Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

If you want to brighten up your table—and your taste buds—look no further than Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing! With juicy strawberries, tender spinach, creamy feta, and that sweet-tangy homemade dressing, this salad simply bursts with color, texture, and sunshine in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Burst of Freshness: Every bite delivers a medley of sweet, juicy strawberries and crisp, leafy spinach for pure springtime vibes, any time of year.
  • Bold, Homemade Flavor: The poppy seed dressing is easy to whisk up from scratch and so much more vibrant than anything bottled.
  • Elevated Textures: Toasted almonds add crunch, feta brings creaminess, and the red onion gives a subtle bite for a truly balanced salad.
  • Ready in Minutes: This gorgeous bowl is on your table in 10 minutes—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself!
Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is just how simple—yet essential—each ingredient is. Every component brings something unique, from sweet-tart berries to crunchy nuts, and the quick homemade dressing truly ties it all together.

  • Fresh Spinach Leaves: Baby spinach gives a tender, vibrant base and pairs beautifully with juicy fruits.
  • Sliced Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for the sweetest flavor and most vibrant pop of color.
  • Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a peppery zing and a nice crunch.
  • Feta Cheese: Go for block feta you crumble yourself for the creamiest, richest texture.
  • Slivered Almonds: Toasting brings out their nutty flavor and gives the salad the perfect crunch.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Adds that signature sweet tang to the homemade poppy seed dressing.
  • Honey: Gives the dressing a hint of sweetness to balance the acidity.
  • Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds lend crunch and a hint of nuttiness to the vinaigrette.
  • Minced Garlic: A touch of raw garlic adds gentle heat and bold aromatics to the dressing.
  • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: The silky base for emulsifying the dressing; use your favorite for best flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch brings all the flavors alive.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a total shape-shifter, ready to adjust to what you have on hand or your own flavor cravings. You can easily swap, add, or omit ingredients to suit special diets or tastes—no complicated changes required.

  • Nut-Free Swap: Substitute pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for almonds for a delightful crunch without the nuts.
  • Cheese Options: Goat cheese or fresh mozzarella pearls work beautifully if you’re not a feta fan.
  • Fruit Flexibility: Try using blueberries, blackberries, or even diced peaches in place of some or all strawberries for a new fruity twist.
  • Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or salmon to turn this into a satisfying, main-dish salad.

How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Step 1: Make the Poppy Seed Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and fresh minced garlic. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify and create a velvety dressing. You can also combine everything in a Mason jar, screw on the lid, and shake it like you mean it—either way, you’ll end up with a bright, flavorful vinaigrette that’s the soul of this gorgeous salad.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients

Add the fresh spinach leaves, vibrant sliced strawberries, and paper-thin red onion to a large bowl. If you haven’t already, toast those slivered almonds gently in a dry skillet on low—they’ll turn fragrant and golden in just a few minutes, taking their crunch and flavor to another level.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Pour your homemade poppy seed dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together. The tart-sweet strawberries, leafy spinach, and zingy onion will soak up every drop of that rich, nutty vinaigrette.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve

Scatter the creamy crumbled feta and toasted slivered almonds across the top of the salad just before serving. This finishing touch keeps everything fresh, crisp, and company-worthy. Grab your favorite serving platter or bowl—it’s ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

  • Ultimate Feta Hack: Buy block feta and crumble it by hand—it’s creamier, less salty, and gives bigger, more luscious chunks than the pre-crumbled kind.
  • Toast the Almonds, Always: A quick toasting (just a few minutes in a dry pan!) brings out their deep, nutty flavor and keeps them extra crisp against the soft fruit and cheese.
  • Dress With Care: Only toss the greens and fruit with dressing right before serving to prevent sogginess—especially if you’re prepping ahead for a party or picnic.
  • Strawberry Selection: Use perfectly ripe, deep red strawberries for the sweetest flavor and most attractive slices in your finished salad.

How to Serve Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a gorgeous finish and extra flavor, sprinkle a handful of extra toasted almonds or a few reserved strawberry slices over the top. A quick grind of fresh black pepper or a final drizzle of leftover dressing makes it look even more inviting—think restaurant-worthy presentation, right at home!

Side Dishes

This lively salad pairs perfectly with crusty bread, lemony grilled chicken, roast salmon, or a simple bowl of soup. It’s ideal for brunch tables, potlucks, or as a fresh starter alongside heartier dinner entreés.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the salad in wide-mouthed glass jars or arranging the ingredients artfully on a platter for a make-ahead buffet. You can also build mini versions in appetizer cups, or let guests “build their own” station-style for showers and picnics!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftovers fresh, store the salad, dressing, feta, and almonds each in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This way the greens and berries stay crisp, and you can assemble a fresh bowl whenever you want—just add toppings and toss again!

Freezing

While the dressing freezes fine (just whisk or shake to recombine after thawing), spinach, strawberries, and feta don’t freeze well—so enjoy this salad fresh and skip the freezer for best texture and taste!

Reheating

This is one salad that’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature—no reheating needed. If the dressing thickens in the fridge, let it come to room temp and give it a good shake before using again.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing in advance?

    Yes! Prep all your salad ingredients and dressing, but keep everything—especially the feta and almonds—separate. Toss together just before serving for the freshest flavor and crunch.

  2. Is there a way to make this salad dairy-free?

    Absolutely—just omit the feta or use a plant-based alternative. The salad is still deliciously rich and flavorful even without cheese.

  3. What can I use instead of poppy seeds for the dressing?

    If you’re out of poppy seeds or want to change things up, try chia seeds or leave them out—your balsamic-honey vinaigrette will still shine with sweet, savory flavor.

  4. Can I use mixed greens instead of spinach?

    Yes, mixed baby greens or arugula are tasty alternatives if you’d like a slightly spicier or milder flavor profile. Just make sure the greens are fresh and dry before tossing with the dressing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a salad that’s as joyful to eat as it is to serve, Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is it! Don’t be surprised if it disappears fast—so go ahead, bring some fresh color to your table and let your taste buds celebrate.

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Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 107 reviews
  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Tossing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the earthy taste of spinach, topped with a tangy poppy seed dressing.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the dressing:

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to season

For the salad:

  • 6 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 3 cups sliced strawberries
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and minced garlic. While whisking, stream in the olive oil and continue whisking until emulsified. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, and red onion. Add the dressing and toss to combine. Top with crumbled feta and slivered almonds and serve.

Notes

  • I prefer to buy block-style feta and crumble it myself for the best consistency.
  • To toast the almonds, add them to a small sauté pan set over low heat until golden brown and fragrant.
  • Make Ahead Instructions: Keep salad ingredients, dressing, and feta separate until ready to serve.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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