This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a fresh, vibrant, and irresistible combination of sweet, tangy, and savory. Juicy strawberries, tender spinach, and crunchy almonds come together under a sweet and creamy homemade poppy seed dressing. It’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings, picnics, or an easy, healthy lunch that feels special.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Salad:
- 1 quart strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and sliced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
Instructions
- Make the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, olive oil, vinegar, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, minced onion, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce until well blended.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, torn spinach, and slivered almonds. - Dress and Serve:
Pour the chilled poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving.
Toss gently to coat. Chill for 10–15 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Variation
- Add Cheese for Creaminess: Crumbled goat cheese or feta adds a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet strawberries and nutty dressing. Choose a mild goat cheese for a subtle touch, or go bold with a salty feta. Both pair beautifully with the spinach and add a creamy element that elevates the dish.
- Use Different Nuts or Seeds: Swap the slivered almonds for toasted pecans, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds if you’re nut-free. Toasting the nuts before adding them enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch, giving the salad a heartier bite.
- Mix Up the Greens: Not a spinach fan? Baby arugula adds a peppery kick, while spring mix brings a more delicate, tender texture. You can even combine multiple greens for more flavor depth and texture variety.
Cooking Notes
- Dressing Balance is Key: The dressing is sweet, so taste and adjust as needed. If it’s too sweet for your preference, reduce the sugar slightly or add a splash more vinegar for brightness.
- Chilling the Dressing Helps Flavor: Letting the dressing rest in the fridge allows the onion, seeds, and spices to infuse. It mellows the sharpness of the vinegar and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Serve Immediately After Tossing: Spinach wilts quickly once dressed. To maintain the best texture, toss the salad just before serving and only dress what you’ll eat right away.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect for Brunch or Potlucks: This salad is a crowd-pleaser that adds vibrant color and fresh flavor to any table. Serve it alongside quiche, grilled chicken, or a brunch spread for a light but satisfying option.
- Pair with Protein: Turn it into a full meal by topping it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even slices of steak. A simple protein addition makes it a balanced, main-dish salad for lunch or dinner.
- Serve in Individual Cups: For parties or gatherings, portion the salad into small cups or mason jars for easy, elegant single servings. This also keeps the salad crisp and helps with presentation.
Tips
- Prep Ahead, Assemble Later: You can make the dressing and prep all the ingredients ahead of time. Keep everything stored separately in the fridge, then assemble and toss right before serving for the freshest result.
- Toast Your Almonds: Toasting almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes brings out their natural oils and nutty flavor. Just watch them closely so they don’t burn. It adds a rich, toasty depth to the salad.
- Slice Strawberries Just Before Serving: Strawberries release juice once cut, which can make your salad soggy. Slice them last-minute to preserve their bright appearance and fresh bite.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes dressing chill time)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients a few hours in advance—wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, and make the dressing. Keep everything refrigerated and assemble just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp. - What can I substitute for poppy seeds?
If you don’t have poppy seeds, chia seeds or sesame seeds make a great substitute. The flavor won’t be identical, but they still offer texture and a similar visual appeal. - How long does the dressing last?
The homemade poppy seed dressing can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. Give it a good shake or stir before using, as it may separate slightly over time. - Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Just double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is vegan (or use a vegan alternative), and skip any cheese additions unless you’re using a plant-based version. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a fresh and flavorful way to celebrate seasonal produce. It’s light enough for warm-weather meals yet satisfying with its sweet-savory contrast and crunchy texture. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, attending a potluck, or just craving something wholesome and bright, this salad is a guaranteed hit. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your warm-weather recipe rotation.
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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a fresh, vibrant, and irresistible combination of sweet, tangy, and savory. Juicy strawberries, tender spinach, and crunchy almonds come together under a sweet and creamy homemade poppy seed dressing. It’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings, picnics, or an easy, healthy lunch that feels special.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Salad:
- 1 quart strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and sliced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
Instructions
- Make the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, olive oil, vinegar, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, minced onion, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce until well blended.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, torn spinach, and slivered almonds. - Dress and Serve:
Pour the chilled poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving.
Toss gently to coat. Chill for 10–15 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the almonds before adding them to the salad.
- Feel free to add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy twist.
- This salad is best served fresh, but you can store the dressing separately in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, poppy seed dressing, summer salad, fresh salad, healthy salad