Save to Pinterest This salad combines fresh baby spinach with juicy strawberries, crumbled feta, thinly sliced red onion, and crunchy nuts. A homemade poppy seed dressing made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard adds a tangy touch. Tossed gently and topped with optional sunflower seeds, this mix offers a refreshing and sweet-savory balance perfect for warm weather gatherings or light lunches.
The first time I made this salad was for a last minute brunch when my sister announced she was visiting in two hours. I had fresh strawberries from the morning market and a bag of spinach that needed using, so I threw everything together in a panic. She took one bite and demanded the recipe, claiming it was the best salad she had ever tasted. Now it is our go to for whenever we need something that looks impressive but takes almost no effort at all.
Last summer I brought this to a potluck and watched three different people ask for the recipe before I even got through the food line. Something about the juicy strawberries against the creamy feta and that tangy dressing just makes people happy. My friend Sarah who claims to hate salad actually went back for seconds.
Ingredients
- Fresh baby spinach: The tender leaves matter here, nothing ruins a good salad like tough bitter greens
- Fresh strawberries: Pick berries that are deeply red and fragrant, they are the star of the show
- Feta cheese: The salty creaminess balances the sweet strawberries perfectly
- Red onion: Thin slices add just enough bite without overwhelming everything else
- Toasted pecans or walnuts: Toast them yourself for the best flavor, store bought never compares
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use the good stuff here, it carries all the other flavors
- Apple cider vinegar: Gives the dressing a gentle tang that works beautifully with fruit
- Honey or maple syrup: Just enough to bring everything together without making it cloying
- Dijon mustard: The secret that keeps the dressing emulsified and creamy
- Poppy seeds: They add a tiny crunch and look so pretty speckled throughout
Instructions
- Make the dressing first:
- Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until thickened and creamy
- Prep your fresh ingredients:
- Hull and slice the strawberries, thinly slice the red onion, crumble the feta, and roughly chop the toasted nuts
- Build your salad base:
- In a large salad bowl, add spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and nuts
- Dress and serve immediately:
- Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, then sprinkle with sunflower seeds if using
Save to Pinterest My daughter now requests this for her birthday dinner every year instead of cake, which I consider a major parenting win. There is something about eating a big bowl of fresh, colorful food that just makes you feel good from the inside out.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I swap candied walnuts for the regular toasted nuts when I want something a little more indulgent. The extra sweetness works surprisingly well with the tangy dressing, especially in autumn when you want something cozy but still fresh.
Perfect Pairings
This salad shines alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light dinner that feels fancy without any fuss. I have also served it as part of a big brunch spread with quiche and fresh fruit, where it holds its own beautifully against richer dishes.
Storage Secrets
The dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just give it a good whisk before using because the olive oil will separate as it sits.
- Store the prepped vegetables separately if you are making this ahead
- Wait to toast the nuts until right before serving for maximum crunch
- Never mix leftover dressed salad, it will be soggy and sad
Save to Pinterest Every time I serve this, someone tells me they do not even like salad but they love this bowl of happiness. That is the magic of fresh ingredients and a really good dressing.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of nuts work best in this salad?
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Toasted pecans or walnuts add a pleasant crunch and complement the sweetness of strawberries well.
- → Can the dressing be made ahead?
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Yes, the poppy seed dressing can be whisked together and refrigerated for up to 2 days for convenience.
- → How can this dish be made vegan?
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Replace honey with maple syrup and omit or substitute feta cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- → What protein options can be added?
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Grilled chicken or shrimp pair nicely with the salad for added protein and heartiness.
- → What are suitable beverage pairings?
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Chilled rosé or Sauvignon Blanc enhance the fresh, tangy flavors of the salad nicely.
