Baby Spinach Strawberry Salad (Printable)

Tender spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy almonds with tangy poppy seed dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad

01 - 6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
02 - 1.5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 - 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
04 - 0.33 cup sliced almonds, toasted
05 - 0.25 small red onion, thinly sliced

→ Poppy Seed Dressing

06 - 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon honey
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
11 - 0.25 teaspoon salt
12 - 0.125 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until well emulsified.
02 - In a large salad bowl, combine baby spinach, strawberries, red onion, and half the feta and almonds.
03 - Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Top with remaining feta cheese and toasted almonds.
05 - Serve immediately while ingredients are fresh and crisp.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings
  • Beautiful presentation that looks as impressive as it tastes, making it ideal for spring brunches or dinner parties
  • Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, accommodating various dietary preferences without compromise
  • The homemade poppy seed dressing elevates the salad far beyond store-bought alternatives
  • Nutrient-rich ingredients provide a satisfying meal that's both light and nourishing
02 -
  • Make the dressing in a jar with a tight-fitting lid for easiest preparation—just shake vigorously for 30 seconds
  • Reserve some unstressed salad if serving a crowd, as dressed salad wilts quickly; toss portions to order
  • Use the freshest, ripest strawberries you can find—their sweetness is essential to the flavor balance
  • Slice the red onion as thinly as possible using a mandoline or sharp knife to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors
  • If preparing ahead, keep all components separate and assemble just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness
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