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Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

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3.9 from 12 reviews

This refreshing and vibrant Spinach Strawberry Salad combines fresh baby spinach with juicy strawberries, toasted pecans, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a sweet and tangy poppy seed balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish, this salad is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor and texture.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup raw pecans
  • 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced
  • 10 ounces fresh baby spinach (or a 50/50 blend of arugula and spinach)
  • 1 quart strawberries, hulled and quartered (about 1 pound)
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (block-style preferred)

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread pecans in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until they smell fragrant and turning tan inside. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Remove from oven and roughly chop on a cutting board.
  2. Soak the onions: Place the thinly sliced red onions in a bowl filled with cold water to mellow their sharpness while you prepare the rest of the salad.
  3. Prepare the dressing: In a small mixing bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds, honey, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper until well emulsified. Alternatively, shake together in a mason jar with a tight lid.
  4. Assemble the salad base: Place the baby spinach (or spinach-arugula blend) in a large serving bowl and add the quartered strawberries.
  5. Add onions and dressing: Drain the soaked onions well and add to the salad. Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad, then toss gently to coat all leaves evenly. Add more dressing if desired, but avoid overdressing.
  6. Finish salad with feta and pecans: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped toasted pecans on top, then toss lightly to combine. Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side for additional flavor.

Notes

  • Watch pecans carefully during toasting as they can burn quickly in the final minutes.
  • Soaking onions in cold water softens their bite for a milder flavor.
  • Use block-style feta for better texture and freshness compared to pre-crumbled varieties.
  • This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the greens and strawberries.
  • You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan version.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/spinach-strawberry-salad-with-feta-and-poppy-seed-dressing-recipe/