There’s nothing I love more on a hot summer day than a big, fresh salad. And my absolute favorite? Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy – and it’s so easy to throw together in just 5 minutes. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped up this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing for backyard barbecues, picnics, and girls’ nights. It’s always a huge hit, and I know it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation too.
Why This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
The secret to this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is in the dressing. The combination of sweet honey, tangy white wine vinegar, and nutty poppy seeds creates a flavor explosion that perfectly complements the fresh spinach and juicy strawberries. And the best part? It all comes together in just 5 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this restaurant-worthy salad at home.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 5 ounces baby spinach: The base of the salad, providing a nutrient-dense foundation.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced: Sweet, juicy berries that are the star of the show.
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds: These add a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar: Providing the perfect tangy balance to the honey.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helping to emulsify the dressing for a smooth, creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetening the dressing and complementing the strawberries.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhancing the overall flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adding a subtle heat to the dressing.
Step-by-Step Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Instructions
Preparing Your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
With a prep time of just 5 minutes and no cooking required, this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is one of the easiest salads you’ll ever make. All you’ll need is a large bowl, a whisk or fork, and a sharp knife for slicing the strawberries.
1- Start by washing and drying the baby spinach. Add it to a large salad bowl, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
2- Slice the fresh strawberries and add them to the bowl with the spinach. Gently toss to combine.
3- In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
4- Drizzle the poppyseed dressing over the salad, making sure to coat all the leaves and berries. The dressing should lightly cling to the ingredients.
5- Give the salad a final gentle toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6- Serve your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing immediately, garnishing with extra poppy seeds if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
Here are a few pro tips to ensure your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing turns out perfectly every time:
- Use the freshest, ripest strawberries you can find for maximum flavor.
- Wash and dry the spinach well to prevent a watery salad.
- Whisk the dressing vigorously to emulsify the oil and vinegar for a creamy texture.
- Chill the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving and Storing Your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Perfect Pairings for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is the perfect light and refreshing summer side dish. It serves 4 people, making it great for backyard barbecues, picnics, or even a light lunch.
I love pairing it with grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal. It also makes a wonderful accompaniment to pasta dishes or crusty bread. For drinks, a crisp white wine or lemonade would be delightful.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The best part about this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is that it keeps really well! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To store, keep the salad and dressing separate. Place the dressed salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. The dressing can be stored in a separate jar or container. When ready to serve, give the salad a quick toss with the dressing.
You can also prepare the components in advance. Wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, and make the dressing up to 3 days ahead. Then, just assemble right before serving for a quick and easy salad.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Creative Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Variations
While this classic Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to mix it up. Try adding sliced almonds or candied walnuts for extra crunch. Swap out the strawberries for other seasonal berries like blueberries or raspberries. You could even add grilled chicken or crumbled feta for a more substantial main dish salad.
Making Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free vinegar like apple cider vinegar in place of the white wine vinegar. To make it vegan, replace the honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave. And for a low-carb spin, try using stevia or another zero-calorie sweetener instead of honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar in the dressing?
A: Absolutely! While the white wine vinegar provides a nice tanginess, you can use other vinegars like apple cider, red wine, or balsamic with great results.
Q: How long does it take to prepare this Strawberry Spinach Salad?
A: With a prep time of just 5 minutes and no cooking required, this salad comes together in a flash! You’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish on the table in no time.
Q: Can I make the salad in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing ahead of time. Store the dressed salad and the dressing separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing recipe serves 4 people as a side dish. It’s the perfect portion for a light lunch or as an accompaniment to grilled proteins or pasta.
Q: My salad turned out watery. What did I do wrong?
A: If your salad turned out watery, it’s likely that the spinach wasn’t dried thoroughly after washing. Make sure to use a salad spinner or pat the leaves very dry with paper towels before assembling the salad.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Total Time: 5
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a bright, refreshing, and nutritious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Bursting with juicy strawberries, crisp spinach, and a tangy homemade poppyseed dressing, this salad is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
– 5 ounces baby spinach
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
– 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach and sliced strawberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the poppy seeds, white wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the poppyseed dressing.
3. Pour the poppyseed dressing over the spinach and strawberries, and toss gently to coat.
4. Serve the Strawberry Spinach Salad immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
For a variation, you can add toasted almonds, feta cheese, or grilled chicken to the salad. The poppyseed dressing can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Sides
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is an absolute must-try for your summer recipe repertoire. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors, it’s a crowd-pleasing salad that’s sure to become a new family favorite. And the best part? It takes just 5 minutes to throw together. What are you waiting for? Go grab some fresh strawberries and spinach and get ready to enjoy this delicious salad!
