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- Baby spinach: Use 5 cups, washed and dried. This leafy green is fresh and tender. - Strawberries: You need 2 cups, hulled and sliced thin. Their sweetness shines in this salad. - Red onion: Use 1/4 cup, thinly sliced into rings. They add a nice crunch and mild flavor. - Pecans: Use 1/2 cup, roughly chopped. They provide a rich, nutty crunch to your salad. - Feta cheese: Use 1/4 cup, crumbled into bite-sized pieces. This cheese adds creaminess and tang. - Olive oil: Use 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil. It creates a rich base for your dressing. - Apple cider vinegar: Use 1/4 cup. This adds a pleasant tang to the dressing. - Honey: Use 2 tablespoons for sweetness. It balances the tanginess of the vinegar. - Poppy seeds: Add 1/4 cup for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. - Salt and pepper: Use to taste, to balance all the flavors in your salad. This Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad is bright, fresh, and fun to make. For the full recipe, see the previous sections. To start, grab a small mixing bowl. You will need to whisk together the dressing ingredients. Combine 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the mix is smooth and well blended. This is your delightful dressing. For a perfect emulsification, add the oil slowly while whisking. This helps the oil and vinegar blend well. Next, move to a large salad bowl. Add 5 cups of fresh baby spinach. Then, toss in 2 cups of sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. It is important to use fresh, vibrant ingredients. The freshness makes the salad taste better and look appealing. Now, drizzle your prepared dressing over the salad. Use just enough to coat all the ingredients. Then, gently toss the salad with two large spoons or salad tongs. Be careful not to bruise the spinach or strawberries. Finally, sprinkle 1/4 cup of poppy seeds on top. This adds a nice crunch and makes the salad look pretty. Serve the salad right away for the best taste. Present it in a large glass bowl to show off the bright colors. You can garnish with more strawberry slices and poppy seeds for an extra touch. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh baby spinach and ripe strawberries bring bright flavor. Make sure your pecans are crunchy and feta is creamy. Freshness elevates each bite. Balancing flavors with salt and pepper is crucial. Salt boosts sweetness in strawberries. A pinch of pepper adds a nice kick. Taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Choose a large glass bowl to show off the colors. The green spinach and red strawberries create a stunning look. Garnish with extra strawberry slices and a sprinkle of poppy seeds. This adds texture and flair. For an elegant touch, serve with wooden salad tongs. It makes serving easy and fun. You want your guests to feel special and enjoy the view. Prep ingredients in advance to save time. Wash and dry the spinach earlier. Slice strawberries and store them in the fridge. You can chop nuts and cheese ahead of time too. For quick assembly, layer the ingredients in the bowl. Add spinach first, then strawberries, and so on. This makes it easy to toss together right before serving. You’ll have a fresh salad in no time. For the full recipe, check out the Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad! {{image_4}} You can easily change some ingredients in this salad. If you want to swap nuts, try walnuts instead of pecans. Walnuts offer a rich flavor and crunch. You can also use almonds for a lighter touch. Both options add a new twist. For cheese, feta is great, but you can try goat cheese. Goat cheese adds a tangy flavor that pairs well with strawberries. If you want a dairy-free option, use a nut cheese. It gives a creamy texture without dairy. To make this salad heartier, add proteins. Grilled chicken is a fantastic choice. It adds flavor and makes the salad more filling. Simply slice the chicken and toss it in. If you prefer a plant-based option, tofu works well too. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Press it to remove extra water, then cube and sauté it. This adds a nice taste and protein boost. Switching up dressings can change the whole salad vibe. Instead of apple cider vinegar, try balsamic vinegar. It gives a sweet and tangy twist. You can also use red wine vinegar for a sharper flavor. For sweeteners, honey is common, but maple syrup is a great alternative. It adds a lovely sweetness and pairs well with the salad’s flavors. You can even try agave nectar for a different taste. For the full recipe, make sure to check out the details earlier in the article. To keep your salad fresh, store the ingredients separately. Spinach and strawberries wilt easily. Use a clean, dry container for each. Keep the dressing in a jar. This helps maintain their crispness and flavor. For leftovers, use airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic works best. Place spinach and dressing in one container. Store strawberries and other toppings in separate containers. This keeps the texture of each ingredient. Mix them when you are ready to eat. In the fridge, the salad ingredients last about three days. Spinach wilts after a day or two, while strawberries last three to five days. The dressing can last up to a week if stored well. Enjoy your Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad at its best by eating fresh! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. Spinach is a superfood. It is low in calories and high in nutrients. One cup of raw spinach has: - Vitamin A: Great for eye health. - Vitamin C: Boosts your immune system. - Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting. - Iron: Helps your blood carry oxygen. - Folate: Supports cell function and tissue growth. These nutrients work together. They help keep your body strong and healthy. Eating spinach can even boost your energy levels. Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. Here are some tips for pre-preparation: - Wash and dry spinach: Keep it dry to avoid sogginess. - Slice strawberries: Do this close to serving time to keep them fresh. - Mix dressing separately: This keeps the salad crisp until you serve it. - Store in a sealed container: This helps keep the ingredients fresh. Assemble the salad just before serving. This way, you enjoy the best flavors and textures. You can switch the dressing if you want something different. Here are some suggestions for different dressings: - Balsamic vinaigrette: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor. - Lemon vinaigrette: Brightens up the salad with freshness. - Yogurt dressing: Creamy and tangy without being too heavy. - Honey mustard dressing: Sweet with a bit of spice. Feel free to experiment with these options. Each one adds a unique twist to the salad. Making this salad vegan is simple. Here are some substitutes for non-vegan ingredients: - Feta cheese: Use vegan feta or skip it entirely. - Honey: Replace it with maple syrup or agave nectar. - Check the dressing: Ensure it does not contain dairy. These swaps let you enjoy the salad while keeping it plant-based. This salad brings together fresh produce, nuts, and a delightful dressing. We learned how to prepare a tasty dressing and assemble a scrumptious salad. Using fresh ingredients is key for flavor and presentation. Consider experimenting with different proteins or dressings for variety. Proper storage extends freshness, so follow those tips. Enjoy making this salad your own, filled with nutrition and flavor. With simple swaps, it stays exciting and delicious. Embrace the joy of salad-making—it’s fun and healthy!

Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad

Discover the delightful Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad that combines sweet strawberries, fresh spinach, and crunchy pecans for a refreshing treat! With a tangy honey dressing, this salad is perfect for any occasion. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this delicious and colorful dish that is sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

5 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and dried

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced into thin rounds

1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped for added texture

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced, preferably in rings

1/4 cup poppy seeds for a nutty flavor

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil for a rich dressing

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar to add tanginess

2 tablespoons honey for sweetness

Salt and pepper to taste, to balance flavors

Instructions
 

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is emulsified and smooth. This will be your delicious dressing.

    In a large salad bowl, add the washed baby spinach, sliced strawberries, chopped pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Make sure all ingredients are fresh and vibrant for the best flavor.

      Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad mixture, ensuring each component receives a touch of flavor.

        Gently toss the salad with two large spoons or salad tongs, ensuring that all ingredients are well coated with the dressing without bruising the delicate spinach and strawberries.

          Evenly sprinkle the poppy seeds over the top of the salad, adding a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

            Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients at their best.

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

                - Presentation Tips: Present the salad in a beautiful large glass bowl to highlight the vibrant colors of the ingredients. For an elegant touch, garnish with additional thin slices of strawberry and a sprinkle of poppy seeds on top just before serving.