Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

Introduction

Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Spinach Strawberry Salad, complemented by a tangy and sweet Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing. This dish combines the freshness of spinach and strawberries with the richness of cheese and nuts, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)

For the Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Adjust the sweetness and seasoning to taste. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, add the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and dried cranberries (if using).
3. Add Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle the crumbled feta (or goat cheese) and toasted almonds or pecans on top of the salad.
4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the balsamic poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the spinach and toppings are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy! This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Options: Substitute strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries.
• Cheese: Swap feta or goat cheese for blue cheese or a vegan alternative.
• Nuts: Use walnuts or pine nuts in place of almonds or pecans for different flavors and textures.
• Sweetener: Adjust the honey or maple syrup to your taste preference, or use agave syrup for a different sweetener option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover salad components separately from the dressing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and should not be reheated. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to avoid sogginess.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time? You can prep the salad ingredients and dressing in advance, but it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.
2. Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar in the dressing? Yes, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as an alternative.
3. Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones are unavailable.
4. What other nuts can I use? You can use walnuts, cashews, or even sunflower seeds as alternatives to almonds or pecans.
5. Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet? Yes, the salad is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure the dressing ingredients and any additional toppings are also gluten-free.
6. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! You can substitute with blue cheese, Parmesan, or any other cheese of your preference.
7. How can I make this salad vegan? Use maple syrup instead of honey and substitute the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or simply omit it.
8. What can I serve this salad with? This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or as a standalone dish. It also makes a great side dish for a variety of main courses.
9. How do I make the salad more filling? Add protein such as grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make the salad more substantial.
10. How can I adjust the dressing if it’s too tangy or too sweet? Adjust the honey or maple syrup for sweetness and the balsamic vinegar for tanginess to suit your taste preference.

Conclusion

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. This salad offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with the crunch of nuts and the creamy texture of cheese. It’s an ideal choice for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish that can easily be customized to your taste. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the ease of preparation with this versatile salad!

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