There’s something incredibly delightful about a Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad that makes it a must-try dish. Imagine the freshness of crisp spinach mingling with juicy strawberries, all drizzled with a poppyseed dressing that dances on your taste buds. delicious strawberry shortcake ice cream sandwiches The vibrant colors and refreshing flavors create an experience that feels like a sunny picnic in the park, even if you’re just sitting on your couch in sweatpants. iced matcha strawberry latte irresistible strawberry sundae.

I remember the first time I whipped up this salad. It was a hot summer day, and my friends gathered for a backyard BBQ. Everyone was raving about how light and refreshing it was, making me feel like a culinary genius. refreshing cucumber lime agua fresca This Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad is perfect for any occasion—from summer picnics to holiday gatherings—promising an explosion of flavor in every bite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad is quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes from start to finish
- The unique combination of sweet and savory flavors creates an exquisite taste experience
- Its vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any meal
- Enjoy it as a side dish or a light main course; it’s versatile enough for any occasion!
Sharing this salad with friends always brings smiles and compliments—it’s become our go-to summer favorite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Spinach: Choose bright green leaves without wilting for the best flavor and texture.
- Ripe Strawberries: Select plump, sweet strawberries; they should be fragrant and free of blemishes.
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a delightful crunch; opt for fresh ones for maximum flavor.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds sharpness; soak them in cold water briefly to mellow their flavor if desired.
- Sunflower Seeds: Opt for unsalted roasted sunflower seeds to enhance crunch without overpowering flavors.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing; its rich flavor elevates the entire dish.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance flavors; adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar provides tanginess that complements the sweetness of strawberries beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing the spinach thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner until no moisture remains.
Slice the Strawberries: Hull and slice your strawberries into bite-sized pieces. Their sweet juice will be released, adding incredible flavor to your salad.
Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Toss It All Together: In a large bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, sunflower seeds, and poppy seeds. Drizzle with dressing just before serving.
Serve Chilled or Room Temperature: For best results, let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy your beautiful creation!
This Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad is not just food; it’s an experience waiting to happen! With each bite filled with sweet strawberries and crunchy sunflower seeds resting atop fresh spinach leaves kissed by tangy dressing—the only thing left is deciding whether you want seconds! For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes recipe.
You Must Know
- This vibrant strawberry spinach poppyseed salad is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a refreshing burst of flavors
- The combination of sweet strawberries and crunchy almonds creates a delightful texture that keeps you reaching for more
- Perfect for summer picnics or as a light lunch, it’s sure to impress your guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by washing and drying the spinach and strawberries thoroughly. Slice the strawberries evenly for a beautiful presentation. Then, prepare the dressing while the almonds toast lightly in a pan to enhance their flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out almonds for walnuts or pecans if you prefer. You can also replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option. Adding feta cheese can give an extra tangy twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Start with fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness; they make all the difference in flavor
- Always wash spinach leaves gently to avoid bruising them before mixing everything together
- Make the dressing ahead of time to allow flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing your salad experience
This strawberry spinach poppyseed salad reminds me of summer BBQs with friends, where everyone kept asking for seconds! It’s always a hit, and those bright colors just make me smile.
FAQ
What can I use instead of poppy seeds in this salad?
Chia seeds or sesame seeds are great alternatives if you don’t have poppy seeds on hand.
Can I add protein to my strawberry spinach poppyseed salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or chickpeas work wonderfully to make it more filling. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Chicken Fajitas recipe.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for best results.

Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad
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- Author: Mery Mack
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the delightful combination of fresh spinach and juicy strawberries in this vibrant Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed Salad. Drizzled with a tangy poppyseed dressing, this dish offers a refreshing burst of flavors that make it perfect for summer picnics or light lunches. Quick to prepare, this salad is sure to impress your guests and brighten up any meal with its colorful presentation.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 1 cup ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted roasted sunflower seeds
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, sunflower seeds, and poppy seeds.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (150g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg