Strawberry Spinach Poppy Dressing (Printable version)
Sweet strawberries, baby spinach, nuts, and a creamy poppy seed dressing combine for a fresh, colorful salad.
# List of ingredients:
→ Salad
01 - 5 oz baby spinach, washed and dried
02 - 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
05 - 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds (or pecans/walnuts)
06 - 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
→ Poppy Seed Dressing
07 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
08 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
09 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
10 - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
11 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - In a small bowl or jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until fully emulsified.
02 - Place baby spinach in a large bowl. Layer with sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries if desired.
03 - Drizzle the poppy seed dressing evenly over the assembled ingredients. Gently toss to combine thoroughly.
04 - Serve immediately to preserve freshness and optimal texture.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Ready in fifteen minutes flat, which means even when you're busy you can still impress someone.
- The homemade dressing tastes nothing like bottled versions and actually celebrates the strawberries instead of drowning them.
- Feta and strawberries together hit a flavor note that feels both sophisticated and comforting.
02 -
- Wet spinach is the enemy of a good salad. Seriously, pat it dry after rinsing or use a salad spinner, because water prevents dressing from coating the leaves and makes everything taste diluted.
- Don't make the dressing hours ahead and hope it'll keep emulsifying. Whisk it fresh or it separates and looks unappetizing, even if the taste is fine.
03 -
- If your strawberries are less than perfect, macerate them in a tablespoon of honey for five minutes before slicing. It draws out their sweetness and makes them taste fresher than they actually are.
- Make extra dressing. People will ask for it on other salads, roasted vegetables, even grain bowls, and homemade dressing is one of those small things that transforms cooking at home from adequate to genuinely good.