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- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried - 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup poppy seeds The main ingredients of this salad create a colorful and tasty dish. Fresh baby spinach is the base. It adds a nice crunch and lots of vitamins. Strawberries bring sweetness and a bright red color. Red onion adds a little bite, while feta cheese gives a creamy texture. Walnuts add crunch and healthy fats. Lastly, poppy seeds add a lovely look and nutty flavor. - 1/3 cup olive oil - 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - Salt and pepper to taste The dressing is easy and quick to make. Olive oil provides a smooth base. Apple cider vinegar brings tanginess. Honey adds sweetness, balancing the flavors. Salt and pepper enhance everything. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste. - About 200 calories per serving - Carbohydrates: 15g - Protein: 5g - Fat: 15g - Vitamins A, C, and K; minerals like calcium and potassium This salad is not just tasty; it is healthy too. Each serving has around 200 calories, making it a light choice. You get great vitamins from spinach and strawberries. Feta adds protein and calcium. This salad is perfect for a fresh meal or a side dish. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients well. This creates a smooth and tasty dressing. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. You want it to be just right for your salad. Take a large salad bowl and add the fresh baby spinach. Next, layer in the sliced strawberries. Add the thinly sliced red onion and the roughly chopped walnuts. This mix gives great flavor and crunch. Make sure to keep the layers even for a balanced salad. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss it gently to coat all the ingredients. This helps every bite taste great. Now, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top for creaminess. Finally, add the poppy seeds for a lovely finish. This step not only enhances flavor but also adds a nice visual touch. Using fresh ingredients: Always choose fresh baby spinach and ripe strawberries. Fresh produce makes a big difference in taste and texture. Look for vibrant colors and firm textures. They should be free from bruises or blemishes. Fresh ingredients give your salad a bright and lively flavor. Washing and preparing spinach and strawberries: Rinse the spinach under cold water. Use a salad spinner to dry it thoroughly. Wet spinach can make the salad soggy. For strawberries, remove the green tops and slice them thin. This helps them mix well with other ingredients. Best presentation techniques: A great presentation makes the salad more appealing. Use large, shallow bowls to serve. Layer the spinach, strawberries, red onion, and walnuts in a colorful way. Finish by sprinkling feta and poppy seeds on top. Add a few extra strawberry slices as a garnish for a pop of color. Ideal serving dishes: Choose clear glass or white plates for serving. These colors allow the bright salad to shine. You can also use wooden bowls for a rustic touch. Serve with a large spoon for easy tossing and sharing. Alternate sweeteners: While honey is a classic choice, you can try maple syrup or agave nectar. These options add different flavors while keeping the dressing sweet. Adjust the amount to taste; some may prefer less sweetness. Different vinegar options: Apple cider vinegar is great, but you can also use balsamic or red wine vinegar. Each type brings a unique tang to the dressing. Experiment to find your favorite flavor combination. {{image_2}} You can make your Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad even better by adding proteins. Grilled chicken or shrimp both work great. These proteins turn the salad into a complete meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. You can also switch up the cheese. If you want a different taste, try goat cheese or blue cheese. Both add a unique flavor that pairs well with the sweet strawberries. This salad shines in every season. You can add seasonal fruits and nuts to change the flavors. In summer, try peaches or berries. In fall, sliced apples or pears work well. Nuts like pecans or almonds can add a nice crunch. This way, your salad stays fresh and exciting all year long. For those with dietary needs, this salad is easy to adapt. To make it gluten-free, ensure that all ingredients are certified gluten-free. For vegans, skip the cheese and honey. Instead, use a vegan cheese option and maple syrup for sweetness. You can still enjoy a delicious and healthy salad that fits your diet. To store your salad, keep it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it right away to keep it fresh. Make sure the salad is cool before sealing it. This salad can last for about two days in the fridge. After that, the spinach may wilt, and the strawberries may lose their firmness. You do not need to reheat this salad. It tastes best when chilled. If you want to keep it fresh, eat it within a day or two. If you have leftover dressing, store it separately. This way, you can add it just before serving. Freezing the whole salad is not a good idea. The spinach and strawberries will become mushy when thawed. However, you can freeze the dressing. Just keep it in a small container. When you are ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Avoid freezing the feta cheese and walnuts, as they don’t hold up well in the freezer. You can prepare this salad ahead of time. Start by washing and drying the spinach. Slice the strawberries, and chop the red onion and walnuts. Keep these ingredients in separate containers. This keeps them fresh. You can mix the dressing in a jar. Store it in the fridge. The salad stays crisp and tasty this way. Combine all ingredients just before serving. This ensures the salad stays bright and fresh. If you need a feta cheese substitute, try goat cheese. It has a creamy texture. You can also use ricotta for a milder taste. For a strong flavor, blue cheese works well. Each choice adds a unique twist to the salad. Choose based on your taste or dietary needs. Yes, this salad is very healthy! Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C. Strawberries are full of antioxidants. They help protect your body. Walnuts add healthy fats and protein. Feta cheese provides calcium. This salad gives you a balanced mix of nutrients. Eating it can boost your health while being delicious. You can use frozen strawberries, but with care. Thaw them first and drain excess liquid. This helps avoid a soggy salad. Cut them into smaller pieces if needed. Frozen strawberries are often sweeter, which can enhance the taste. Just remember to enjoy them in a fresh way! In this blog post, we explored the delightful Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad. We covered its fresh ingredients, from baby spinach to strawberries and walnuts. I shared step-by-step instructions for making the salad and tips for perfecting its presentation. We also discussed variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. This salad not only tastes great but offers health benefits too. Enjoy making this dish, and feel free to add your own twist to it!

Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad

Elevate your salads with this Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Delight! Bursting with fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts, it’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whip up this easy salad in just 15 minutes with a light homemade dressing that ties everything together. Ready to impress your guests? Click through for the full recipe and make this delightful dish today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried

2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

1/4 cup poppy seeds

For the dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

    In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and walnuts.

      Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated.

        Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad, adding a burst of flavor and creaminess.

          Finish by sprinkling the poppy seeds over the top for a lovely visual and taste.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in large bowls or on plates, garnished with a few extra strawberry slices and a sprinkle of poppy seeds for an elegant touch.