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- 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried - 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced - ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled - ¼ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped To make this salad shine, you need fresh baby spinach. It serves as a great base. Strawberries add juicy sweetness and a pop of color. Cucumber gives the salad a nice crunch. Thinly sliced red onion brings a sharpness that balances the sweetness. The feta cheese adds a creamy texture and salty flavor. For a nutty crunch, use walnuts or pecans. This mix of ingredients makes the salad tasty and exciting. - ¼ cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds - Salt and pepper to taste The dressing is key to this salad's charm. Start with good olive oil for a rich taste. Apple cider vinegar adds brightness and tang. Use honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. Poppy seeds give a delightful crunch and a visual pop. Lastly, salt and pepper tie all these flavors together. This dressing elevates the salad, making it a real delight. To start, mix the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Combine ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake this mixture until it's well blended. For the best blending, use a whisk or a jar with a tight lid. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend it in a small food processor. Store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to shake it well before using it again. Now, let’s create the salad base. In a large salad bowl, add 6 cups of fresh baby spinach. This forms the green foundation of your delightful salad. Next, it’s time to add vegetables! Layer on 2 cups of sliced strawberries, 1 cup of thinly sliced cucumber, and ½ cup of thinly sliced red onion. These colorful veggies add flavor and crunch. Finally, incorporate the cheese and nuts. Sprinkle ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese and ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans over the top. This adds creaminess and a satisfying crunch. Pour the poppy dressing evenly over the salad ingredients. This will enhance the taste of all the fresh components. Now, toss the salad gently. Use salad tongs or two large forks to mix everything together. Be careful not to bruise the spinach or strawberries. For presentation, serve the salad in chilled bowls or on a nice platter. Garnish with whole strawberries and a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a lovely touch. Enjoy your vibrant and tasty strawberry spinach salad! To boost flavor, you can switch up some ingredients. Try using arugula for a peppery kick. You can also swap feta with goat cheese for a creamier taste. For the dressing, if you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey or maple syrup. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the whole dish. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It makes a great side for a summer barbecue or a light lunch. You can also serve it at picnics or potlucks. For a more filling meal, add quinoa or couscous to the salad. Prep your ingredients a few hours in advance. Wash and dry the spinach early. Slice the strawberries, cucumber, and red onion, and store them in the fridge. Chilling the salad bowl before serving keeps your salad fresh and crisp. This makes a big difference in taste! {{image_2}} You can make your salad heartier by adding protein. Here are some great options: - Grilled chicken: Cooked chicken adds flavor and makes the salad filling. - Shrimp or tofu options: Shrimp gives a nice seafood touch while tofu offers a plant-based choice. These add-ons boost nutrition and help you enjoy the salad as a meal. If you want to change the taste, try different dressings. Here are a few ideas: - Balsamic vinaigrette: It adds a sweet and tangy flavor. - Honey mustard dressing: This gives a nice kick to your salad. - Avocado dressing: Creamy and rich, it complements the fresh ingredients well. Experimenting with dressings can keep your salad exciting and new. Using seasonal ingredients makes your salad fresh and vibrant. Here’s how to adapt it: - Fruits: In summer, add peaches or blueberries. In fall, try apples or pears. - Nuts: In winter, use hazelnuts for a warm touch. In spring, almonds bring a crisp bite. Changing fruits and nuts lets you enjoy different flavors all year round. To store your salad, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the spinach fresh. If you leave the dressing on, the spinach may wilt quickly. For best results, store the salad without dressing. It will stay good for about 1-2 days in the fridge. If you have leftovers, try to eat them soon. The flavors will be best within this time frame. Store leftover dressing in a sealed jar or container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to a week. To prolong its shelf life, always use a clean spoon to scoop out the dressing. Avoid introducing any food particles. If you notice any changes in smell or texture, it’s best to toss it out. Enjoy your salad and dressing while they’re at their best! Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. To prepare it in advance, follow these tips: - Prep Ingredients: Wash and slice all the vegetables. Store them separately in airtight containers. - Mix Dressing: Make the poppy dressing a day before. Keep it in the fridge. - Combine Just Before Serving: Mix the salad just before you serve it. This keeps the spinach fresh. If you need a substitute for feta cheese, here are some great options: - Goat Cheese: It has a creamy texture and tangy flavor. - Ricotta Cheese: This cheese adds creaminess and a mild taste. - Cottage Cheese: A lighter choice, great for adding protein. You can store the poppy dressing for about one week. Here are key storage tips: - Use a Sealed Container: Store it in a jar with a tight lid. - Keep It Chilled: Always refrigerate the dressing. - Shake Before Use: Give it a good shake before using, as ingredients may separate. This blog post shared a tasty salad recipe. You learned about fresh ingredients and a simple dressing. We went through easy steps for mixing, assembling, and serving. Remember to try different flavors with our tips and variations. My final thought: This salad is not just healthy but great for any meal. Experiment with flavors, and enjoy every bite!

Strawberry Spinach Salad With Poppy Dressing

Savor the freshness of a delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Dressing that's perfect for any occasion! This vibrant salad combines baby spinach, juicy strawberries, cucumber, and feta cheese, all tossed in a light poppy seed dressing that's easy to make. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a delicious way to add a burst of flavor to your meals. Click through to explore this refreshing recipe and enjoy a tasty spin on salad nights!
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Ingredients
  

6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried

2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced

½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

¼ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped

Dressing:

¼ cup olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until well blended. Set aside.

    Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, add the fresh baby spinach as the base.

      Add the Vegetables: Top the spinach with sliced strawberries, cucumber, and red onion.

        Incorporate the Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts (or pecans) over the salad.

          Drizzle the Dressing: Pour the poppy dressing evenly over the salad ingredients.

            Toss Gently: Using salad tongs or two large forks, toss the salad gently to combine all ingredients without bruising the spinach and strawberries.

              Serve Immediately: Optionally, add extra poppy seeds on top for garnish before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in chilled bowls or on a platter, garnished with whole strawberries and a sprinkle of poppy seeds for an appealing look.