Baby Spinach Strawberry Salad

My neighbor stopped by one afternoon with a basket of strawberries from her garden, and I realized I had nothing in the fridge but spinach and a hunk of feta. What started as improvisation became something I now make constantly, especially when I need to feel like spring again. The poppy seed dressing came together almost by accident, whisked in a mason jar while the berries sat on my counter releasing their sweet smell into the kitchen. That first bite felt like stepping outside after being cooped up all winter.

I made this for a small lunch party last spring, and someone asked if I'd gotten it from a restaurant because it looked too polished for a weeknight salad. That compliment stuck with me, but honestly, it's the kind of dish that looks way more intentional than it actually is. The beauty comes from letting each ingredient shine rather than drowning everything in dressing, which is something I learned the hard way by oversaucing things for years.

Ingredients

• Baby spinach: Six cups might seem like a lot, but spinach wilts slightly when dressed, so you need the volume for a proper salad. Wash and dry it thoroughly, or the dressing will slide right off wet leaves.
• Fresh strawberries: Use whatever looks bright and smells sweet at your market. Slice them about a quarter-inch thick so they don't disappear into the leaves.
• Crumbled feta cheese: The tanginess balances the sweetness of the berries perfectly, and the saltiness wakes up your palate.
• Sliced almonds, toasted: Toasting them yourself makes an enormous difference in flavor and crunch compared to raw ones.
• Red onion: Just a sliver adds a sharp note that keeps the salad from being one-dimensional.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: This is your dressing base, so use something you actually like tasting on its own.
• Apple cider vinegar: It has a softer tang than white vinegar and plays nicely with the poppy seeds and honey.
• Honey: A teaspoon balances the acidity without making the dressing sweet.
• Dijon mustard: This acts as an emulsifier and adds subtle depth that nobody can quite identify.
• Poppy seeds: They scatter throughout and add little bursts of nuttiness and texture.

Instructions

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Make the dressing first:

Combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. If you use a jar with a tight lid, you can shake it vigorously for about thirty seconds to emulsify everything beautifully. If you're whisking in a bowl, go slowly and watch as the dressing starts to thicken and turn slightly creamy.

Assemble the salad base:

In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, thin red onion slices, and half of the feta and almonds. This is your chance to distribute everything evenly so you get a balanced bite every time.

Dress and toss gently:

Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss with your hands or two spoons, being careful not to bruise the strawberries or spinach. You want everything coated but still bright and fresh-looking.

Finish and serve:

Top the salad with the remaining feta and almonds for texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately so nothing wilts and the almonds stay crispy.

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One evening, I made this for my daughter's soccer team after a spring tournament, and they devoured it before I'd even finished plating. Watching a group of teenagers actually choose salad and ask for seconds felt like some kind of victory in the kitchen.

Why Poppy Seeds Matter

Poppy seeds carry a subtle nuttiness that most people don't expect in salad dressing, but once they taste it, they can't stop looking for them. They're tiny enough to create texture without being overwhelming, and they give the whole dish a dressed-up quality that feels special without any extra effort. I've had people swear the dressing tastes like something from a professional kitchen, and half the reason is those little seeds scattered throughout.

Strawberries and Feta, A Perfect Pairing

The combination of sweet, fresh strawberries with tangy, salty feta might sound odd if you've never tried it, but it's actually one of the most elegant flavor combinations in cooking. The creamy richness of the cheese plays against the bright acidity of the berries, and together they create something that feels both light and satisfying. Once you taste this pairing, you'll find yourself putting feta on all sorts of fruit-based dishes.

Make It Your Own

This salad is a wonderful foundation for adding what you love or what you have on hand, and it adapts beautifully to your taste and dietary needs. I've made it with goat cheese instead of feta when that's what I grabbed at the market, and I've added grilled chicken for a heartier lunch version. The dressing itself is forgiving enough to handle slight variations without losing its character.

• Try pecans or walnuts if almonds don't appeal to you, or skip the nuts entirely if you have an allergy.
• For protein, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even hard-boiled eggs without changing the dressing.
• In the off-season when strawberries aren't at their best, use fresh blueberries or raspberries and the salad works just as well.

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This salad has become my answer to the question of what to bring to spring gatherings, and it never lets me down. It's the kind of dish that reminds you why simple food, made with attention and care, is sometimes the most delicious.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What ingredients give the salad its refreshing flavor?

Fresh baby spinach and sweet strawberries combine with a tangy poppy seed dressing to create a refreshing taste.

→ Can I substitute the feta cheese?

Yes, goat cheese or a plant-based alternative can be used in place of feta for different flavor and dietary needs.

→ How is the poppy seed dressing made?

The dressing blends olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper whisked together until emulsified.

→ Is this salad suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for gluten-sensitive individuals.

→ What are good protein additions to this dish?

Grilled chicken or chickpeas can be added for extra protein and heartiness.