Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
A vibrant and colorful salad featuring fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, crunchy almonds, and a creamy poppy seed dressing that brings all the flavors together.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250kcal
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach Look for crisp, dark green leaves.
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion Adds a zesty crunch.
- 1 cup sliced strawberries or alternative fresh fruit Consider blueberries, mandarin oranges, or crisp apple slices.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted Watch closely while toasting to prevent burning.
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese For a vegan option, use vegan cheese or creamy avocado.
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise Forms the base of the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Brightens the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon honey Natural sweetness, adjustable to taste.
- 1 teaspoon sugar Balances the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds Gives a delightful crunch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse 5 cups of fresh baby spinach thoroughly under cold water, then pat dry or use a salad spinner.
- Thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion and your chosen fresh fruit.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast 1/4 cup of sliced almonds until golden brown.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds until well combined.
Assembly
- In a large bowl, combine the dried spinach, sliced onions, fresh fruit, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat without bruising the greens.
Notes
For best results, maintain spinach freshness by storing dressing separately until serving. Consider using Greek yogurt for the dressing as a healthier alternative or a simple vinaigrette for a lighter approach.