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- 4 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and gently dried - 1 cup ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced into thin rounds - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces - ¼ cup red onion, paper-thin slices for a milder flavor - ½ cup poppyseed dressing (store-bought or homemade blend of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppyseeds) - ¼ cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted for a nutty flavor - Salt and pepper to taste You can adjust the spinach to your liking. If you want more greens, use 5 cups. Swap strawberries for blueberries for a different taste. If you don’t have feta, goat cheese works well too. For a lighter dressing, use yogurt instead of mayonnaise in your homemade poppyseed dressing. - Spinach: This leafy green is rich in iron and vitamins A and C. - Strawberries: These berries are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, great for skin health. - Feta Cheese: Feta adds calcium and protein, making the salad more filling. - Red Onion: This onion type has flavonoids that can help lower blood pressure. - Poppyseeds: These tiny seeds provide healthy fats and fiber, enhancing digestion. - Almonds: Toasted almonds add crunch and are a good source of vitamin E and magnesium. The combination of these ingredients creates a salad that is not just tasty but also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to any meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need four cups of fresh spinach. Make sure you wash the spinach well and dry it gently. Next, take one cup of ripe strawberries. Hull them and slice them into thin rounds. This makes them easy to mix and eat. Now, grab half a cup of feta cheese and crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Then, get a quarter cup of red onion and slice it paper-thin. This way, the onion flavor will be milder. Finally, have your poppyseed dressing ready. You can use store-bought or make your own by blending mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppyseeds. Start by preparing a large salad bowl. Add the fresh spinach leaves first and spread them out evenly. Next, layer the sliced strawberries on top. This adds a lovely red color and sweetness. After that, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the strawberries. The creaminess of the cheese is a great match. Then, scatter the thin slices of red onion across everything. This will give a nice contrast to the sweetness. Now, drizzle the poppyseed dressing over the salad. Be sure to coat everything well. Gently toss all the ingredients together so each bite has flavor. Lastly, add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper to taste. Before you serve, add the toasted sliced almonds on top. This gives a nice crunch and extra flavor. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the salad in layers in a clear glass bowl. This way, you can see the bright colors of the spinach, strawberries, and feta. You can also garnish with whole strawberries for a fresh look. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture. When choosing strawberries, look for bright red ones. They should be firm but not hard. Check for a sweet scent, which indicates ripeness. Avoid strawberries with bruises or mold. Larger berries can be nice, but smaller ones often pack more flavor. Buy organic if you can; they taste better and are safer. Always dress your salad right before serving. This keeps the greens crisp and fresh. Use a light hand when drizzling the poppyseed dressing. Start with a small amount; you can always add more. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. This method ensures each bite is flavorful. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This helps maintain texture and flavor. Enjoy leftover salad within 1 to 2 days for the best taste. If the salad wilts, you can still use the toppings in another dish. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest spinach and strawberries you can find for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Homemade Dressing Benefits: Making your own poppyseed dressing allows you to control the sweetness and flavors, making it healthier and tastier. Toasting Almonds: Lightly toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your salad. Layering for Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, layer the ingredients instead of tossing them, showcasing the vibrant colors of each component. {{image_4}} You can easily boost your salad's nutrition by adding protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. Simply cook the chicken or shrimp until golden and juicy. Slice the chicken thinly or leave the shrimp whole. Add them on top of the salad as a tasty topping. This change makes the salad more filling, perfect for lunch or dinner. For a vegetarian twist, consider adding quinoa or chickpeas. Quinoa cooks quickly and provides a nutty flavor. Just cook one cup of quinoa in two cups of water until fluffy. For chickpeas, you can use canned ones. Rinse and drain them well. Mix them into the salad for extra protein and texture. Both options make the salad hearty and satisfying. Feel free to explore different dressings for your salad. A balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy kick. You can also try a lemon-honey dressing for a bright and refreshing taste. If you want a creamier texture, Greek yogurt mixed with herbs makes a great option. Each choice brings a new flavor profile, ensuring every bite stays exciting. Experiment with different dressings to find your perfect match! The Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad lasts about three days in the fridge. After that, the spinach wilts and the strawberries lose their fresh taste. It's best to eat it sooner for the best flavor. Store the salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from picking up other smells in the fridge. If possible, keep the dressing separate until you are ready to enjoy the salad. This helps keep the greens crisp. Freezing this salad is not a good idea. The spinach and strawberries will become mushy when thawed. The feta and almonds do not freeze well either. For the best taste and texture, enjoy this salad fresh. Yes, you can make this salad ahead. Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance. Keep the spinach, strawberries, and cheese separate from the dressing and nuts. This way, the salad stays fresh. When ready to eat, mix everything together. It will taste great! You can add many things to this salad. Some tasty options include: - Grilled chicken for protein - Avocado for creaminess - Cucumber for crunch - Nuts like walnuts or pecans for added flavor - Fresh herbs like basil or mint for a unique twist Feel free to get creative and make it your own! Poppyseed dressing is a key part of this salad. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor. If you want, you can swap it out. A vinaigrette or yogurt dressing works well too. Just make sure it complements the strawberries and spinach. This blog post covered every aspect of creating a fresh salad. We discussed the key ingredients, their benefits, and how to prep and toss them. I shared tips for selecting fresh strawberries and the best ways to serve. You can add protein or try different dressings to mix things up. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy experimenting with your salad to make it just right!

Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Delight

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, feta cheese, and a delightful poppyseed dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and gently dried
  • 1 cup ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced into thin rounds
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ cup red onion, paper-thin slices for a milder flavor
  • ½ cup poppyseed dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted for a nutty flavor
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preparing a large salad bowl. Add in the fresh spinach leaves, ensuring they are evenly spread out.
  • Layer the luscious, sliced strawberries over the spinach, followed by the crumbled feta cheese, which will add creaminess to the dish.
  • Scatter the thinly sliced red onion on top, allowing its sharpness to complement the sweetness of the strawberries.
  • With care, drizzle the poppyseed dressing across the entire salad, then gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring each bite is coated in the dressing.
  • Season the salad with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper, tailoring the seasoning to your preference.
  • Just before serving, generously sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds over the salad to introduce a delightful crunch and enhance the overall texture.

Notes

For an elegant display, arrange the salad in layers within a clear glass bowl and garnish with whole strawberries.
Keyword healthy, poppyseed, salad, spinach, strawberry