Description
A fresh and vibrant Sweet Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring baby spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a luscious homemade poppy seed dressing. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and tang, this salad makes a delightful and healthy addition to any meal or a refreshing stand-alone dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups Baby Spinach (or substitute with spring mix or romaine lettuce)
- 2 cups Strawberries, halved (or use blueberries or raspberries)
- 4 tablespoons Green Onions, sliced (can substitute with red, white, or yellow onions)
- 4 ounces Goat Cheese (alternatively feta or sharp white cheddar)
- 1 cup Candied Pecans (or candied walnuts or almonds)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Honey (or maple syrup or granulated sugar)
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (or white vinegar or balsamic vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (or your favorite mustard)
- 2 teaspoons Poppy Seeds
- Sea Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a jar, combine olive oil, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, sea salt, and black pepper. Shake vigorously or whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Place the jar in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss together the baby spinach, halved strawberries, sliced green onions, crumbled goat cheese, and candied pecans. Reserve some of each ingredient aside for garnish to enhance the presentation.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the chilled poppy seed dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with the reserved strawberries, goat cheese, and candied pecans. Optionally, serve additional dressing on the side for individual preference.
Notes
- Chilling the dressing enhances its flavor and creates a lovely texture.
- For a nut-free option, omit candied pecans and replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Feel free to customize the cheese type to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- This salad is best served fresh to preserve the texture of the spinach and strawberries.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to personal preference to balance the flavors.
