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- 5 cups fresh spinach leaves, thoroughly washed and dried - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced into thin rounds - 1/2 cup red onion, very thinly sliced - 1/4 cup slivered almonds, preferably toasted for enhanced flavor - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled for a creamy contrast - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil for richness - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick - 2 tablespoons honey for a touch of sweetness - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, adding texture - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste I love using fresh spinach in this salad. It gives a crisp base that holds the other flavors well. Strawberries add a sweet burst that brightens each bite. Red onion gives a nice bite and balances the sweetness. Slivered almonds add crunch, and feta cheese brings creaminess. The poppy seed dressing is simple but full of flavor. The olive oil adds richness, while apple cider vinegar gives it a tangy note. Honey sweetens the mix, and poppy seeds create a fun texture. You can adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To start, gather your ingredients for the dressing. Combine: - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds Whisk these together in a small bowl. Mix until smooth. Taste it! Adjust with salt and black pepper. This dressing is creamy and sweet. Set it aside to let the flavors blend. Now, take a large bowl and arrange 5 cups of fresh spinach leaves. Make sure they are clean and dry. Spread them out evenly. This will be your vibrant base, ready to hold all the other ingredients. Next, add 2 cups of sliced strawberries and 1/2 cup of very thinly sliced red onion on top of the spinach. The bright red strawberries pair well with the green spinach. The onion adds a nice crunch. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Be sure to cover the greens and strawberries evenly. Then, gently toss the salad using a pair of tongs. Be careful not to bruise the spinach. Finally, sprinkle 1/4 cup of toasted slivered almonds and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. This adds a nice crunch and creaminess to each bite. You can serve it right away or chill it for about 15 minutes. Enjoy your fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing! For a full recipe, check out the complete guide. - Use fresh, seasonal strawberries. They taste better and add more color. - Choose high-quality spinach. Look for bright leaves without wilting or browning. - To toast almonds, heat a dry pan over medium heat. Stir the slivers until they are golden and fragrant. This takes about 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them! - If you want a different cheese, try goat cheese or blue cheese. These add unique flavors. - For gatherings, serve salad in clear bowls. This shows off the bright colors. You can also use individual plates for a nice touch. - This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or salmon. It also complements light pasta dishes. You can enjoy it as a side or a main dish. For the full recipe, check out the Strawberry Spinach Delight! {{image_4}} You can switch up the fruit in this salad easily. Try adding other berries like blueberries or raspberries. These fruits add a new twist and keep it fresh. You can even mix in diced apples or pears for extra crunch. Citrus fruits like oranges or mandarins brighten the flavors. Their juice adds a nice tang that complements the sweetness of strawberries. While the poppy seed dressing is delightful, you can explore other dressings. A balsamic vinaigrette brings a rich flavor that pairs well with spinach. A honey mustard dressing adds a nice kick too. If you prefer, you can use store-bought dressings for convenience. Just check the label for healthy options. This salad can fit many diets. For gluten-free eaters, all the ingredients work well. Just ensure your dressing is gluten-free too. If you want a vegan version, skip the feta cheese. You can add avocado for creaminess instead. This keeps the salad tasty while meeting dietary needs. To keep your strawberry spinach salad fresh, store leftovers in a sealed container. Remove any excess dressing to avoid sogginess. If you can, eat the salad within two days for the best taste. Keep it in the fridge to maintain its crunch. Store the poppy seed dressing separately in a jar. It lasts about a week in the fridge. Homemade dressings are best used fresh, but they can still be tasty after a few days. Before using, give it a good shake to mix any ingredients that may have settled. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge. It stays fresh for about a week. Just give it a good shake before using. The salad tastes best the day it's made. If you store it in the fridge, it can last up to two days. Keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. This keeps the greens crisp and fresh. To make the salad more filling, add grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also use chickpeas or beans for a plant-based option. These add protein and create a heartier meal. Adding nuts or seeds can boost the protein and healthy fats. Try sunflower seeds or walnuts. They add crunch and flavor. You can mix greens with fruits and nuts. Try arugula with oranges and walnuts. This keeps the fresh, vibrant feel of the strawberry spinach salad. If you don't have spinach, use kale or mixed greens. Both provide a nice base and pair well with strawberries. Just make sure to massage kale a bit to soften it. This blog post guides you through crafting a fresh and tasty salad. We explored key ingredients, from spinach to strawberries, and how to make a delightful poppy seed dressing. I shared step-by-step methods and useful tips for storage and serving. Fresh ingredients lead to better taste. You can adjust flavors and textures based on your needs. Try different fruits, dressings, or protein add-ins. Enjoy creating a salad that shines at any meal!

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Elevate your salad game with this refreshing Strawberry Spinach Delight! Packed with fresh ingredients like spinach, strawberries, red onion, and a creamy poppy seed dressing, this colorful dish is perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s a healthy choice that’s sure to impress your guests. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how to create this delicious salad masterpiece!
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Ingredients
  

5 cups fresh spinach leaves, thoroughly washed and dried

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced into thin rounds

1/2 cup red onion, very thinly sliced

1/4 cup slivered almonds, preferably toasted for enhanced flavor

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled for a creamy contrast

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil for richness

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick

2 tablespoons honey for a touch of sweetness

1 tablespoon poppy seeds, adding texture

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds. Whisk together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.

    Prepare the Base: In a large salad bowl, arrange the fresh spinach leaves as your base, ensuring they are evenly spread out for a visually appealing presentation.

      Layer the Ingredients: Gently add the sliced strawberries and thinly sliced red onion on top of the spinach, creating a colorful contrast that showcases the freshness of the ingredients.

        Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared poppy seed dressing over the entire salad, aiming for an even coating on both the greens and the vibrant strawberries.

          Combine with Care: Using a pair of salad tongs, gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients. Be careful to avoid bruising the delicate spinach leaves while ensuring every bite is coated with dressing.

            Finish with Crunch and Cream: Sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds and crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad, adding both texture and a burst of flavor.

              Serving Suggestions: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures, or for a chilled option, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving.

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

                  - Presentation Tip: For an extra touch, consider serving the salad in individual portions on chilled plates, garnished with a whole strawberry or a small sprig of mint for added visual appeal.