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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Creamy Poppyseed Dressing

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
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A refreshing and nostalgic salad combining fresh strawberries, tender spinach, toasted almonds, and a creamy homemade poppyseed dressing. Perfect for quick meals, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves (washed and dried)
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon poppyseeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon milk or buttermilk to thin dressing if needed

Instructions

  1. Rinse the baby spinach leaves thoroughly under cold water and spin dry or pat with a towel.
  2. Hull and slice the strawberries into thin pieces, aiming for uniform size.
  3. Thinly slice the red onion.
  4. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). Set aside to cool.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppyseeds, salt, and pepper. Add milk or buttermilk a teaspoon at a time if dressing is too thick. Adjust sweetness or tanginess as needed.
  6. In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, toasted almonds, and sliced onion.
  7. If using, sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese on top.
  8. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss using salad tongs or two large spoons to coat evenly without bruising the spinach or berries.
  9. Serve immediately for best freshness. If needed, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving.

Notes

Toast almonds just before serving for best flavor. Keep spinach dry and add dressing right before serving to avoid sogginess. Dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in fridge. For dairy-free, omit cheese and use vegan mayo. Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and drained well.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, poppyseed dressing, fresh salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, summer salad, potluck salad

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-easy-creamy-poppyseed-dressing/