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For this delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad, you need: - 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup pecans, toasted - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds Each ingredient brings a unique flavor and texture. The baby spinach adds a fresh and crisp base. The strawberries add sweetness and a pop of color. Feta cheese brings creaminess and saltiness. Red onion gives a slight bite. Toasted pecans add crunch and depth. Lastly, sesame seeds provide a lovely finish. Now, let’s focus on the dressing. For a great poppyseed dressing, gather these ingredients: - 1/4 cup olive oil - 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds - Salt and pepper to taste This dressing ties the salad together. The olive oil adds richness. Apple cider vinegar gives it a tangy twist. Honey balances the flavors with sweetness. Poppy seeds add a delightful crunch and visual appeal. Seasoning with salt and pepper enhances every bite. You can find the full recipe with detailed instructions to help you make this fresh, tasty salad. To start, wash your baby spinach well. Rinse it under cool water. Shake off the extra water and dry it using a salad spinner or kitchen towel. Clean spinach helps keep the salad fresh and tasty. Next, prepare the strawberries. Use a small knife to hull the strawberries. This means removing the green tops and the white core. Then, slice the strawberries into thin pieces. Fresh, ripe strawberries add great flavor to your salad. Now, it’s time to layer your ingredients in a large bowl. First, add the fresh baby spinach. Next, scatter the sliced strawberries on top. Then, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and thinly sliced red onion over everything. Finally, add the toasted pecans. Each layer brings its own taste and crunch. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing. Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients blend well. This dressing adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Use just enough to coat the spinach and strawberries without drowning them. Next, gently toss everything together. Make sure the spinach and strawberries are well covered in dressing. For the final touch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This adds flavor and makes the salad look beautiful. Serve the salad right away or chill it for a few minutes to let the flavors blend. Enjoy your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Delight! For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. Choosing ripe strawberries is key to a great salad. Look for berries that are bright red, firm, and shiny. They should smell sweet and fragrant. Avoid any that are dull or have green spots. Storing spinach properly keeps it fresh and crispy. First, wash it gently. Then, dry it well using a salad spinner. Store it in a sealed bag or container lined with a paper towel. This helps absorb moisture and keeps it crisp for days. If you want to switch things up, try different nuts. Almonds or walnuts add a nice crunch. Each nut has a unique taste, so feel free to experiment. Cheese can also change the flavor. Feta is great, but goat cheese or blue cheese can add a different twist. Each type of cheese brings its own special taste to the salad. Adjusting the sweetness and tanginess of the dressing is easy. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For more tang, increase the vinegar. Taste as you mix to find your perfect balance. Making the dressing ahead of time is smart. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just whisk it again before serving. This tip saves time and lets the flavors blend beautifully. For the full recipe, check out the Strawberry Spinach Delight section. {{image_2}} You can change the greens in this salad. Try using arugula or mixed greens instead of spinach. These greens add a peppery taste and a fun twist. You might also want to add extra fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches work well. They add color and sweetness to your salad. If you need gluten-free options, this salad is great! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any packaged items like the dressing. For vegan-friendly alternatives, skip the feta cheese. You can use avocado instead. This keeps the dish creamy and rich without dairy. This salad shines with fresh, seasonal fruits. In spring and summer, stick with strawberries. In fall or winter, consider apples or pears. They bring a nice crunch and flavor. You can also add nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra texture. This makes your salad enjoyable all year round. To keep your Strawberry Spinach Salad fresh, store it properly. First, separate the salad and dressing. This keeps the greens crisp. Place the salad in an airtight container. Use a paper towel to absorb moisture. This will help prevent wilting. When it comes to the dressing, store it in a sealed jar. Shake it before use, as the ingredients can separate. You can keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Preparing ingredients ahead of time makes meal prep easy. Wash and dry the spinach and store it in a container. Slice the strawberries and keep them in a separate container. This way, they stay fresh and ready to go. Assembling the salad is quick. Just mix the spinach, strawberries, feta, red onion, and pecans in a bowl. Add the dressing right before serving to keep everything crunchy. For the full recipe, check out the details above. How to prevent strawberries from browning? To keep strawberries fresh and bright, use lemon juice. Just a little squeeze helps. Coat the sliced strawberries in lemon juice right after cutting. This slows down the browning. Can I make the salad ahead of time? You can prepare some parts ahead. Wash and dry the spinach. Slice the strawberries and store them in the fridge. Just mix everything right before serving, to keep it fresh. Is poppyseed dressing healthy? Poppyseed dressing can be a healthy choice. It uses olive oil, which is good for the heart. The honey adds natural sweetness. Just watch the amount if you are counting calories. What are some side dishes to serve with this salad? This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread. A light soup is a nice addition too. Try these options to create a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out Strawberry Spinach Delight. You now understand how to create a fresh, tasty salad with simple steps. We covered fresh ingredients, poppyseed dressing, and easy preparation tips. With variations and storage info, you can enjoy this salad anytime. Remember, using ripe strawberries and proper storage keeps it fresh. Don't hesitate to try new flavors. This salad is flexible for your taste. Enjoy making it for your friends and family!

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Enjoy a refreshing twist on your salad game with this delicious Strawberry Spinach Delight! Bursting with fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans, this vibrant dish is perfect for any occasion. Tossed with a homemade poppyseed dressing, it's not just a salad, it's an experience. Gather your ingredients and click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dining today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup pecans, toasted

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For the Poppyseed Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh baby spinach and sliced strawberries.

    Scatter the crumbled feta cheese and sliced red onion over the top.

      Add the toasted pecans for a nice crunch.

        In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until well combined to create the dressing.

          Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until the spinach and strawberries are well coated.

            Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an added flavor boost and a pretty finish.

              Serve immediately or chill for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

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