Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed (Printer-friendly)
Fresh spinach and strawberries layered with feta and almonds, tossed in a tangy poppy seed dressing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Salad Components
01 - 5 oz baby spinach leaves, washed and thoroughly dried
02 - 1 2/3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
04 - 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted until golden
05 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced into rings
→ Poppy Seed Dressing
06 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup
09 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
10 - 1 tsp poppy seeds
11 - Pinch of kosher salt
12 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
# How To Make It:
01 - In a small bowl or Mason jar, vigorously whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper until completely emulsified. Set aside at room temperature.
02 - In a large serving bowl, layer the dried spinach leaves as a base. Arrange sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, toasted almonds, and red onion rings evenly across the greens for visual appeal.
03 - Drizzle the prepared poppy seed dressing over the salad immediately before serving. Using salad tongs, gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the spinach. Serve promptly as a vibrant starter or light main course.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The homemade poppy seed dressing comes together in seconds and tastes infinitely better than anything from a bottle
- It is the kind of salad that makes people actually excited to eat their greens
02 -
- Never dress this salad ahead of time or it will become a wilted soggy mess
- The dressing needs to be whisked vigorously right before using since the oil and vinegar separate quickly
03 -
- Buy strawberries at their peak season for the sweetest flavor
- Dry your spinach thoroughly with a salad spinner or towels so the dressing actually sticks