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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Best Dressing

strawberry spinach salad - featured image

A refreshing salad combining sweet strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, creamy feta, and tangy homemade poppyseed dressing. Perfect for gatherings or a light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 1/2 cup candied pecans
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make the dressing. Adjust ingredients to taste.
  2. Wash and dry the baby spinach thoroughly. Hull and slice the strawberries, crumble the feta cheese, and thinly slice the red onion.
  3. If making candied pecans from scratch, toss pecans with melted butter and sugar. Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until caramelized.
  4. In a large salad bowl, layer the spinach, strawberries, red onion slices, crumbled feta, and candied pecans.
  5. Drizzle the poppyseed dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for up to an hour before serving.

Notes

[‘Use fresh spinach and ripe strawberries for vibrant flavors.’, ‘Adjust the sweetness or tang of the dressing by adding more honey or vinegar.’, ‘If making candied pecans, watch closely to prevent burning.’, ‘Chill the salad for 15-30 minutes before serving to meld the flavors.’, ‘Layer heavier ingredients on top to keep the spinach from wilting.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Strawberry salad, spinach salad, poppyseed dressing, healthy salad, summer salad, gluten-free salad, vegetarian salad