Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Strawberry Spinach Salad With Poppy Seed Dressin
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Recipe Introduction: Fall Head Over Heels for Fresh Spinach Strawberry Salad
Ever get that craving for something light but bursting with flavour? Honestly, me too. That's where a fresh spinach strawberry salad comes in.
It's the perfect mix of sweet and savoury that'll have your taste buds doing the tango.
A Salad with History
This isn't just some random pile of greens. The strawberry spinach salad recipe has roots in classic summer salads. Think picnics, garden parties, and sunshine.
It combines the earthy spinach with juicy strawberries. The salty feta and crunchy pecans add the finishing touches.
This easy spinach strawberry salad recipe is simple. The difficulty level is easy as pie. The prep time is 20 minutes .
The cook time (for toasting pecans) is 5 minutes . And you get 4 servings.
Why This Salad Is the Bee's Knees
One of the best things? It's packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse. Strawberries are full of vitamin C. This salad is a guilt free pleasure.
It's perfect for a light lunch, a BBQ side dish, or a potluck showstopper. The spinach salad poppy seed dressing makes this salad extra special. You know?
It feels like a hug in a bowl. It's so refreshing, especially on a warm day. Honestly, I think about this salad all year round.
The slight tang of the dressing perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries. It's my happy place in food form.
Let's dive into the ingredients! Get your pecan feta strawberry spinach salad on now!
Fresh Spinach Strawberry Salad: Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear!
Okay, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this amazing fresh spinach strawberry salad . Honestly, it's so simple, you'll wonder why you haven't been making it all your life.
I was at the farmer's market last weekend, and the strawberries were just calling my name! That's when I knew I had to make this strawberry spinach salad recipe
The Salad Stars: What You Need
Spinach : You'll need 6 ounces (170g) of fresh spinach . Baby spinach is great; just make sure it's washed and dried.
Nobody wants a soggy salad! I always give it a good spin in my salad spinner.
Strawberries : Grab 1 pound (450g) of those beautiful, red strawberries. Hull and slice 'em up nice. The riper the strawberries, the sweeter the salad!
Pecans : 1/2 cup (50g) of pecans is what you need. Toast 'em if you're feeling fancy. Honestly, it makes a difference!
Feta : 1/2 cup (75g) of crumbled feta. The saltiness of the feta is a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the strawberries.
Red Onion : A little 1/4 cup (30g) of thinly sliced red onion adds a nice bit of zing.
Seasoning Notes
To make the spinach salad dressing recipes , you'll need:
- Olive Oil : 1/4 cup (60ml) . Use good quality stuff, it makes a difference!
- Apple Cider Vinegar : 2 tablespoons (30ml) . If you don't have it, white wine vinegar will do.
- Honey : 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Maple syrup works too if you are thinking to making vegan strawberry spinach salad .
- Dijon Mustard : 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Poppy Seeds : 1 tablespoon (15ml) . They add such a nice texture! This spinach strawberry salad poppy seed dressing is just amazing!
- Salt : 1/4 teaspoon
- Pepper : 1/8 teaspoon
Your Kitchen Crew: The Equipment
- Big Salad Bowl : Obvious, right?
- Whisk : For the dressing.
- Small Mixing Bowl : For making the dressing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons : Gotta be precise!
- Knife and Cutting Board : For chopping the ingredients.
- Small Skillet : Just in case you want to toast those pecans.
Honestly, that's it. No need for any crazy gadgets. If you’re anything like me, you already have all this stuff in your kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Let's get cooking this amazing easy spinach strawberry salad ! This summer salad recipes will impress all your friends! You can even add chicken and make it strawberry spinach salad with chicken
Whip Up the Perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad
Okay, you guys, let’s talk summer in a bowl! I'm obsessed with this fresh spinach strawberry salad . Honestly, it’s the perfect light bite.
Ever get stuck on what salad to bring to a family event? This is a surefire winner! What's not to love? Did you know the oldest known reference to salads comes from Ancient Rome.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
First things first. Get your 170g of fresh spinach washed. And dried! Soggy salad? No thanks. Slice up 450g of strawberries .
Toast 50g of pecans , if you're feeling fancy. Crumble 75g of feta . Slice that 30g of red onion nice and thin.
Got it? Good!
Step-by-Step to Salad Bliss
- Toast your pecans for 5 minutes in a dry skillet (optional).
- Whisk together 60ml olive oil, 30ml apple cider vinegar, 30ml honey, 15ml Dijon mustard, 15ml poppy seeds, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper for the spinach salad dressing recipes .
- Throw the spinach, strawberries, pecans (if using), feta, and red onion into a big bowl.
- Drizzle that poppy seed dressing over the top.
- Gently toss it all together and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Salad Domination
Want to elevate your easy spinach strawberry salad game? Toast those pecans! It unlocks their flavor. Also, don't dress the salad until just before serving.
The spinach will thank you. Want a vegan strawberry spinach salad ? Easy swap feta for a vegan version, or nutritional yeast.
For a quick and healthy meal, add some grilled chicken - you can call it a strawberry spinach salad with chicken .
Want to plan ahead? Make the dressing a day in advance. It'll be even better the next day. Store it in the fridge. Avoid adding dressing too early to prevent soggy spinach.
The strawberry spinach salad poppy seed dressing makes it the MVP! Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Alright, mate, let's talk about some handy hints for this fresh spinach strawberry salad . I swear, this isn't just some rabbit food; it's a flavor explosion! I first made it during a barbecue last summer.
Honestly, everyone was raving about it more than the burgers!
Serving It Up Right
Plating and Presentation Ideas
First impressions matter, right? Arrange the spinach salad with strawberries feta pecans on a pretty platter. Honestly, just scatter the strawberries artfully.
For a bit of extra pizzazz, try layering the salad in individual glass bowls. This makes it look super posh.
What Goes Well With It?
This easy spinach strawberry salad is fantastic on its own. But, it sings with grilled chicken or salmon. Thinking drinks? A crisp glass of sparkling water or a light rosé will do the trick.
Fancy pants.
Storing Like a Pro
Refrigeration Guidelines
This is key: Don't dress the salad until you're ready to serve. Undressed, the spinach and strawberries will keep in the fridge for about 2 days.
I learned this the hard way after a strawberry spinach salad recipe gone soggy. No one wants that!
Freezing Options
Freezing this spinach strawberry salad is a no-go. Freezing wilts the spinach into a wet, soggy mess.
Reheating Instructions
There's no reheating here, champ. Just enjoy it cold and fresh. Summer salad recipes should be easy, right?
Mix It Up!
Dietary Adaptations
Want a vegan strawberry spinach salad ? Easy peasy! Swap the feta for vegan feta and the honey in the dressing for maple syrup. BOOM! Done.
Seasonal Swaps
Out of strawberries? No worries. Blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches work wonders. This makes the recipe flexible!
Nutrition Lowdown
Simplified Nutrition Information
Each serving clocks in around 250 calories. You also get 6g of protein and 4g of fibre. It's a salad that actually fills you up, not just makes you feel virtuous.
Key Health Benefits
Spinach is packed with vitamins. Strawberries are antioxidant powerhouses. It's a win-win. This is great for you and tastes amazing.
This strawberry spinach salad poppy seed dressing recipe is a proper game changer. It's simple, delicious, and packed with goodness. Give it a go and let me know what you think! I'm confident this pecan feta strawberry spinach salad will become a regular in your rotation.
Now, go whip up something delicious! You can also get creative using a strawberry salad with balsamic glaze .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the fresh spinach strawberry salad ahead of time? I'm planning a right proper garden party!
You can certainly get ahead! The poppy seed dressing for this fresh spinach strawberry salad can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. However, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving.
Dressing the spinach too early will cause it to wilt, and nobody wants a soggy salad at a garden party!
What are some good substitutions for the ingredients in this strawberry spinach salad? My local shop is out of pecans!
No worries, there are plenty of ways to switch things up! If you can't find pecans, walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds would work beautifully for a similar crunch. For the cheese, goat cheese or blue cheese offer a tangier alternative to feta.
And if you're out of apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar can be used in the dressing instead.
How long will this fresh spinach strawberry salad last in the fridge? I always make too much!
Unfortunately, dressed spinach salad doesn't have a long shelf life, a bit like a mayfly at a summer's party. Ideally, it's best eaten immediately after dressing. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Just be aware that the spinach will likely wilt and the dressing might separate, so it won't be quite as vibrant.
Is this fresh spinach strawberry salad recipe healthy? I'm trying to watch my waistline, you know.
Absolutely! This salad is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the spinach and strawberries. The pecans provide healthy fats, and the feta adds a touch of protein and calcium. To keep it even lighter, you could reduce the amount of honey in the dressing or use a lighter olive oil.
Just remember, like everything in life, moderation is key!
What can I add to this strawberry spinach salad to make it a more complete meal? I need something a bit more substantial, old boy!
Good shout! To make it more of a meal, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. Some crumbled bacon would add a savory element, or even some cooked quinoa or farro for extra fiber and staying power. A drizzle of balsamic glaze on top would also add a touch of sophistication.
It's all about making it your own!
