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- 4 cups fresh baby spinach - 2 cups ripe strawberries - 1/2 cup sliced almonds - 1/4 cup creamy feta cheese - 1/4 cup red onion - 1/4 cup poppy seeds - 1/2 cup olive oil - 1/4 cup natural honey - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - Salt and freshly cracked pepper This salad is a feast for the eyes and belly. First, let’s focus on the fresh produce. Always choose bright green baby spinach. The leaves should feel firm and have no browning. Next, the strawberries need to be ripe. Look for red color with a sweet smell. Cut off the tops and slice them thin. For the crunchy additions, I love using sliced almonds. Toast them lightly for a nutty flavor. The creamy feta adds richness. Crumble it gently so it blends well. Thinly slice the red onion to give a nice sharp taste. Now for the dressing components. Poppy seeds add a fun crunch. Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. Natural honey brings sweetness and balances the tang from apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to your liking. These ingredients combine perfectly for a fresh and flavorful salad. You can mix and match too! For example, add different nuts or cheeses. The key is to use fresh, high-quality items for the best taste. To start, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, sliced almonds, crumbled feta, and red onion. Make sure to wash the spinach well and dry it thoroughly. This keeps your salad crisp. Use a gentle tossing motion. This way, you mix the ingredients without bruising the spinach. The goal is to have a colorful and fresh mix. Next, take a small bowl or jar for the dressing. Add the olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds. Use a whisk to mix until everything blends well. This helps create a smooth dressing. Taste it and add salt and freshly cracked pepper to fit your flavor. You want it to be just right for your salad. Now, it's time to bring it all together. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Use a gentle tossing technique to coat all the ingredients evenly. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. After mixing, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld together, making each bite even more delicious. Serve your salad in a large, shallow bowl. This makes it look inviting. For a pop of color, garnish with extra toasted almonds and sliced strawberries on top. Drizzle a bit of dressing over the garnish to make it shine. It adds a fun touch to your plate. When adding dressing, use a light hand. Drizzle it over the salad, then toss gently. This helps coat the leaves without bruising them. Let the salad rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to blend and become more tasty. You can swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan option. If you want a different oil, try avocado oil. For crunch, use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds. You can also change the cheese. Goat cheese or a dairy-free option works well too. {{image_4}} You can change this salad with seasonal fruits. Try adding blueberries or peaches in summer. These fruits add a burst of flavor and color. You can also swap the spinach. If you find fresh arugula or mixed greens, use them instead. Different greens can bring new tastes and textures. If you want a vegan version, use plant-based cheese instead of feta. This keeps the creaminess without dairy. For gluten-free options, check all ingredients. Most items are gluten-free, but always verify labels. You can replace honey with agave syrup if needed. To add more flavors, try fresh herbs like mint or basil. These herbs can brighten the salad. You can also use flavored oils or vinegars. A lemon-infused oil or raspberry vinegar can add a nice twist. Experimenting with these flavors makes each salad unique and fun. To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh longer. If you use a glass container, it helps prevent odors. Avoid metal containers, as they can react with the dressing. Always refrigerate the salad right after serving to keep it safe. The salad lasts for about 2 days in the fridge. The dressing can stay fresh for up to a week. To maintain freshness, store the dressing separately. Mix it only when you are ready to enjoy the salad again. This prevents the spinach from wilting and keeps the flavors bright. To refresh the salad, gently toss it with a little more dressing. This adds moisture and flavor. If the salad seems dry, drizzle some dressing over it before serving. Avoid reheating this salad, as it is best served cold. The fresh taste and crunch are what make it special! To wash spinach well, first fill a bowl with cold water. Submerge the spinach leaves in the water. Gently swish them around to remove dirt. Let the leaves soak for about five minutes. This helps the dirt settle at the bottom. Next, lift the spinach out of the water. Do not pour out the water, as that will mix dirt back in. Rinse the leaves under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner. This way, your spinach stays fresh and clean for the salad. Yes, you can make the poppyseed dressing ahead. Combine the olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds in a jar. Seal the jar tightly and store it in the fridge. You can prepare it up to a week in advance. When you are ready to use it, shake the jar well. This helps mix any ingredients that may have settled. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before serving. This salad pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken for protein and flavor - Salmon, which adds richness and complements the salad - A side of crusty bread for a satisfying meal - Quinoa or farro for a hearty grain option - Fresh fruit, like melon or citrus, for a sweet touch These options make your meal complete and enjoyable. This blog post detailed a fresh and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad. We covered essential ingredients, like spinach, strawberries, and crunchy almonds, along with a simple dressing. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and tips to enhance flavor and presentation. In conclusion, this salad is easy to make and delightful to eat. Enjoy experimenting with variations and substitutions to suit your taste. Remember, fresh ingredients create the best results. This beautiful salad can brighten any meal and impress your guests.

Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Bliss! This refreshing salad combines fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, crunchy almonds, and creamy feta, all drizzled with a delightful poppyseed dressing. Perfect for a light meal or a side dish, this recipe is quick and easy to make in under 25 minutes. Explore this delicious recipe now and elevate your salad game to new heights!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and dried

2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and beautifully sliced

1/2 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted for extra crunch

1/4 cup creamy feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced to enhance flavor

1/4 cup poppy seeds for a delightful texture

1/2 cup high-quality olive oil

1/4 cup natural honey for sweetness

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for tang

Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Use a gentle tossing motion to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed without bruising the delicate spinach.

    In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds. Continue whisking until the dressing is well emulsified, then season with salt and freshly cracked pepper according to your taste preferences.

      Drizzle the prepared poppyseed dressing over the mixed salad and use a gentle tossing technique to coat all ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

        Allow the salad to sit for approximately 10 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and deepen before serving.

          Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

            - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl for an attractive display, and enhance the visual appeal by garnishing with additional toasted almonds and a few strawberry slices on top. For an elegant touch, drizzle a bit of the poppyseed dressing over the garnish, adding to the feast for the eyes.