Strawberry-Spinach Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing
A fresh and vibrant strawberry-spinach salad with toasted almonds, perfect for light meals or side dishes, combining sweet, nutty, and leafy flavors for a healthy, colorful presentation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove stems from spinach; wash leaves and pat dry.
- Tear spinach into bite-size pieces.
- Combine spinach, strawberries, and almonds in a bowl.
- Cover and chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a delightful twist, consider adding crumbled feta or goat cheese for creaminess or substituting walnuts for the slivered almonds for a different nutty flavor. If strawberries are out of season, raspberries or blueberries can work well. Ensure the spinach is thoroughly dried to prevent the dressing from becoming watery, and use a light hand when tossing to keep the leaves intact.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect for a summer picnic or as a light lunch. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, and a glass of chilled white wine would complement the flavors nicely. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Easy, Quick Chuck Pot Roast or as part of a buffet with other fresh dishes like Cucumber Dill Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, be aware that the spinach may wilt and lose its crispness. If you've added dressing, consider keeping it separate until you're ready to serve. To refresh the salad, add a bit of fresh spinach or a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry-Spinach Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing contains roughly 1426 calories, with 57g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (118% of the Daily Value), and protein (113% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 35g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients a few hours ahead of time. However, it's best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the freshness of the spinach and strawberries.
What dressing works best for this salad?
A poppy seed dressing is traditional and adds a sweet, tangy flavor that complements the strawberries. You can also use a vinaigrette or a lighter balsamic dressing if you prefer something different.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this salad is naturally vegan if you omit any cheese or animal-based dressings. The combination of spinach, strawberries, and nuts provides a nutritious, flavorful option that fits well within vegan recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).