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For a vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad, gather these fresh ingredients: - 4 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and dried - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced into thin rounds - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces - 1/4 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted until golden brown - 1/4 red onion, finely sliced into thin rings These fresh ingredients create a colorful and tasty salad. Spinach adds a crunchy base, while strawberries bring sweetness. Feta cheese offers a creamy note, and toasted almonds add a lovely crunch. The red onion adds a sharp flavor that rounds out the dish. For the dressing, you will need: - 1/4 cup high-quality olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for sweetness - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste This dressing is simple yet flavorful. Olive oil gives a rich base, while apple cider vinegar adds tang. Honey or maple syrup sweetens the mix perfectly. Poppy seeds add a fun texture and a slight crunch. This salad is a powerhouse of nutrients. Each serving contains: - Calories: Approximately 200 - Protein: 5 grams - Carbohydrates: 15 grams - Fat: 15 grams The spinach provides vitamins A and C. Strawberries offer antioxidants. Feta cheese adds calcium, while almonds give healthy fats. This salad is not only tasty but also good for you! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your dressing ingredients. In a small bowl, mix together: - 1/4 cup high-quality olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds - A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper Whisk these ingredients until they blend well. This dressing should be smooth and creamy. The sweet and tangy taste will complement the salad perfectly. Now, take a large salad bowl. Begin by adding: - 4 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and dried This spinach serves as a fresh base. Next, layer on: - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced into thin rounds - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces - 1/4 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted until golden brown - 1/4 red onion, finely sliced into thin rings Arrange these ingredients artfully. The colors will look bright and inviting, making your salad pop! Once you have everything in the bowl, drizzle the poppyseed dressing over the top. Use gentle hands to toss the salad. Make sure the dressing coats each ingredient well. This step is key to enjoy all those flavors together. Serve your salad right away. You can use a large bowl for sharing or individual plates for a more stylish look. For a final touch, garnish with extra almonds and a few whole strawberries. This adds a beautiful finish to your dish! When selecting strawberries, look for bright red color. They should feel firm and plump. Check for any white or green spots, as this means they are not ripe. Smell the strawberries; a sweet scent means they are fresh. Always pick organic strawberries when possible. They taste better and are healthier for you. If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container. Keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess. The salad will stay fresh for up to two days. Place any leftover strawberries on top to keep them from bruising. Always check for freshness before eating. You can make this salad even better! Try adding grilled chicken for protein. Avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats. For a crunch, toss in some sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can brighten the flavors. Experiment to find your favorite mix! Pro Tips Fresh Spinach is Key: Always choose fresh, vibrant baby spinach for the best flavor and texture. Wilted or yellowing leaves can affect the overall taste of your salad. Toast the Almonds: Lightly toasting the almonds enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your salad. Be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup in the dressing according to your taste preference. Start with less and add more if needed. Chill the Ingredients: For a refreshing salad, chill your ingredients in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before assembling. This adds a nice crispness to each bite. {{image_4}} You can easily boost this salad's nutrition by adding protein. Grilled chicken is a great choice. Simply slice cooked chicken breast and place it on top. This adds flavor and makes the salad more filling. If you prefer a plant-based option, try cooked quinoa. It adds texture and is packed with protein. Just sprinkle it over the salad, and you’re set! If you want to change the nuts, you can! Walnuts or pecans work well in this salad. They give a nice crunch and pair well with the other flavors. Toast them lightly for extra taste. If you have nut allergies, seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds are great substitutes. They add a delightful crunch without the nuts. This salad is not just for summer! You can make it all year long. In spring, add fresh peas or asparagus for a pop of green. In fall, try adding roasted sweet potatoes or apples for a cozy touch. In winter, pomegranate seeds add a burst of color and taste. This way, you enjoy fresh flavors no matter the season! To keep your strawberry spinach salad fresh, store the ingredients separately. This keeps the spinach crisp and prevents soggy salad. Wash and dry the spinach well. Place it in a clean container lined with paper towels. This helps absorb moisture. Keep strawberries in a different container, covered lightly. The feta cheese and almonds should also have separate containers. Store them in airtight bags or containers to keep them fresh. Using the right containers is key. Glass containers work well because they don’t stain and seal tightly. If you use plastic, make sure it is BPA-free. Choose containers with lids that lock in air. This helps keep ingredients fresh for longer. Keep everything in the fridge until you are ready to toss the salad. The salad ingredients, when stored properly, can last for about three days in the fridge. The spinach should stay fresh for at least two days. Strawberries can last up to three days, depending on their ripeness. The dressing, if stored in a sealed jar, can last for about a week. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using. Enjoy your salad fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time. Just mix the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Whisk it well until blended. Pour it into a jar and seal it tight. Store it in the fridge for up to a week. This makes it easy to whip up the salad later. Just shake the jar to mix it again before using. If you don't have feta cheese, you can try goat cheese. It has a creamy taste that fits well. You can also use ricotta or blue cheese for a stronger flavor. For a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu or a nut-based cheese. These substitutes will still give your salad a nice texture and taste. Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! You can prepare the salad ingredients separately. Keep the spinach, strawberries, and onions in a container. Store the feta and almonds in another. Make the dressing in a jar. When you're ready to eat, just toss everything together. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. Enjoy it throughout the week! In this blog post, we looked at how to make a fresh salad. We covered the key ingredients like strawberries and dressing. I shared easy steps for making poppyseed dressing and assembling the salad. You learned tips for choosing fresh strawberries and storing leftovers. We also explored fun variations to keep it exciting all year. Remember, this salad is great for meal prep and can fit many tastes. Enjoy creating your version with fresh flavors that you love!

Strawberry Delight Spinach Salad

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, feta cheese, and a delightful poppyseed dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and dried
  • 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced into thin rounds
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.25 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted until golden brown
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely sliced into thin rings
  • 0.25 cup high-quality olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until well blended to create a smooth dressing.
  • In a large salad bowl, begin by placing the fresh baby spinach as the base layer.
  • Arrange the sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, toasted almonds, and finely sliced red onion artfully over the spinach.
  • Drizzle the prepared poppyseed dressing generously over the salad, ensuring an even distribution.
  • With gentle hands, toss the salad to coat the ingredients thoroughly, allowing the dressing to embrace each element.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors and freshest texture!

Notes

Serve in a large bowl for sharing or individual plates for a stylish presentation. Garnish with extra almonds and whole strawberries for a colorful touch.
Keyword healthy, salad, spinach, strawberries, vegetarian