Print

Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A fresh and vibrant spinach salad featuring ripe strawberries, toasted pecans, and a creamy, slightly tangy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for spring and summer, this salad balances sweetness, crunch, and creaminess in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves (about 180 g), washed and dried
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries (about 300 g), hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup toasted pecans (about 50 g), roughly chopped (can substitute walnuts)
  • ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup feta cheese (about 75 g), crumbled
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise (80 ml), full-fat preferred
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (60 ml), plain and unsweetened
  • 2 tablespoons honey (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (9 g)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5 ml)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and stir frequently for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool on a plate.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth. Slowly add honey while whisking gently.
  3. Add apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard, mixing well. Stir in poppy seeds. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing feels too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time to reach desired consistency.
  4. Prepare the salad ingredients: Wash and dry baby spinach leaves thoroughly. Hull and slice strawberries. Thinly slice red onion if using. Crumble feta cheese.
  5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, sliced red onion, and toasted pecans. Pour the creamy poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly, being careful not to crush the berries.
  6. Serve immediately: Plate the salad and sprinkle crumbled feta on top. Serve fresh for the best texture and flavor contrast.

Notes

Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning. Whisk dressing ingredients slowly to prevent graininess. Dry spinach thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Slice strawberries just before serving to maintain texture. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising berries. Dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and whisked again before serving.

Nutrition

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

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