Strawberry Spinach Delight

$- 5 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried - 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced Fresh produce is key in this salad. I love using baby spinach. It is tender and mild. Strawberries add sweetness and color. They brighten the dish and taste amazing. Red onion offers a sharp bite. It adds depth to the salad. - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped Next, we add some creamy feta cheese. It gives a nice salty flavor. I prefer crumbled feta for easy mixing. Nuts add crunch and richness. Pecans or walnuts work well. Choose your favorite for extra texture. - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste Now let's talk about the dressing. I use olive oil for a smooth base. Apple cider vinegar adds tang and brightness. Honey adds sweetness to balance the flavors. Dijon mustard gives a nice kick. Season with salt and pepper to enhance all the tastes. This dressing brings everything together in a fresh way. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the poppy dressing, start by mixing the ingredients in a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Don’t forget to sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Next, use a whisk to blend everything together. Whisking helps to emulsify the oil and vinegar. You want a smooth and creamy dressing. It should feel light and fresh, perfect for our salad. Now, let’s put the salad together. In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups of fresh baby spinach with 2 cups of hulled and sliced strawberries. Add in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. Once you have all the fresh ingredients in the bowl, it’s time to add the dressing. Drizzle the poppy dressing over the salad components. After adding the dressing, gently toss the salad. This ensures every bite is coated with that tasty poppy dressing. For an extra touch, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds on top. This adds a nice crunch and makes the salad look pretty. Serve it in chilled salad bowls for a delightful presentation. You can also garnish with whole strawberries and some extra poppy seeds for that eye-catching effect. Enjoy! Selecting ripe strawberries Choose strawberries that are bright red and firm. Avoid ones with white or green spots. The scent is also a good sign. Ripe strawberries smell sweet and fragrant. Washing and drying spinach Rinse the spinach under cold water. This removes dirt and any hidden bugs. After washing, use a salad spinner to dry it well. Wet spinach can make your salad soggy. Adding herbs Fresh herbs can boost flavor. Try adding mint or basil to your salad. These herbs pair well with strawberries and spinach. Popular toppings Top your salad with crumbled feta cheese and nuts. Pecans or walnuts add crunch. You can also use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Preparation tips for storage Prepare the salad but keep the dressing separate. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the spinach fresh and crisp. Timing for best flavor Make the salad up to 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to blend. If you want to make it earlier, add the dressing just before serving. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh spinach and strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in taste. Chill Your Bowl: Chilling the salad bowl in the fridge before serving can help keep the salad crisp and refreshing. Nut Variations: Feel free to swap pecans or walnuts for other nuts like almonds or pistachios for a different flavor and crunch. Make Ahead: If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the salad from wilting. {{image_2}} You can easily change up this salad with protein. Grilled chicken adds a tasty, savory touch. Simply slice some cooked chicken breast and place it on top. It makes the salad more filling. Chickpeas are another great option. They add protein and fiber. Just rinse and drain a can of chickpeas, then toss them in. They give a nice texture and a bit of earthiness. Feel free to switch out fruits based on what’s in season. Blueberries or raspberries can replace strawberries for a fun twist. Each fruit brings a unique flavor that can change the salad's vibe. You can also experiment with vegetables. Try adding sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots. These vegetables not only add color but also give a nice crunch. If you want to switch up the dressing, a citrus vinaigrette works nicely. Just mix lemon juice with olive oil and a touch of honey. This gives a bright, fresh flavor. Creamy dressings can be another choice. A yogurt-based ranch or a balsamic dressing can add a rich taste. These alternatives keep the salad exciting and suit different palates. To keep your salad fresh, store it in airtight containers. Glass containers work well and do not retain odors. If you use plastic, make sure it is BPA-free. Place any leftover salad in the fridge right away. This keeps it crisp and tasty. You can keep the salad for up to two days. After that, the greens may wilt. Look for signs of spoilage. If the spinach turns brown or slimy, it’s time to toss it. Strawberries should stay bright and firm. If they become mushy, they have spoiled. You can get creative with leftover salad parts. Toss spinach into smoothies for extra nutrients. Use extra strawberries in desserts, like a fruit parfait. For the dressing, try it as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish. It adds a lovely flavor twist to many dishes. You can easily make this salad vegan. For feta cheese, try using tofu or cashew cheese. These options mimic the creaminess well. You can also skip the cheese and add more nuts for crunch. This keeps the salad tasty and satisfying. Yes, you can add more fruits! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced kiwi all work great. You can also try adding avocado for creaminess or cucumber for crunch. Feel free to get creative with your favorite fruits and nuts. Serve the salad cold for the best taste. Chill your salad bowls before serving for extra freshness. Garnish with whole strawberries and a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a bright look. This makes it not only tasty but also visually appealing. You now know how to make a fresh and tasty salad. You started with simple ingredients, like fresh produce and nuts. Then, you created a delicious dressing and mixed it all together. I shared tips to enhance flavor and serve it well. Remember, you can switch ingredients for seasonal tastes or personal preferences. Store your leftovers wisely to keep them fresh. This salad is flexible and full of options. Enjoy your creation and feel proud of your healthy choice!$

Strawberry Spinach Delight

A refreshing salad combining fresh spinach, strawberries, and a poppy dressing.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

5 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
0.25 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
0.25 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth to create the poppy dressing.
In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, red onion, and chopped nuts.
Drizzle the poppy dressing over the salad ingredients.
Gently toss the salad to ensure the dressing coats all components evenly.
Sprinkle the poppy seeds over the top for an added crunch and visual appeal.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Notes

Serve in chilled salad bowls and garnish with whole strawberries and extra poppy seeds for presentation.

Keyword healthy, salad, spinach, strawberries