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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

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A light, fresh, and vibrant salad featuring baby spinach, ripe strawberries, toasted pecans, and a silky creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal or a crowd-pleasing side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove immediately and let cool.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add water if dressing is too thick.
  3. Hull and slice the strawberries. Thinly slice the red onion and set aside.
  4. In a large salad bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted pecans, and red onion. Toss gently to mix.
  5. Gradually drizzle the creamy poppy seed dressing over the salad, starting with half and tossing lightly to coat. Add more dressing as desired.
  6. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top and give the salad one last gentle toss.
  7. Serve immediately for best freshness and texture.

Notes

Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning. Keep spinach and strawberries dry to prevent sogginess. Dressing can be made ahead and stored up to 3 days refrigerated. For dairy-free or vegan versions, substitute mayo and yogurt with vegan alternatives and omit or replace feta cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, poppy seed dressing, fresh salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, summer salad, quick salad

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-easy-creamy-poppy-seed-dressing/