Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Spinach: Fresh, washed, and dried spinach leaves form the base of the salad, providing a nutritious and leafy green element.

Strawberries: Sliced strawberries add a sweet and juicy contrast to the savory elements of the salad.

Almonds: Toasted sliced almonds contribute a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Feta cheese: Crumbled feta cheese offers a tangy and creamy texture that complements the other ingredients.

Olive oil: Used as the base for the dressing, olive oil adds a rich and smooth consistency.

Apple cider vinegar: This vinegar provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to balance the dressing.

Honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness to the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Poppy seeds: These tiny seeds add a subtle crunch and a unique flavor to the dressing.

Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a bit of sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.

Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the dressing and the salad.

Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of spice and depth to the dressing.

When preparing the spinach for this salad, make sure to thoroughly wash and dry it. Excess moisture can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. Use a salad spinner to remove as much water as possible. Additionally, toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Simply spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

• fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and nutritional profile, making it a great alternative.

• sliced strawberries - Substitute with sliced apples: Apples provide a similar sweetness and crunch to the salad.

• toasted sliced almonds - Substitute with toasted sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds offer a similar nutty flavor and crunch.

• crumbled feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and similar health benefits.

• apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a similar acidity and flavor profile.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and can be used in the same quantity.

• poppy seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds offer a similar texture and nutritional benefits.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard has a similar flavor and can add a bit more texture.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar salty flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and flavor profile.

• To keep your spinach salad fresh, store the spinach and strawberries separately from the poppy seed dressing. This prevents the spinach from becoming soggy.

• Place the washed and dried spinach in a large, airtight container lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess moisture, keeping the spinach crisp.

• Store the sliced strawberries in a separate airtight container. If you want to prevent them from becoming mushy, avoid stacking them too high.

• Keep the toasted almonds and crumbled feta cheese in small, separate containers. This ensures they stay fresh and crunchy until you're ready to assemble the salad.

• For the poppy seed dressing, pour it into a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.

• When you're ready to enjoy the salad, combine the spinach, strawberries, almonds, and feta cheese in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine.

• If you need to store leftovers, keep the dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.

• Freezing the spinach salad is not recommended, as the spinach and strawberries will lose their texture and become mushy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the poppy seed dressing separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and shake well before using.

• Gently warm the spinach salad in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, just until the spinach starts to wilt slightly. Be careful not to overheat, as the strawberries and feta cheese can become too soft.

• Alternatively, you can place the salad in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on low power for 20-30 seconds. This method is quick but be cautious to avoid overheating.

• For a different approach, consider separating the spinach from the rest of the ingredients. Warm the spinach alone in a skillet or microwave, then mix it back with the strawberries, almonds, and feta cheese before serving.

• If you prefer a cold salad, simply let the salad come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This will take the chill off without compromising the texture of the ingredients.

• Refresh the salad by adding a handful of fresh spinach and a few extra slices of strawberries to give it a fresh look and taste. Drizzle a bit more of the poppy seed dressing if needed.

• Large mixing bowl: To combine the spinach, strawberries, almonds, and feta cheese.

• Small bowl: To whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.

• Whisk: To mix the dressing ingredients thoroughly.

• Salad tongs: To toss the salad gently with the dressing.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the spinach, strawberries, and almonds.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.

• Cutting board: To slice the strawberries.

• Chef's knife: To slice the strawberries.

Pre-wash and dry spinach: Buy pre-washed and dried spinach to save time on preparation.

Use pre-sliced strawberries: Purchase pre-sliced strawberries to avoid extra cutting.

Toast almonds in bulk: Toast a large batch of almonds and store them for future use.

Pre-make dressing: Mix the dressing ingredients ahead of time and store in the fridge.

Use crumbled feta: Buy pre-crumbled feta cheese to skip the crumbling step.

Combine ingredients in a bag: Place all salad ingredients in a large ziplock bag, add dressing, and shake to mix.