This Spinach Strawberry Salad recipe is a fresh, light, and healthy salad perfect for spring and summer meals. Made with nutrient-rich spinach, sweet strawberries, and a tangy poppy seed dressing, it’s a delicious and easy-to-make side dish. This salad is gluten-free, low-carb, and full of antioxidants, making it a great choice for those on a keto, paleo, or clean eating diet. Ideal for a quick lunch, BBQs, or potlucks, this salad can be paired with grilled chicken, shrimp, or other proteins. The creamy poppy seed dressing adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang to elevate this refreshing dish.

Salad Ingredients:

1 lb fresh spinach
2-3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
3 tbsp chopped green onions or chives

Poppy Seed Dressing Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise
1.5 tbsp poppy seeds, rinsed and drained
2 tbsp vinegar
1/3 cup sugar

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine all of the poppy seed dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, poppy seeds, vinegar, and sugar. Mix well until fully combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Wash and dry the spinach leaves, then place them in a large salad bowl.
Slice the strawberries and add them to the salad bowl with the spinach.
Sprinkle the chopped green onions (or chives) over the salad.
Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad to taste and toss to combine. Serve and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spinach Strawberry Salad is a light, refreshing, and healthy dish that combines sweet strawberries with the savory crunch of spinach. The creamy, tangy poppy seed dressing complements the ingredients perfectly, making each bite burst with flavor. It’s an easy-to-make salad that’s perfect for warm weather, BBQs, and potlucks, or as a side to any meal.

Tips

For extra crunch: Add some toasted nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
Dress just before serving: To prevent the spinach from wilting, add the dressing right before serving.
Chill the dressing: For the best flavor, refrigerate the dressing for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Variations and Substitutions

Dressing: You can swap the mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
Fruit: Try adding other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or even orange segments for a twist.
Add protein: For a more filling salad, top with grilled chicken, bacon bits, or crumbled goat cheese.
For a vegan option: Use a plant-based mayo and sweeten with agave or maple syrup.

FAQs

Can I make this salad in advance? Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep the spinach fresh.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Absolutely! The dressing can be made up to a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

This Spinach Strawberry Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or as a side for a picnic or BBQ. For a more substantial meal, add a protein source like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. It’s also delicious alongside a light pasta dish or a creamy soup.