10-Minute Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing: The Ultimate Summer Refresher!

This spinach strawberry salad combines fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta with a homemade poppy seed dressing for a refreshing, nutrient-packed meal ready in just 10 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Strawberry Salad

This vibrant salad is a true crowd-pleaser! The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans creates perfect flavor and texture balance. It’s incredibly versatile – dress it up for special occasions or keep it simple for everyday meals. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients like vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants while being naturally gluten-free. Best of all, you can prepare it in just 10 minutes with ingredients easily found year-round (though it’s absolutely spectacular with summer berries!).

Spinach Strawberry Salad Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 10 oz fresh baby spinach (about 10-12 cups)
• 1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¾ cup candied pecans or toasted walnuts
• ⅔ cup crumbled feta cheese (goat cheese works too!)
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, diced (optional but recommended)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Tools Used to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad

• Large salad bowl
• Small mixing bowl or mason jar (for dressing)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Salad tongs for serving

How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk vigorously or seal the jar and shake until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed (add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess).
4. Set aside while preparing the salad.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, place the fresh baby spinach.
2. Add sliced strawberries, red onion, and avocado (if using).
3. Sprinkle candied pecans, feta cheese, and dried cranberries (if using) on top.
4. If serving immediately, drizzle with the poppy seed dressing and toss gently.
5. If serving later, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Variations of Spinach Strawberry Salad

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or crispy buttermilk fried chicken pieces for a heartier meal.
• Berry Mix: Incorporate blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry version.
• Greens Switch: Substitute half the spinach with arugula or spring mix for a peppery flavor profile.
• Cheese Options: Try blue cheese or goat cheese instead of feta for a different tangy note.
• Make It Vegan: Skip the cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
• Grains Addition: Add quinoa or farro for a more substantial salad bowl, similar to these Mediterranean steak bowls but with a fruit-forward profile.
• Asian-Inspired: Swap the poppy seed dressing for a sesame ginger dressing and add mandarin oranges for an Asian-inspired salad.

Serving Spinach Strawberry Salad

This versatile salad works beautifully as:

• A light lunch on its own
• Side dish for grilled proteins or BBQ pineapple chicken kabobs
• Starter for dinner parties
• Colorful addition to brunch spreads
• Perfect contribution to potlucks and picnics

For beautiful presentation, serve on a large platter rather than tossing in a bowl. Arrange the spinach as the base, then artfully place the strawberries, pecans, cheese, and other toppings before drizzling with dressing. This “composed” style showcases the vibrant ingredients and lets guests see the delicious components before mixing.

For make-ahead convenience, prepare all components separately and store in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, but with some preparation. Wash and dry the spinach, slice strawberries, and prepare other ingredients up to 1 day ahead. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dressing can be made up to 5 days ahead. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to prevent wilting.

How long does the poppy seed dressing last? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the homemade dressing stays fresh for up to 1 week. If it separates, simply shake or whisk before using.

Is this spinach strawberry salad healthy? Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients – spinach provides iron and vitamins, strawberries offer vitamin C and antioxidants, nuts add healthy fats and protein, and the homemade dressing avoids preservatives found in store-bought options.

Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries work best for optimal texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to prevent excess moisture from making the salad soggy.

How can I make candied pecans at home? To make candied pecans: Melt 2 tablespoons butter with 3 tablespoons brown sugar in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup pecans and cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes until caramelized. Spread on parchment paper to cool completely before using.

What can I pair this salad with? This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or as a side to heartier dishes like chicken rice casserole or sandwiches like California turkey club wraps.

Final Thoughts

This spinach strawberry salad brings together nature’s best ingredients in one beautiful, nutritious dish. Make it tonight and discover your new favorite way to eat your greens and berries!

More Recipes to Try!

• Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble
• Hawaiian Roll French Toast
• Whipped Ricotta Hot Honey Dip
• Creamy Bruschetta Dip Recipe
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Potato Salad
• Lemon Blueberry Trifle
• Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake
• Breakfast Grilled Cheese
• Delicious Cruffins
• Churro Bites Recipe

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