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Strawberry & Spinach Summer Salad

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A light and refreshing summer salad that pairs juicy strawberries with tender baby spinach, crunchy toasted nuts, creamy feta, and a tangy-sweet poppy-seed dressing—ready in minutes and perfect for picnics or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups baby spinach, rinsed and patted dry
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/3 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp fresh mint, chiffonade (optional)
  • Dressing
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (or red-wine vinegar)
  • 1 Tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp poppy seeds
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or shake together in a jar until emulsified.
  2. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl. Add the sliced strawberries, red onion, toasted nuts, sunflower seeds, and mint.
  3. Drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
  4. Top with the crumbled feta. Drizzle the remaining dressing, if desired, just before serving.
  5. Serve immediately while the greens are crisp and the berries fresh.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, swap the honey for maple syrup and use vegan feta or omit the cheese.
  • Try goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan as a feta alternative.
  • To keep nuts extra-crunchy, add them at the table.
  • The dressing can be made up to 5 days ahead and refrigerated; shake well before using.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, summer salad, vegetarian, gluten free, poppy seed dressing

Find it online: https://yumrecipesnow.com/strawberry-spinach-summer-salad/