homemade poppy seed dressing truly makes this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed unforgettable, but if you’re in a pinch, a good quality store-bought poppy seed dressing will still work. You might want to taste and adjust the salad at the end, as commercial dressings are often sweeter or more tart than homemade.
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What other fruits can I use if I don’t have strawberries?
Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or even sliced apples or pears make delicious substitutions—feel free to get creative with whatever’s in season to keep the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed fresh and exciting.
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Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed are naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for guests with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
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Can I make the salad in advance?
Absolutely! Prep all your ingredients and keep the dressing separate. Right before serving, toss everything together for a salad that is crisp, juicy, and as fresh-tasting as possible.
Final Thoughts
I hope you fall in love with this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed the way I have—it’s impossibly fresh, brilliantly colorful, and the kind of recipe that always makes me smile. Next time strawberries are calling your name, give this beauty a try and let it become your new go-to for every picnic, party, or weekday lunch!
Print
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed is a delightful mix of fresh flavors and textures. The combination of sweet strawberries, crunchy pecans, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty poppy seed dressing makes this salad a perfect side dish or light main course.
Ingredients
Salad Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds, divided
Spinach Strawberry Salad
- 6 oz baby spinach
- 12 ounces strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and sliced (about 3 cups)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Make Salad Dressing: Combine olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds in a mason jar. Whisk well with a fork for a minute or 2 until emulsified. Add more honey or mustard to taste.
- Assembly: Combine spinach, sliced strawberries, and toasted pecans (some whole some chopped) in a large serving bowl (or in 4 individual salad bowls). Add salad dressing and toss to combine. Top with crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle with extra poppy seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
