Looking for a fresh, light meal that’s packed with flavor and color? This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing might just be your new favorite.
It’s sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy—all in one bite. Perfect for spring and summer, this salad works great as a side dish, light lunch, or even a refreshing dinner.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, prepping your weekday meals, or just want something healthy and beautiful on your plate, this salad delivers.
Let’s go step-by-step and make the perfect strawberry spinach salad.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Takes just 15 minutes to make
- Healthy, colorful, and full of fresh ingredients
- Great for meal prep or gatherings
- Sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing brings everything together
- Easy to customize with different toppings
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious salad. You can also swap a few things depending on what you have at home:
For the Salad:
- Fresh baby spinach – Washed and dried
- Strawberries – Sliced thin for a juicy sweetness
- Red onion – Thinly sliced for a sharp contrast (optional)
- Feta cheese or goat cheese – Crumbled for a creamy, salty bite
- Toasted nuts – Sliced almonds or pecans work great
- Avocado (optional) – Adds creaminess and healthy fats
For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad (Step-by-Step)
Making this salad is quick and easy. Just follow these steps:
- Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust if needed. Set aside. - Prepare the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onions. Add avocado and cheese if using. - Toast the Nuts:
For extra crunch and flavor, lightly toast your almonds or pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes. Let them cool before adding. - Combine Everything:
Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad right before serving. Toss gently so everything gets coated evenly. - Serve:
Transfer to plates or bowls and top with toasted nuts and extra cheese or strawberries, if desired.
Variations and Add-Ins
Want to change things up? Here are some fun ways to customize your salad:
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make it a full meal
- Change the fruit: Try blueberries, raspberries, or sliced apples
- Swap the greens: Use arugula, kale, or romaine if you don’t have spinach
- Make it vegan: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based version
- Nut-free: Leave out the nuts or use sunflower seeds for crunch
What to Serve with This Salad
This salad pairs well with so many dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled chicken or salmon
- Quiche or sandwiches
- Fresh bread or garlic toast
- Cold pasta salad or soup
Storage, Prep Tips & Leftovers
Meal Prep:
Chop and store the salad ingredients separately. Keep the dressing in a jar in the fridge and toss everything together when ready to eat.
Storage:
Once dressed, the salad is best eaten fresh. If storing leftovers, keep dressing and greens separate to avoid sogginess.
Make Ahead:
The dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance. Just shake or stir before using.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Just prep the ingredients and keep the dressing separate. Mix everything just before serving.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes. Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free version.
What can I use instead of poppy seeds?
You can leave them out, or try sesame seeds for a different twist.
Can I use bottled dressing?
Of course! But homemade poppy seed dressing gives the best flavor and is super easy to make.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- ½ cup sliced almonds or pecans, toasted
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
For the poppy seed dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing:In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise (or yogurt), vinegar, honey, mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Prepare the Salad:In a large bowl, combine baby spinach, strawberries, red onion, cheese, and avocado (if using).
- Toast the Nuts:Lightly toast almonds or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
- Assemble the Salad:Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently until well coated. Top with toasted nuts and extra cheese or strawberries, if desired.
- Serve:Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
