Go Back
–+ servings
Strawberry Spinach Salad pinterest

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

This light and fruity summer salad celebrates seasonal strawberries while providing a refreshing meal option that won't weigh you down on hot days. The vibrant red strawberries against the deep green spinach creates a visually stunning dish that's as nourishing as it is beautiful.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chilling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Serving Bowl
  • Jar with Lid
  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 6 cups fresh spinach washed and dried
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds lightly toasted
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries

For the Poppy Seed Dressing

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey maple syrup for vegan option
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Place sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. Watch carefully as they burn quickly!
  • Combine all dressing ingredients (olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper) in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until well combined and slightly thickened.
  • Place the fresh spinach in a large serving bowl. Make sure the spinach is completely dry to allow the dressing to adhere properly.
  • Layer the sliced strawberries and red onions over the spinach.
  • Sprinkle the toasted almonds, crumbled feta, and dried cranberries evenly over the salad.
  • Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving. Start with 3-4 tablespoons and add more as desired to prevent the spinach from becoming soggy.

Notes

For a lower-calorie option, reduce the nuts and cheese by half and add extra strawberries.
Make it vegan by swapping feta for a plant-based cheese alternative and using maple syrup in the dressing.
Add grilled chicken or salmon for a protein boost (increases protein content by approximately 20g per serving).
For maximum freshness, store components separately if preparing ahead of time. The dressed salad will only stay crisp for about 2 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 6gFat: 22gFiber: 4gSugar: 12gVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 15mg
Keyword Strawberry Spinach Salad, Summer Salad, Poppy Seed Dressing, Healthy Salad, Fresh Salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!