Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
312 kcal
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Cuisine
American
Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Description
Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing features fresh strawberries, baby spinach, avocado, and feta cheese accented by toasted pecans and basil. The red onions are lightly pickled in apple cider vinegar to soften their sharpness before combining with the other ingredients. The homemade vinaigrette blends balsamic vinegar, sugar, poppy seeds, and ground mustard emulsified with olive oil to deliver a sweet-tangy dressing with specks of poppy seeds throughout.
Once the salad components are combined and tossed with the dressing, the varied textures from the crisp greens, juicy berries, creamy avocado, and crunchy nuts provide an engaging bite. The poppyseed dressing enhances the salad with a nuanced sweetness and slight tang.
This salad works well as a refreshing accompaniment to many meals or as a light dish on its own during warmer weather. Serving it freshly tossed preserves the crispness, as it tends to become soggy if left for several hours.
If using fresh spinach instead of baby spinach, it should be thoroughly washed and the stems removed. Nut alternatives like almonds or walnuts can be toasted ahead of time to boost their flavor. For cheese variations, goat or blue cheese can be used, with block cheese recommended for a creamier texture when hand-crumbled.
Ingredients
For the Poppyseed Balsamic Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the Salad
- ½ cup red onion cut into thin strips
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 10 oz baby spinach washed
- 1 quart strawberries fresh, stemmed and halved
- 1 avocado peeled, pitted, and cubed
- ½ cup pecans roughly chopped and toasted
- ¼ cup basil fresh, cut into thin strips
- ¾ cup feta cheese block
Instructions
Make the Poppyseed Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Place all of the vinaigrette ingredients into a jar. Tightly affix the lid to the jar and shake vigorously for about 1 minute, until the liquids are completely emulsified. Or, mix together all ingredients, except the EVOO in a small bowl. Briskly whisk in the EVOO in a small stream until completely combined and emulsified. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad
- Place the onions in a small bowl and cover with the apple cider vinegar. It's best to allow the onions to rest in the vinegar for at least 20 minutes.
- Place the spinach in a large salad bowl. Arrange the other salad ingredients on top of the spinach, including crumbling the cheese with your hands. Drain the onions and place them along with the other ingredients. Leave some of the feta and pecans to the side for topping the tossed salad.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the top of the salad. Use two salad tongs (or utensils) to fully toss the salad. Add the dressing in increments until you reach the desired coating. Don't overdress! Top with extra toasted pecans and crumbled feta. Serve at once.
Notes
- Pickling the red onions in apple cider vinegar softens their sharpness and adds brightness.
- Use block feta cheese for crumbling by hand; it creates a creamier texture than pre-crumbled cheese.
- To maintain freshness and prevent sogginess, serve the salad immediately after tossing with the dressing.
- Alternatives for pecans include toasted almonds, walnuts, or cashews; watch closely when toasting to avoid burning.
- If using fresh spinach leaves rather than baby spinach, wash thoroughly, remove stems, and chop if desired for better texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 312 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 312kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 17mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 454mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 773mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 15g | 30% |
| Vitamin A | 4636IU | 93% |
| Vitamin C | 111mg | 123% |
| Calcium | 199mg | 20% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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