Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad Recipe

Spinach: Fresh and vibrant, spinach forms the base of this salad, providing a nutritious and leafy green foundation.

Strawberries: Sweet and juicy, strawberries add a burst of flavor and a pop of color to the salad.

Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a mild, tangy bite that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.

Feta cheese: Crumbled feta cheese brings a creamy, salty element to the salad, balancing the sweetness of the fruit.

Pecans: Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor to the mix.

Olive oil: A key component of the dressing, olive oil provides a rich and smooth base for the vinaigrette.

Apple cider vinegar: This vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.

Honey: Honey sweetens the dressing naturally, balancing the acidity of the vinegar.

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

Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a bit of spice and depth to the dressing, tying all the flavors together.

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

Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of heat and complexity to the dressing.

When preparing the spinach for this salad, make sure to wash and dry it thoroughly. 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 pecans 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 fragrant and slightly browned.

• fresh spinach - Substitute with arugula: Arugula has a peppery flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the tanginess of the dressing.

• sliced strawberries - Substitute with sliced raspberries: Raspberries provide a similar sweetness and tartness, adding a different berry flavor to the salad.

• thinly sliced red onion - Substitute with thinly sliced shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to red onions, which can be more appealing to some palates.

• crumbled feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a creamy texture and tangy flavor that works well in salads.

• toasted pecans - Substitute with toasted walnuts: Walnuts provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor, making them a good alternative to pecans.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and similar health benefits, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil.

• apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a similar acidity and can be used to achieve a comparable tangy flavor in the dressing.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and can be used as a vegan alternative to honey.

• poppy seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds offer a similar texture and nutritional benefits, making them a good substitute for poppy seeds.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard has a similar tangy flavor with a bit more texture, adding an interesting element to the dressing.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement for regular salt, providing a slightly different mineral content.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to add a subtle heat without altering the color of the dressing.

• To keep your strawberry spinach poppy seed salad fresh, store the salad and dressing separately. Place the spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and toasted pecans in an airtight container. Keep the dressing in a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Refrigerate the salad ingredients and dressing for up to 2 days. The spinach may start to wilt after this period, and the strawberries might release too much juice, affecting the texture.
• If you need to prepare the salad in advance, consider storing the pecans separately to maintain their crunch. Add them just before serving.
• For a longer storage option, you can freeze some components. Freeze the spinach and strawberries separately in freezer-safe bags. However, note that freezing may alter the texture of the spinach and strawberries.
• When ready to use, thaw the spinach and strawberries in the refrigerator overnight. Drain any excess liquid from the strawberries before adding them to the salad.
• The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using, as the olive oil and other ingredients may separate over time.
• Avoid freezing the dressing, as the olive oil may solidify and the honey and dijon mustard may lose their consistency.
• To serve, combine the thawed spinach and strawberries with the fresh red onion, feta cheese, and toasted pecans. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

• If you have leftover Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad, reheating isn't typically recommended as it can wilt the spinach and make the strawberries mushy. Instead, consider these creative methods to enjoy your leftovers:

1. Cold Revival:

   • Simply toss the salad again to redistribute the dressing and enjoy it cold. The flavors often meld together beautifully after sitting for a while.

2. Wrap It Up:

   • Use the salad as a filling for a wrap or sandwich. Add some grilled chicken or turkey for extra protein.

3. Smoothie Boost:

   • Blend the strawberries and spinach with some yogurt, banana, and a splash of orange juice for a nutritious smoothie.

4. Omelette Addition:

   • Add the salad to an omelette or frittata. The feta cheese and pecans will add a delightful crunch and flavor.

5. Soup Garnish:

   • Use the salad as a fresh garnish for a bowl of soup. The spinach and red onion can add a fresh, crisp contrast to a warm, hearty soup.

6. Pasta Salad:

   • Mix the salad with some cooked pasta for a quick and easy pasta salad. The dressing will coat the pasta nicely, making it a flavorful dish.

7. Pizza Topping:

   • Use the salad as a topping for a homemade pizza. Add it after baking for a fresh, vibrant finish.

8. Grain Bowl:

   • Combine the salad with some cooked quinoa or brown rice for a hearty grain bowl. The pecans and feta cheese will add texture and flavor.

9. Stuffed Avocado:

   • Scoop out an avocado and fill it with the salad for a quick and healthy snack or light meal.

10. Taco Filling:

    • Use the salad as a fresh filling for tacos. Add some black beans or grilled shrimp for a complete meal.

• Large mixing bowl: Use this to combine the spinach, strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and pecans.

• Small bowl: This is for whisking together the dressing ingredients like olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.

• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly mixing the dressing ingredients to ensure they are well combined.

• Salad tongs: These will help you toss the salad gently to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.

• Measuring cups: Use these to measure out the spinach, strawberries, feta cheese, and pecans accurately.

• Measuring spoons: These are necessary for measuring the smaller quantities of ingredients like olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for slicing the strawberries and red onion.

• Chef's knife: This will be used for slicing the strawberries and red onion thinly.

• Toaster or skillet: Use this to toast the pecans to bring out their flavor and add a bit of crunch to the salad.

Pre-wash and dry spinach: Save time by pre-washing and drying the spinach in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Pre-slice strawberries: Slice the strawberries ahead of time and store them in a sealed container to keep them fresh.

Make dressing ahead: Whisk together the dressing ingredients and store it in a jar. Shake well before using.

Use pre-toasted pecans: Buy pre-toasted pecans or toast a batch and store them for quick use.

Batch prep onions: Slice a whole red onion and store the extra in the fridge for future salads.