Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad (Printable Version)

A refreshing blend of strawberries, spinach, feta, and pecans with zesty poppy seed dressing.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Salad

01 - 6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
02 - 1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 - ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
05 - ½ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped

→ Poppy Seed Dressing

06 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon honey
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Steps:

01 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified. Set aside.
02 - In a large salad bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, crumbled feta, and toasted pecans.
03 - Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving.
04 - Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and effortless – ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required
  • Perfectly balanced flavors combining sweet strawberries, tangy dressing, and savory feta
  • Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs
  • Beautiful presentation that impresses at any gathering or potluck
  • Homemade poppy seed dressing that's far superior to store-bought versions
  • Nutritious and satisfying without feeling heavy
02 -
  • Always dress the salad just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain crispness
  • Shake the dressing in a sealed jar instead of whisking for a perfectly emulsified consistency
  • Toast extra pecans and store them in an airtight container for quick salad assembly later
  • Choose strawberries at peak ripeness for the best flavor and sweetness
  • If the feta is too salty, rinse it briefly under cold water and pat dry before crumbling
  • Make a double batch of the poppy seed dressing – it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week
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