Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

BY

February 22, 2026

Sweet strawberries, tender baby spinach, and crunchy toppings shine in this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing. The creamy, lightly sweet dressing coats every leaf with bright flavor. This salad tastes fresh, colorful, and perfect for spring lunches, brunches, or light dinners.


Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh and vibrant ingredients
  • Sweet and tangy flavor balance
  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Perfect for gatherings
  • Light yet satisfying

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 ยฝ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • ยผ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ยฝ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • โ…“ cup sliced almonds, toasted

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

  • โ…“ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • ยผ teaspoon salt

Swaps:
Use goat cheese instead of feta. Add grilled chicken for protein. Substitute pecans for almonds.


Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Add baby spinach to a large serving bowl.
  2. Top with sliced strawberries and red onion.
  3. Sprinkle feta cheese and toasted almonds evenly over the salad.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and salt until smooth.
  5. Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing.
  6. Toss gently until evenly coated and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or sandwiches. Pair it with sparkling water or iced tea for a refreshing meal.


Quick Tips or Variations

  • Chill the salad bowl before serving for extra freshness.
  • Add blueberries for more color.
  • Toast nuts lightly for deeper flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing ahead of time?

Prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately. Toss together just before serving.

How long does the dressing last?

Store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Can I use bottled poppy seed dressing?

Yes, but homemade dressing offers fresher flavor.

How do I keep spinach from wilting?

Add dressing right before serving to keep the leaves crisp.


Conclusion

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing delivers sweet berries, crisp greens, and creamy tangy dressing in every bite. It tastes fresh, light, and beautifully balanced. Make it once and enjoy a colorful salad that brightens any table.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Laura Jennings
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a fresh and vibrant salad made with sweet strawberries, baby spinach, and creamy homemade dressing.


Ingredients

Scale

6 cups baby spinach

1 1/2 cups strawberries, sliced

1/4 cup red onion, sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese

1/3 cup sliced almonds

1/3 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1/4 teaspoon salt


Instructions

1. Add spinach to a large bowl.

2. Top with strawberries and red onion.

3. Sprinkle feta and almonds over salad.

4. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, poppy seeds, and salt.

5. Drizzle dressing over salad.

6. Toss gently before serving.

Notes

Store dressing separately up to 5 days.

Add chicken for protein.

Toss just before serving.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 260mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star