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Fresh Healthy Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing for Perfect Summer Meals

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A refreshing and satisfying summer salad combining sweet strawberries, tender baby spinach, and a creamy poppy seed dressing that is both light and filling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups baby spinach (about 180g), washed and dried
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries (about 300g), hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds (about 30g)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles (about 75g)
  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt (120ml)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (30ml)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (30ml)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (9g)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5ml)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the baby spinach thoroughly and spin dry or pat with paper towels to remove excess water. Place the spinach in a large mixing bowl. (5 minutes)
  2. Hull the strawberries by removing the green tops, then cut them into thin slices. Add them to the bowl with spinach. (5 minutes)
  3. If using, slice the red onion paper-thin and add to the bowl. (2 minutes)
  4. Heat a dry skillet on medium and toast the sliced almonds for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden brown. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Let cool slightly, then sprinkle over the salad. (5 minutes)
  5. In a small bowl or jar, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang as preferred. (5 minutes)
  6. Pour the dressing over the spinach mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Be careful not to bruise the leaves. (2 minutes)
  7. Sprinkle feta cheese crumbles on top and give a very light toss to distribute. (1 minute)
  8. Serve immediately for best freshness. Salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Dry spinach thoroughly to prevent soggy salad. Toast almonds just before assembling for best flavor. Toss salad just before serving to keep spinach crisp. Dressing can be made ahead and stored separately. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt and feta with vegan alternatives. For nut-free, substitute almonds with roasted sunflower seeds or pepitas.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/fresh-healthy-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-creamy-poppy-seed-dressing-for-perfect-summer-meals/