Print

Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Creamy Poppyseed Dressing

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image

A fresh and flavorful strawberry spinach salad tossed with a creamy poppyseed dressing, perfect for quick meals, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients (10 minutes): Rinse and dry the baby spinach thoroughly. Hull and slice the strawberries into thin pieces. Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Toast the nuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Let them cool.
  2. Make the Creamy Poppyseed Dressing (5 minutes): In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Stir in poppy seeds, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or tang if desired.
  3. Assemble the Salad (5 minutes): In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion. Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat. Add toasted nuts and crumbled cheese on top.
  4. Serve: Drizzle additional dressing on the side or over the salad if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy fresh textures. Store leftovers separately for best results.

Notes

Dry spinach leaves thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. Whisk dressing until smooth and well blended. Dress salad just before serving to keep spinach crisp and strawberries fresh. Dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, creamy poppyseed dressing, fresh salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, summer salad, potluck salad