Strawberry Spinach Salad

A Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that can brighten any meal. The fusion of sweet strawberries with fresh spinach creates a beautiful contrast that not only looks amazing but tastes incredible too. Whether you’re looking for a tasty side for a gathering or something quick to whip up on busy weeknights, this salad fits perfectly into any occasion. And let’s not forget about the homemade poppy seed dressing! It adds a creamy, tangy kick that truly brings everything together. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s make something delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad

This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a vibrant dish that will make your taste buds sing. Imagine the sweet, juicy strawberries mingling with the rich, nutrient-packed spinach. It’s hard not to love the fresh flavors! Plus, the homemade poppy seed dressing not only elevates this salad but also makes it a standout dish for any meal. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or just a weeknight dinner, you’ll find this salad fits right in. And the best part? It’s super quick to prepare, making it perfect for those busy nights when you still want something fantastic on your table.

What is a Strawberry Spinach Salad

A Strawberry Spinach Salad is a light and colorful blend of fresh spinach and juicy strawberries, often topped with a creamy poppy seed dressing. This dish might also include crunchy nuts like pecans, which adds a wonderful texture that you won’t want to miss. It’s versatile enough to serve as a light appetizer or as a refreshing side salad. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among many.

Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad

To make this delightful salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 10 ounces fresh spinach, rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 quart strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and sliced
• 1/4 cup roasted pecans (optional)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced onion

These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a colorful and tasty dish that you’ll love.

Creating the Perfect Poppy Seed Dressing

Making the dressing is just as simple as preparing the salad.

Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a medium bowl. In it, combine the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and granulated sugar. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps incorporate their flavors evenly.

Incorporate Liquid Ingredients

Next, add the olive oil, distilled white vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and minced onion to the bowl. Give it a good whisk until everything is well blended. This creamy dressing will add a kick of flavor that pairs perfectly with the salad.

Chill the Dressing

To enhance the flavors, cover the bowl and chill the dressing for one hour. While it chills, you can prepare the salad and get everything ready.

Assembling the Strawberry Spinach Salad

Now, you’re ready to put everything together!

Combine the Fresh Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently combine the torn spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, and roasted pecans if you’re using them. The fresh ingredients create a lovely mix of colors and textures.

Pour on the Dressing

Next, drizzle the chilled poppy seed dressing over the spinach and strawberries. This is where the magic really starts to happen!

Toss and Refrigerate

Gently toss the salad until everything is nicely coated in dressing. Then, refrigerate it for about 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld, making every bite even more delightful.

Serving Suggestions

When you’re ready to serve this beautiful salad, consider pairing it with:

• Grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal.
• Garlic bread for a fantastic combination.

These pairings bring out the flavors of the salad and create a memorable dining experience.

Tips for Success

A few tips can enhance your salad-making experience:

• Always use fresh, ripe strawberries. This boosts the sweetness and overall flavor.
• Preparing the dressing in advance saves time during busy meal prep.

Variations

Feel free to switch things up! Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

• Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty taste.
• Try adding feta cheese or goat cheese to give it a creamy kick.

These small changes can make your Strawberry Spinach Salad even more delicious!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, here are some handy tips:

• Store any leftover salad without dressing. This way, the spinach remains fresh.
• The dressing can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a shake before using it again.

Pairing Ideas

To really enjoy your Strawberry Spinach Salad, consider these pairing ideas:

• A crisp white wine complements the salad beautifully, especially during warm months.
• Match it with a fruit-based dessert to enhance the overall flavor experience.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, feel free to make the dressing up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

2. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
The ingredients can be prepped ahead, but dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach fresh.

3. Can I substitute the vinegar in the dressing?
Absolutely! Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar works well as alternatives.

4. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

5. How can I add protein to this salad?
Consider topping your salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for an added protein boost.

This Strawberry Spinach Salad is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. The sweet strawberries, crunchy nuts, and creamy poppy seed dressing create a delightful experience sure to impress any crowd. Whether enjoyed at a summer barbecue, a picnic, or simply as a light lunch, this salad is a go-to favorite that will leave everyone craving more!

More Easy Salads & Sides Recipes:

• Mango Salad with Spinach and Blueberries
• Tossed Green Salad
• Julia Child’s Caesar Salad
• Vegan Greek Salad

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Strawberry Spinach Salad

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This vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad combines juicy strawberries with nutrient-rich spinach, making it a delightful addition to any meal. The homemade poppy seed dressing elevates its flavors, ensuring it’s a crowd-pleaser, whether for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner.

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10 ounces fresh spinach, rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 quart strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and sliced
• 1/4 cup roasted pecans (optional)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced onion

Instructions

• Combine dry ingredients (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar) in a bowl.
• Add liquid ingredients (olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, onion) to the bowl and whisk until blended.
• Chill dressing for one hour.
• In a large bowl, mix spinach, strawberries, and pecans.
• Drizzle chilled dressing over the salad and toss gently.
• Refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
Make the dressing ahead of time for easy meal prep.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 11
• Sodium: 70
• Fat: 20
• Saturated Fat: 3
• Unsaturated Fat: 15
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 18
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 3
• Cholesterol: 0