Print

Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A vibrant and refreshing spinach salad featuring fresh strawberries, toasted pecans, and a creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy side or light meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 180g), washed and dried
  • 2 cups strawberries (about 300g), hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans (60g), roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese (75g), crumbled (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (30 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (15 ml)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (30 ml)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 6 cups of baby spinach thoroughly in a salad spinner or under cold water. Spin or pat dry until no moisture remains.
  2. Hull and slice 2 cups of fresh strawberries into thin slices. Thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion. Set aside.
  3. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove promptly and let cool.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon poppy seeds. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt if using.
  5. In a large bowl, gently toss the spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and toasted pecans. Crumble 1/2 cup feta cheese over the top if using.
  6. Drizzle the creamy poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the spinach.
  7. Serve immediately for best freshness and crunch.

Notes

Use fresh strawberries for best texture and flavor. Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning. Dressing can be made ahead and stored up to 7 days refrigerated. Keep salad and dressing separate if preparing ahead to maintain crispness. Vegan mayo and plant-based cheese can be used for a vegan version. Substitute pecans with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for nut-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, poppy seed dressing, fresh salad, summer salad, healthy salad, creamy dressing, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-easy-creamy-poppy-seed-dressing/