A Salad That Feels Like Sunshine
I love a salad that makes you smile. This spinach strawberry salad does just that. It is bright, sweet, and a little bit crunchy. It tastes like a happy spring day in a bowl.
The colors are so pretty. Deep green spinach and red strawberries just belong together. Doesn’t that look amazing? This is my go-to healthy salad for family picnics. It is always a crowd-pleasing salad.
The Magic is in the Dressing
Let’s talk about the poppy seed dressing. It is creamy and tangy with a tiny crunch. You just whisk a few simple things in a bowl. I use honey and apple cider vinegar.
Some folks use a balsamic poppy seed dressing. But I find this one lighter. It lets the fruit shine. *Fun fact*: Poppy seeds come from the same plant as some pain medicines. But don’t worry, these are just for tasty crunch!
A Little Story From My Kitchen
My grandson used to pick out every spinach leaf. Then I made this strawberry spinach salad. He loved the sweet dressing and berries. Now he eats the whole thing! I still laugh at that.
This matters because food should bring joy. An easy salad recipe can turn a “no” into a “yes.” What food did you dislike as a kid but love now? I’d love to hear your story.
Why This Salad is So Good For You
Eating colorful food is good for your body. The spinach is full of vitamins to help your eyes. The strawberries have vitamin C. This keeps your skin happy and healthy.
This matters. A healthy salad like this fuels your day. It gives you energy without weighing you down. Do you have a favorite “power food” that makes you feel great?
Building Your Perfect Bowl
Making this spring salad is like building a tasty tower. Start with half the spinach in a big bowl. Then add your sliced strawberries. The feta cheese and almonds go on next if you are using them.
Then repeat the layers! It makes everything pretty. Pour the dressing over just before you eat. This keeps the spinach nice and crisp. Do you like your dressing on the side or tossed right in?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 3/4 cup | For the dressing |
| Honey | 1/4 cup (scant) / 3.5 Tbsp | For the dressing |
| Apple cider vinegar | 3 Tbsp | For the dressing |
| Poppy seeds | 1 Tbsp | For the dressing |
| Salt | Few pinches | Optional, to taste, for the dressing |
| Baby spinach | 10 oz | For the salad |
| Fresh strawberries | 1 lb. | Hulled and sliced, for the salad |
| Sliced almonds | 4 oz (1 cup) | Optional |
| Crumbled feta cheese | 1 cup | Optional |
Instructions
Step 1: Let’s make the balsamic poppy seed dressing. Whisk mayo, honey, and vinegar in a bowl. Sprinkle in those pretty poppy seeds. Give it a little taste. Doesn’t that smell amazing? (A scant honey measure means just under full. This tip saves sweetness!)
Step 2: Now, build your spinach strawberry salad. Put half the spinach in a big bowl. Top it with strawberry slices and your feta or almonds. I love the crunch. Do you prefer sweet or salty toppings? Share below!
Step 3: Add the rest of your spinach and strawberries. This makes a beautiful, layered healthy salad. It looks like a spring garden in a bowl. (Always add dressing just before serving. This keeps the spinach salad crisp!)
Step 4: Pour that lovely poppy seed dressing over each portion. You can toss it all gently, too. This easy salad recipe is ready. It’s truly a crowd-pleasing salad for any table. Leftover dressing keeps for a week.
Creative Twists
Grilled Strawberry Salad: Grill your berries first for a warm, smoky flavor.
Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing: Use orange juice instead of some vinegar.
Herb Garden Spinach: Mix fresh mint or basil right into the greens.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
This spring salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or a flaky quiche. For a pretty plate, serve it on a white platter. The red strawberries just pop. A crusty bread roll on the side is perfect for soaking up extra dressing. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Spring Salad Fresh
Let’s talk about keeping your strawberry spinach salad perfect. Store the dressing separately in a jar. Keep the washed spinach and sliced strawberries in their own containers. This stops the greens from getting soggy.
I remember my first big salad for a family picnic. I tossed it all together hours before. We had a wilted, sad mess by lunchtime! Now I know better. Keeping parts apart is the secret.
Batch cooking the dressing saves so much time. Make a double batch on Sunday. You’ll have a quick, healthy salad ready all week. This matters because good food should make life easier, not harder.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Salad Struggles
Even easy recipes can have little troubles. Here are three common fixes. First, soggy spinach. Always dry your leaves very well after washing. A salad spinner is a kitchen hero.
Second, dressing that won’t mix. If your honey is stiff, warm the jar in warm water first. It will blend smoothly with the mayo and vinegar. I once used rock-hard honey and had lumpy dressing!
Third, boring flavor. Toasting your almonds makes a huge difference. Just heat them in a dry pan for a few minutes. This matters because small steps build your cooking confidence. They also turn a good healthy salad into a great one.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What are some common spinach salad mistakes?
The biggest mistake is adding dressing too soon. This wilts your fresh spinach salad. Another is not drying the leaves, which waters down your poppy seed dressing. Also, using old, bruised strawberries can make your spring salad taste sad. Always use the freshest ingredients you can find for this crowd-pleasing salad.
What goes with strawberry spinach salad?
This easy salad recipe pairs beautifully with simple meals. It is great next to grilled chicken or fish. It also goes well with a warm bowl of soup or a savory quiche. The sweet and tangy flavors make it a versatile, healthy salad side dish for almost any dinner.
What is the dressing on Panera strawberry poppyseed salad?
Panera’s famous dressing is a creamy poppy seed dressing. It is very similar to our balsamic poppy seed dressing recipe. Theirs uses a mix of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and poppy seeds. Our version uses honey for natural sweetness. The taste is creamy, sweet, tangy, and perfect for a strawberry salad.
Is strawberry spinach good for you?
Yes, this is a very healthy salad! Spinach is full of vitamins like A and C. Strawberries add more vitamin C and fiber. Using nuts adds good fats and protein. *Fun fact: The vitamin C in the strawberries helps your body absorb the iron from the spinach!* It’s a delicious, nutritious win.
What are some common salad mistakes to avoid?
Do not oversauce your salad. Start with a little dressing and add more. Do not chop ingredients too far in advance. They can dry out or get watery. Finally, do not forget to season. A tiny pinch of salt on the greens can make all the flavors in your spinach strawberry salad pop.
What are some common mistakes in salad arrangement?
Putting all the good stuff on top is a common error. Layer your spinach, strawberries, and toppings. This ensures every bite has a bit of everything. Also, add delicate herbs or nuts last so they stay crisp. A well-arranged salad is more fun to eat and tastes better.
Which tip will you try first?
My Kitchen Table to Yours
I hope you love this strawberry spinach salad as much as my family does. It always brings a taste of sunshine to our table. Cooking is about sharing joy and simple, good food.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventures. Tell me what you added or how it turned out for you. Your stories are my favorite thing to read.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below. Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Summer Strawberry Spinach and Poppy Seed Salad
Description
A vibrant and refreshing salad combining sweet strawberries, fresh spinach, and a creamy honey-poppy seed dressing.
Ingredients
For the Poppyseed Dressing:
For the Spinach and Strawberry Salad:
Optional ingredients:
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl whisk together mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar and poppy seeds. Optionally you can season lightly to taste with salt if desired.
- Add half the spinach to a salad bowl topped with strawberries and if using the almonds or the feta. Top with remaining half of the spinach, strawberries and optional almonds or feta.
- Pour dressing over each serving or you can toss with entire salad if desired if you are serving it right away. Store dressing in the fridge up to 1 week.
Notes
- For the best texture, dress the salad just before serving. The optional almonds add crunch and the feta adds a savory, salty element.