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- Baby spinach - Strawberries - Red onion Fresh produce creates the base of this salad. Baby spinach offers a mild, earthy taste. It is soft and tender, making it perfect for salads. Strawberries add sweetness and a pop of color. Their juicy texture complements the spinach well. Red onion gives a slight bite and crunch. Slice it thin for a better mix of flavors. - Sliced almonds - Feta cheese Optional additions can elevate this salad. Sliced almonds bring a nutty crunch and healthy fats. Toast them for an extra depth of flavor. Feta cheese adds creaminess and saltiness. It pairs well with the sweet strawberries. Feel free to skip these if you want a lighter version. - Extra virgin olive oil - Apple cider vinegar - Honey (or maple syrup) The dressing is key to tying all the flavors together. Extra virgin olive oil provides richness and smoothness. Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick. Balance the acidity with honey or maple syrup. Both sweeteners work well, so pick what you like best. This dressing can also be made in advance for convenience. To see the full ingredients and steps, check the Full Recipe. How to slice strawberries Start by washing the strawberries under cool water. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Remove the green tops by slicing them off with a sharp knife. Next, slice the strawberries into thin pieces. Aim for even slices so they blend well in the salad. Each slice should be about a quarter-inch thick. This helps the strawberries mix nicely with the spinach. Preparing baby spinach Take the fresh baby spinach and give it a good rinse. Use cold water to keep it crisp. After washing, shake off the excess water. You can also spin it in a salad spinner. This step is key because wet spinach can make your salad soggy. Place the spinach in a large bowl, ready for mixing. Combining salad ingredients In a spacious mixing bowl, gently add the spinach, sliced strawberries, and other ingredients. Include the toasted almonds, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Use your hands or salad tongs to fold everything together. Be gentle to avoid bruising the spinach or crushing the strawberries. This helps keep the salad light and fresh. Tips on folding vs. stirring When mixing your salad, folding is better than stirring. Folding means you lift the ingredients from the bottom and turn them over gently. This keeps the items intact and preserves their shape. Stirring can break the berries and spinach. So, take your time and be gentle. Whisking techniques In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds. Use a whisk to mix them well. Start slowly to blend the honey into the oil. This helps the honey dissolve better. Keep whisking until the mixture looks smooth and thick. Achieving the right emulsification To emulsify means to mix oil and vinegar into a smooth dressing. It’s important for flavor. If the dressing separates, it won't coat the salad well. Keep whisking until you see no more separation. This should take about 30 seconds. A well-emulsified dressing will cling to your salad and enhance every bite. For the full recipe, refer to the Spinach Strawberry Poppyseed Salad 🥗. To make your Spinach Strawberry Poppyseed Salad shine, adjust the sweetness and acidity. If you like it sweeter, add more honey or maple syrup. For a tangy kick, add a bit more apple cider vinegar. This balance creates a lively taste. Use salt and pepper wisely. Start with a small amount, then taste. A pinch of salt can enhance flavors. Freshly cracked black pepper adds warmth. Experiment until you find your perfect blend. Serve your salad in a large, beautiful bowl for a lovely display. You can also plate individual servings for a nice touch. This makes each serving feel special. Garnish is key! Add extra sliced strawberries on top for color. A sprinkle of poppy seeds creates elegance. Whole almonds add crunch and a visual pop. These small touches impress guests and elevate the dish. To save time, prep ingredients ahead. Wash and slice the strawberries in advance. You can even toast the almonds before serving. This way, everything is ready when you need it. Keep the salad fresh by mixing the dressing right before serving. Dressing can make spinach wilt quickly. Prepare the dressing in a separate bowl, then combine it with the salad when you are ready to eat. Enjoy your fresh mix right away. For the full recipe, check out the Spinach Strawberry Poppyseed Salad. {{image_4}} You can switch up the nuts and cheese in this salad to suit your taste. Try adding walnuts or pecans for a rich crunch. Both nuts bring a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with the sweet strawberries. If you prefer a different cheese, goat cheese is a fantastic option. It adds a creamy texture and tangy taste that brightens the salad. Using seasonal ingredients can make your salad even tastier. In spring, fresh blueberries or raspberries can work well alongside strawberries. During summer, peaches or nectarines add a juicy sweetness. For veggie additions, consider sliced cucumbers or bell peppers. Both will add color and crunch to your dish, making it more appealing and nutritious. Feel free to get creative with your dressing! You can use different oils, like avocado or walnut oil, for a unique flavor twist. For vinegar, try balsamic or red wine vinegar. Both can change the salad’s taste profile. If you want to alter the sweetness, swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup. Each sweetener brings its own flavor, allowing you to customize the salad to your liking. For the full recipe, refer to the Spinach Strawberry Poppyseed Salad section. To keep your salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Place the spinach and strawberries in the fridge. This prevents them from wilting or spoiling. Use the salad within two days for the best taste. If you have leftover dressing, store it separately. This keeps the salad crisper. You can freeze some salad components, but not all. Spinach can freeze well if you blanch it first. This helps keep its color and taste. Strawberries can also freeze, but they will become mushy once thawed. Avoid freezing the dressing, as it may separate and change texture. Feta and almonds should also not be frozen, as they lose their quality. If you want to refresh the salad, try these methods. For best results, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This brings back some of its original crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the salad soggy. Instead, toss it gently to mix the ingredients again before serving. This helps revive the flavors and texture. Yes, you can make this salad vegan. Simply replace the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese. For sweetness, use maple syrup instead of honey. This keeps the flavors while making it plant-friendly. You can also add more nuts or seeds for extra crunch. To keep the salad fresh, store the spinach and dressing separately. This stops the spinach from wilting. Keep the salad in a sealed container in the fridge. Use it within a day or two for the best taste. Always wash the spinach just before using it for maximum crispiness. You can try other dressings like balsamic vinaigrette or a citrus dressing. A lemon-tahini dressing would also pair well. Each of these adds a unique twist to the salad. Experiment to find your favorite! This salad is packed with nutrients. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Strawberries provide antioxidants and vitamin C. Almonds add healthy fats and protein. Feta cheese offers calcium, while olive oil adds healthy fats. Each ingredient brings its own health benefits, making this salad a smart choice. This blog post covered how to make a fresh and tasty salad. You learned about selecting fresh produce, like baby spinach, strawberries, and red onion. I shared tips for preparing ingredients and making a smooth dressing. We explored ways to enhance flavors and presented the salad beautifully. I also discussed variations and storage tips to keep your salad fresh. For flavorful results, be creative with your ingredients and try new combinations. Enjoy crafting your perfect salad!

Spinach Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Enjoy a refreshing Spinach Strawberry Poppyseed Salad that's perfect for any occasion! This vibrant dish features fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, toasted almonds, and creamy feta, all tossed in a delicious homemade dressing. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can treat yourself to a delightful salad bursting with flavor. Click to explore the recipe and elevate your salad game today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh baby spinach

2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup poppy seeds

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a spacious mixing bowl, gently fold together the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Ensure the ingredients are well-distributed for even flavor.

    In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds. Using a whisk, blend the mixture until it is well emulsified—this ensures the dressing coats the salad evenly.

      Drizzle the prepared dressing over the spinach and strawberry mixture. Using salad tongs, toss the ingredients gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in the dressing.

        Taste the salad and season according to preference with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to achieve the flavor balance you desire.

          For the best flavor experience, serve the salad immediately. Alternatively, if time allows, let it chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes; this allows the ingredients to meld beautifully.

            Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 15 min | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, serve the salad in a large, beautiful serving bowl or equally divide it onto individual plates. Garnish each serving with extra sliced strawberries and a light sprinkle of poppy seeds for a pop of elegance. Additionally, a few whole almonds can be scattered on top for crunch and visual appeal.