Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a vibrant salad that's both healthy and bursting with flavour? Honestly, who doesn't? This strawberry spinach salad recipe is my go-to for summer.
It’s sweet, tangy, and crunchy a real winner!
What's the Deal with Strawberry Spinach Salad ?
This salad isn’t just some random mix of ingredients. Its origins are hazy, but it has become a salad staple across countries! It's a delightful blend of sweet and savory.
This easy salad recipe is great for beginners! It takes around 25 minutes to throw together and makes enough for 4-6 people.
Why You'll Love This Spinach Strawberry Salad
This salad is packed with goodness, using simple ingredients. Spinach provides a healthy dose of vitamins and iron. Its the perfect summer salad recipe for a BBQ or light summer lunch idea .
What makes this salad special? The combination of the juicy strawberries, the salty feta, and the crunchy pecans. It's like a party in your mouth, innit?
The Star Ingredients
We will need spinach, strawberries, pecans, feta, and red onion. And for the dressing? Olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds.
It’s dead easy to find all the ingredients. Let's dive into how to make it, shall we?
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Strawberry Spinach Salad Toolkit
Right, let's talk about what you'll need for this Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. You don't need to be Gordon Ramsay to nail this Easy Salad Recipe .
We want this Summer Salad Recipe to be easy, enjoyable, and ultimately delicious!
Main Ingredients Breakdown
- Fresh spinach: 10 ounces (283g) . Look for vibrant green leaves, no slimy bits, yeah?. Baby spinach is fab for this.
- Strawberries: 1 pound (454g) . Get 'em ripe, red, and juicy.
- Pecans: 1/2 cup (60g) . Toasted is best, trust me.
- Feta cheese: 1/2 cup (75g) , crumbled. Go for a good quality feta, it makes a difference! Think Greek rather than cheap supermarket versions.
- Red onion (optional): 1/4 cup (30g) , thinly sliced. Adds a bit of zing.
Seasoning Notes for That Extra Kick
This ain't just leaves and berries, love. It's about flavour! I find that getting the right spice and herbs can take this Spinach Salad to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Our Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe relies on some key combos. A decent olive oil works wonders. Apple cider vinegar gives it a tangy edge.
Honey sweetens it up. Dijon mustard adds depth. The poppy seeds provide that essential nutty crunch and visual appeal, don't skip them! It really makes this Strawberry Feta Salad shine.
If you don't have Dijon, wholegrain mustard works too. Or even a tiny pinch of mustard powder in a pinch, you know?
Equipment: Keep It Simple, Sweetheart
You don't need loads of fancy gadgets. A big bowl for mixing, a smaller one for the dressing and a whisk and a decent knife.
A chopping board is a must. For the pecans, a baking sheet will do. If you don't have a baking sheet, you can even toast them gently in a dry frying pan but watch them like a hawk, yeah? Things can burn quickly! You can definitely put together some Best Salad Recipes with just these basics.
This Spinach Strawberry Salad is simple, quick and a delicious Summer Lunch Idea .
Cooking Method: Toasting Pecans Like a Pro
Alright, let's talk about toasting pecans for our killer Strawberry Spinach Salad . Seriously, don't skip this step. It's a game changer.
Honestly, toasting brings out the nutty flavour, and it adds the best crunch.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place for Maximum Flavour
First, get your pecans chopped. Roughly is fine. Then, grab a baking sheet. You don’t need any oil. Just a dry sheet will do the trick.
Always make sure your oven is ready!
Safety reminder : Ovens can get really hot, so always use oven gloves when handling hot trays!
step-by-step Process
- Spread the chopped pecans in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Pop the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Bake for 5- 7 minutes .
- Keep a close eye on them. You want them fragrant and lightly browned.
- Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before adding them to your Best Salad Recipes .
Pro Tips: Ace Your Pecan Toasting Skills!
Pro Tip 1 : Don't overcrowd the pan. Give those nuts some room to breathe, or they'll steam instead of toast.
Pro Tip 2 : Watch them like a hawk ! Seriously, burnt pecans are sad pecans. It's a fine line between toasted perfection and a bitter disaster.
If you aren’t careful, your summer salad recipes will be ruined.
The Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe needs that toasted pecan flavour. It lifts the whole dish. You know? It gives a bit of textural contrast to the soft spinach and juicy strawberries.
Speaking of strawberries, find the ripest, reddest ones you can! The sweetness is key for that perfect Strawberry Feta Salad vibe.
Plus, the poppy seed dressing recipe just clings to them beautifully. Trust me, this Easy Salad Recipe is a winner, especially for Summer Lunch Ideas .
Recipe Notes: Nailing that Strawberry Spinach Salad
Right, let's talk about making this strawberry spinach salad recipe absolutely spot-on. I've tweaked this Spinach Strawberry Salad more times than I've had Sunday roasts (and that’s saying something!).
Honestly, a few little things can make a massive difference. Trust me, I've been there, done that, and eaten the soggy salad to prove it.
Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Fancy (Even if You're Not)
Plating matters. Arrange the strawberry feta salad artfully! Think of it like painting, but edible. For a more casual vibe, just chuck it all in a big bowl! Pair this easy salad recipe with a crisp white wine.
It’s fantastic with grilled chicken.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Honestly, this strawberry spinach salad is best eaten fresh. But leftovers can be kept, if needed. Keep the dressing separate.
Store in an airtight container. It will last for about 24 hours. Don't freeze it, though. Spinach gets weird.
Variations: Spicing Things Up
Need a change? Try goat cheese instead of feta. It's a bit tangier! For a vegan version, skip the feta.
Use maple syrup instead of honey in the poppy seed dressing recipe . Want something heartier? Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a great summer lunch idea .
Nutrition Basics: Feeling Good About Food
This spinach salad isn't just yummy. It’s actually pretty good for you. Spinach is packed with vitamins. Strawberries give you that vitamin C boost.
It's a light and refreshing choice. What is more, Salad with Strawberries is a good source of fiber.
Making this strawberry spinach salad is easy. Have fun with it. Don't be afraid to experiment. And remember, even if it's not perfect, it's still delicious.
Now go whip up one of the best salad recipes for summer! You got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this strawberry spinach salad recipe ahead of time?
While you can prep some components, it’s best to assemble the strawberry spinach salad just before serving. You can wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, toast the pecans, and prepare the dressing in advance.
Store each separately and then toss it all together when you're ready to eat, otherwise, the spinach will get soggy, and no one wants a sad, wilted salad, do they?
What are some good substitutions for ingredients in this strawberry spinach salad?
Absolutely! If you're not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds work great. You could also swap the feta cheese for goat cheese if you prefer a tangier flavor. For the dressing, if you don't have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or even a light balsamic will do in a pinch.
Think of it like "Ready, Steady, Cook!" - use what you have!
How long does strawberry spinach salad last in the fridge?
Once dressed, this strawberry spinach salad is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, they will keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours, although the spinach might wilt a bit.
It’s best to store undressed salad components separately in airtight containers and only dress what you plan to eat right away. Think of it as a "serve-as-you-go" system.
I want to add some protein to my strawberry spinach salad recipe, what do you suggest?
Adding protein is a brilliant idea for a more substantial meal! Grilled chicken or shrimp are fantastic additions that complement the sweet and savory flavors. For a vegetarian option, try adding some chickpeas or quinoa. You could even add some hard boiled eggs for a protein boost.
Consider it your salad, your way, innit?
Can I use frozen strawberries in this strawberry spinach salad?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the salad, as they tend to release a lot of liquid. This will help prevent the salad from becoming soggy, like a British summer rain.
How can I make the poppy seed dressing less sweet in my strawberry spinach salad recipe?
If you find the poppy seed dressing too sweet, simply reduce the amount of honey. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a touch more Dijon mustard to balance the sweetness with a bit of tang. Taste as you go and adjust until it's just right for your palate, just like Goldilocks and her porridge!
Strawberry Spinach Salad With Poppy Seed Dressin
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
