This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a vibrant celebration of fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients, perfect for brightening up any meal. Juicy strawberries, tender spinach, and crunchy almonds come together in a symphony of textures, while the homemade poppy seed dressing adds a sweet-tangy finish. In just 1 hour and 20 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, packed with vitamins and fiber to fuel your day.
Every bite is a delightful balance of sweet and savory, with the creamy dressing tying it all together. The salad’s refreshing crunch and burst of fruity sweetness make it a crowd-pleaser, whether served as a light lunch or a vibrant side. It’s a recipe that proves healthy eating can be both simple and utterly satisfying.
Fresh & Flavorful Ingredients
- For the Dressing:
- ▢ 2 Tablespoons sesame seeds
- ▢ 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
- ▢ ⅓ cup sugar (or substitute with honey for a natural sweetener)
- ▢ ½ cup olive oil (extra virgin recommended for best flavor)
- ▢ ¼ cup white vinegar (apple cider vinegar works as a substitute)
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ▢ Dash of ground pepper
- ▢ 1 Tablespoon diced red onion (reserve the rest for the salad)
- For the Salad:
- ▢ 10 ounces fresh spinach (rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-size pieces)
- ▢ 1 quart strawberries (washed and sliced)
- ▢ ¼ cup walnuts (chopped; pecans or almonds can be used as alternatives)
- ▢ ⅓ cup bacon bits (optional; omit for a vegetarian version)
- ▢ ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (goat cheese or blue cheese are great substitutes)
- ▢ Sliced red onion (from the remaining onion)
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a blender, combine sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, white vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, ground pepper, and 1 Tablespoon of diced red onion. Blend until the onion is fully pureed and the mixture is smooth.
- Chill the Dressing: Pour the dressing into a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, chopped walnuts, bacon bits (if using), sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss lightly to mix.
- Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the chilled dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly, ensuring the spinach stays fresh and crisp.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Your Salad
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a heartier meal. For a light lunch, serve it alongside a warm bowl of soup or a crusty baguette. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider adding a charcuterie board or a fruit platter to complement the salad’s fresh flavors.
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations to Try
Feel free to customize this salad to suit your taste! Swap out the strawberries for blueberries or mandarin oranges for a different twist. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, try pecans or almonds instead. For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon bits and add avocado slices for creaminess. The dressing is also versatile—try using honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetness.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To save time, prepare the dressing a day ahead and store it in the fridge. You can also pre-wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, and chop the walnuts in advance. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss everything together and drizzle with the chilled dressing. This way, you can enjoy a fresh, vibrant salad without the last-minute rush.
Storage and Reheating: Keeping Your Salad Fresh
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the dressing separately from the salad to prevent wilting. Keep the salad components in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The dressing can be refrigerated for up to 3 days—just give it a quick stir before using. Note that the spinach may lose some crispness, so it’s ideal to enjoy it as soon as possible.
Equipment Guidance: Tools to Make Prep Easier
A high-speed blender or food processor works best for blending the dressing until smooth. For the salad, a large mixing bowl with plenty of space for tossing is key. If you’re slicing strawberries, a sharp chef’s knife or a strawberry slicer can save time. And don’t forget a salad spinner to ensure your spinach is thoroughly dried before assembling the dish!
Strawberry Spinach Salad and Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Equipment
- blender
- large bowl
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 Tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- pepper, dash
- 1 red onion, divided
Salad
- 10 ounces fresh spinach rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
- 1 quart strawberries washed and sliced
- ¼ cup walnuts chopped
- ⅓ cup bacon bits
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- In a blender, toss in the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, ground pepper and 1 Tablespoon diced red onion. Blend until the onion is pureed.
- Pour the dressing into a bowl, cover, and chill for at least an hour.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, walnuts, bacon bits, red onion slices (left over from the red onion listed above) and feta cheese. Toss lightly.
- Pour dressing over salad right before you are ready to eat it so that the spinach does not wilt.