Strawberry Spinach Poppy Dressing

The first time my neighbor brought this salad to our summer block party, I literally went back for thirds. Something about how the sweet strawberries play against that tangy dressing had me completely mesmerized. Now it is the only salad my kids actually request by name.

Last spring I made this for my mothers birthday brunch and watched my aunt who claims to hate salads devour two bowlfuls. There is something magical about how fresh ingredients can convert even the most stubborn salad skeptics.

Ingredients

• Baby Spinach: Tender baby spinach leaves work best here because they do not get bitter or tough like mature spinach can
• Fresh Strawberries: Look for berries that are deep red and fragrant as they provide the sweet backbone that balances everything else
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds just the right amount of sharp bite and beautiful color contrast
• Feta Cheese: Creamy salty feta crumbles create these perfect little pockets of richness throughout the salad
• Toast Pecans or Almonds: Toasting the nuts first brings out their natural oils and adds essential crunch that keeps every bite interesting
• Dried Cranberries: These optional chewy bites add extra tartness and texture variation
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a quality olive oil because the dressing flavor really depends on it
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This provides the perfect tangy foundation that makes the dressing sing
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Just enough sweetness to balance the acidity without making it cloying
• Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and that classic speckled appearance
• Dijon Mustard: The secret ingredient that helps the dressing emulsify and stay perfectly creamy

Instructions

Prep Your Fresh Ingredients:

Wash and thoroughly dry the spinach then hull and slice those beautiful red strawberries into bite sized pieces

Build the Salad Base:

In a large bowl toss together the spinach strawberries red onion feta toasted nuts and cranberries until everything is evenly distributed

Whisk the Magic Dressing:

In a small bowl whisk together olive oil vinegar honey poppy seeds mustard salt and pepper until completely combined

Bring It Together:

Drizzle that gorgeous dressing over the salad right before serving and toss gently so you do not bruise the delicate leaves

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This salad has become my go to for everything from weeknight dinners to fancy dinner parties because it never fails to impress.

Making It Your Own

I have learned that swapping goat cheese for feta creates an entirely different but equally delicious experience.

Perfect Pairings

Grilled chicken or salmon turn this from a side dish into a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Success

Keep everything chilled until the very last moment for maximum refreshment factor.

• Use a large wide bowl to make tossing easier
• Toast nuts in advance and store them airtight
• Extra dressing doubles as a great marinade

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Everytime I serve this someone asks for the recipe which is always the best compliment.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute the feta cheese?

Yes, goat cheese can be used for a creamier texture or plant-based cheese for vegan preferences.

→ What nuts work best in this salad?

Toasted pecans or sliced almonds add a satisfying crunch and rich flavor complementing the fruit and greens.

→ How long can the dressing be stored?

The poppy seed dressing can be refrigerated and kept fresh for up to one week.

→ Is this salad suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

→ Can I add protein to the salad?

Grilled chicken or avocado slices make excellent protein additions to enhance the salad’s richness.