Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe Easy Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
A fresh and vibrant strawberry spinach salad with a creamy poppy seed dressing that balances sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors. Perfect for quick summer meals or casual dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach leaves (washed and dried)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (soaked in warm water for 5 minutes)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons whole milk or buttermilk (or dairy-free milk)
Instructions
- Toast the nuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of pecans or walnuts and toast, stirring frequently, for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the strawberries: Rinse 2 cups of fresh strawberries under cold water. Hull and slice them thinly to release their sweetness. Set aside.
- Soak the poppy seeds: Place 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds in a small bowl with warm water. Let them soak for 5 minutes to soften.
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk. Drain the poppy seeds and add them in. Whisk everything together until creamy and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, add 5 cups of baby spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, and toasted nuts. If using, crumble 1/4 cup feta or goat cheese over the top.
- Toss and serve: Drizzle the creamy poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently with clean hands or salad tongs, making sure the dressing coats the leaves without bruising them. Serve immediately for the freshest texture and flavor.
Notes
Soak poppy seeds before adding to dressing to avoid gritty texture. Toast nuts just before assembling for best flavor. Toss spinach gently to avoid bruising. Chill dressing for 10 minutes before use for better flavor and texture. Dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1.5 cups per s
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 5
Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, poppy seed dressing, summer salad, fresh salad, easy salad recipe, creamy dressing, healthy salad