Strawberry Spinach Balsamic Poppy (Print version)
Fresh strawberries and spinach with tangy balsamic poppy seed dressing come together in this vibrant 15-minute salad.
# What you'll need:
→ Salad Components
01 - 6 cups baby spinach, washed and thoroughly dried
02 - 1 pint (2 cups) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced into rings
04 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
05 - 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted until golden
06 - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, optional
→ Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
07 - 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon honey or pure maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
# Method:
01 - Place the washed and dried baby spinach in a large salad bowl. Add the sliced strawberries, thin red onion rings, crumbled feta cheese, toasted almonds, and sunflower seeds if using.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard until combined. While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to create an emulsified dressing. Stir in the poppy seeds, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
03 - Drizzle the balsamic poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving. Using salad tongs, toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients. Serve immediately and garnish with additional sliced strawberries or almonds if desired.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The homemade dressing comes together in minutes and tastes infinitely better than anything store bought
- Its that rare salad that actually feels substantial enough to stand alone as a meal
02 -
- Soggy spinach ruins everything, so pat those leaves completely dry before starting
- The dressing can be made ahead, but toss the salad right before serving or it'll wilt
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients make for better emulsification when making the dressing
- Add the sunflower seeds right before serving so they stay perfectly crunchy