Strawberry Spinach Poppy Dressing (Print Version)
Fresh strawberries, spinach, nuts, and tangy poppy seed dressing come together for a bright, easy salad.
# What You Need:
→ Salad Components
01 - 5 oz fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
02 - 8 oz fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
04 - ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
05 - ⅓ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
06 - 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
→ Poppy Seed Dressing
07 - ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
08 - 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
09 - 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
10 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
11 - 1 tsp poppy seeds
12 - ¼ tsp fine sea salt
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until thoroughly emulsified. Set aside at room temperature.
02 - In a large salad bowl, layer spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and toasted nuts. Arrange ingredients evenly for optimal presentation.
03 - Drizzle the prepared poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients without damaging delicate components. Sprinkle sunflower seeds on top if desired. Serve immediately while crisp.
# Insider Tips:
01 -
- The homemade dressing comes together in literally two minutes and tastes infinitely better than anything storebought
- Its the kind of salad that makes people actually excited about eating their vegetables
02 -
- The dressing can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the refrigerator but give it a good shake before using
- Wait until the very last minute to dress the salad or the spinach will wilt and get sad
03 -
- Dry your spinach really really well with paper towels or a salad spinner because water clings to those leaves and dilutes the dressing
- If your strawberries arent perfectly sweet add just a tiny extra honey to the dressing