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spinach strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing - featured image

Spinach Strawberry Salad: Best Poppy Seed Recipe

  • Author: Isabel
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A vibrant and delicious spinach salad with fresh strawberries, candied nuts, and tangy goat cheese, tied together with a creamy homemade poppy seed dressing. It’s a quick, customizable meal perfect for lunch or as a side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5–6 ounces (150-170g) baby spinach
  • 1 pint (450g) fresh strawberries, sliced
  • ½ cup (60g) goat cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup (60g) candied pecans or walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Toast ½ cup pecans or walnuts for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon brown sugar to the nuts. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until coated and sticky.
  3. Spread nuts on a parchment-lined plate to cool and harden, then break into pieces.
  4. In a small jar with a tight lid, combine apple cider vinegar, honey, mayonnaise, sour cream, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper.
  5. Screw the lid on tight and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the dressing is creamy and well combined.
  6. Wash and hull strawberries, then slice them into thin halves or quarters.
  7. In a large salad bowl, add the baby spinach.
  8. Top the spinach with sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, and candied nuts.
  9. Drizzle about half of the poppy seed dressing over the salad.
  10. Toss gently to coat the leaves lightly, then add more dressing if needed.
  11. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not dress the salad ahead of time as spinach wilts quickly when exposed to acid. Keep dressing separate if meal prepping. Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. Toasting nuts enhances their flavor significantly.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 16
  • Sodium: 220
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 22
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 8

Keywords: spinach strawberry salad, poppy seed dressing, healthy salad, quick lunch, meal prep, vegetarian recipe, goat cheese salad

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Find it online: https://mealsfordinner.com/spinach-strawberry-salad-best-poppy-seed-recipe/