Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

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:

1. 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.
2. Prepare the Salad:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onions. Add avocado and cheese if using.
3. 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.
4. Combine Everything:
   Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad right before serving. Toss gently so everything gets coated evenly.
5. 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.