Description
A fresh and vibrant Sweet Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring tender baby spinach, juicy strawberries, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, all brought together by a creamy and sweet poppy seed dressing. This easy-to-prepare salad is perfect for a light lunch or a delightful side dish, with a balanced blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups Baby Spinach (substitute with spring mix or romaine if desired)
- 2 cups Strawberries, halved (can use blueberries or raspberries as a twist)
- 4 tablespoons Green Onions, sliced (red, white, or yellow onions can be used)
- 4 ounces Goat Cheese (feta or sharp white cheddar are good alternatives)
- 1 cup Candied Pecans (candied walnuts or almonds also work)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Honey (maple syrup or granulated sugar can be substituted)
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (white vinegar or balsamic vinegar are options)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (any preferred mustard)
- 2 teaspoons Poppy Seeds
- Sea Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a jar or a small bowl, combine the olive oil, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, sea salt, and black pepper. Shake the jar vigorously or whisk thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well blended. Refrigerate the dressing for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss together the baby spinach, halved strawberries, sliced green onions, crumbled goat cheese, and candied pecans. Reserve some of these ingredients to use as garnish when plating the salad.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the chilled poppy seed dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to evenly coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Transfer the salad to a serving dish, then garnish with the reserved strawberries, goat cheese, and candied pecans for a beautiful presentation. Optionally, serve extra dressing on the side to accommodate individual tastes.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the candied pecans or replace with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- To make the salad vegan, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Chilling the dressing for 2 hours significantly enhances its flavor, but if short on time, allow at least 30 minutes.
- Freshness of strawberries is key; use ripe, sweet berries for best flavor.
- This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal.
