Strawberry Spinach Poppy Dressing

Last summer my neighbor brought over a basket of fresh strawberries from her garden and insisted I take them home. They were impossibly sweet and still warm from the afternoon sun, and I knew they deserved more than just being eaten plain. That evening I threw together this salad on impulse, and something about the juicy berries against crisp spinach just clicked.

Ive served this at four different potlucks now and every single time someone asks for the recipe before they even finish their first serving. My friend Sarah who claims to hate salad went back for thirds and then texted me the next day saying she dreamed about it.

Ingredients

• Fresh baby spinach: Baby spinach is tender and mild unlike mature spinach which can be tough and bitter
• Fresh strawberries: Look for berries that are deep red and fragrant as theyll be the sweetest
• Feta cheese: The salty creaminess cuts through the sweetness of the berries and dressing
• Red onion: Thin slices add just enough sharpness to keep things interesting
• Toasted pecans or walnuts: Toasting them beforehand brings out their natural oils and adds crunch
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good quality one since the dressing is so simple
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a fruity tang that works beautifully with strawberries
• Honey or maple syrup: Just enough to balance the vinegar without making it dessert sweet
• Dijon mustard: This is what keeps the dressing emulsified and creamy
• Poppy seeds: They add this incredible little crunch and speckled beauty to the dressing

Instructions

Whisk together the dressing:

In a small jar or bowl combine the olive oil apple cider vinegar honey Dijon mustard poppy seeds salt and pepper and whisk until completely smooth and slightly thickened.

Prep the salad base:

Place your spinach in a large salad bowl and top with sliced strawberries thinly sliced red onion crumbled feta and toasted nuts.

Dress and serve:

Drizzle about half the dressing over the salad right before serving toss gently and add more dressing to taste then sprinkle with sunflower seeds if using.

Save

This salad has become my go to for summer dinners because it feels fancy but takes almost no effort. Theres something about the combination of sweet salty and tangy that makes everything feel more celebratory.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I swap out the nuts for sliced almonds or even leave them out entirely if Im serving someone with allergies. The salad still works beautifully.

Perfect Pairings

This shines alongside grilled chicken or fish but Ive also eaten it as a main dish more times than Ill admit. A chilled glass of rosé makes it feel like youre dining at a sidewalk cafe.

Make Ahead Magic

You can prep everything except the dressing and tossing up to a day in advance. Just keep the components separate in the fridge.

• Store the spinach and strawberries in different containers so the berries dont make the spinach soggy
• Toast your nuts ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container
• Wait to slice the red onion until close to serving time so it doesnt overpower everything

Save

Hope this brings a little brightness to your table like it has to mine.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute feta cheese with another ingredient?

Yes, goat cheese or blue cheese can replace feta for a different flavor, or omit cheese for a dairy-free option.

→ What nuts work best in this salad?

Toasted pecans or walnuts add a crunchy texture and complement the fruity and leafy ingredients well.

→ Is it possible to make the dressing vegan?

Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep the dressing vegan while preserving its natural sweetness.

→ How should I store leftovers to maintain freshness?

Store salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator; toss together just before serving.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Grilled chicken or shrimp can be included to boost protein and create a more substantial meal.