Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Delight
This vibrant strawberry spinach salad recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a refreshing and healthy meal or side dish. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time, and is highly customizable to your preferences. This recipe is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or a light weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- Spinach: 10 oz baby spinach, washed and dried
- Strawberries: 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Red Onion: ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- Feta Cheese: 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled (Goat cheese is a delicious alternative!)
- Candied Pecans (optional): ½ cup candied pecans, roughly chopped (for extra crunch!)
- Poppy Seed Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly. Hull and slice the strawberries. Thinly slice the red onion. Crumble the feta cheese. If using, chop the candied pecans.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, red onion, and feta cheese. Gently toss to combine.
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Add the Dressing: Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad and gently toss again to coat the ingredients evenly. Avoid over-mixing, as this can wilt the spinach.
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Garnish and Serve: If using, sprinkle the candied pecans over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Your Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would make this a more substantial meal.
- Other Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries can be substituted or added along with the strawberries.
- Different Nuts: Walnuts or almonds would also be a great addition for extra crunch and flavor.
- Citrus Zest: A little lemon or orange zest can add a bright, refreshing touch.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients ahead of time. Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.
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