Description

A refreshing and vibrant Sweet Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring tender baby spinach, juicy strawberries, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, all brought together with a creamy, dreamy poppy seed dressing chilled to perfection. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a delightful side dish that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

6 cups Baby Spinach (Substitute with spring mix or romaine)
2 cups Strawberries, halved (Blueberries or raspberries can be used as alternatives)
4 tablespoons Green Onions, sliced (Red, white, or yellow onions can be used)
4 ounces Goat Cheese (Feta or sharp white cheddar as alternatives)
1 cup Candied Pecans (Candied walnuts or almonds can be swapped)

Dressing Ingredients

1/2 cup Olive Oil
1/4 cup Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Honey (Maple syrup or granulated sugar as substitutes)
2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (White vinegar or balsamic vinegar alternatives)
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (Any favorite mustard can be used)
2 teaspoons Poppy Seeds
Sea Salt, to taste
Black Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a jar, combine olive oil, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, sea salt, and black pepper. Shake well or whisk until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Cover and chill the dressing for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss together the baby spinach, halved strawberries, sliced green onions, crumbled goat cheese, and candied pecans. Reserve some strawberries, goat cheese, and pecans for garnish to add visual appeal when serving.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the chilled poppy seed dressing over the assembled salad. Toss gently to ensure even coating without bruising the delicate spinach leaves. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and decorate with the reserved strawberries, goat cheese, and pecans. Optionally, serve additional dressing on the side for guests who may want extra.

Notes

The dressing can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to save time.
Substitute goat cheese with feta or sharp white cheddar to vary flavor profiles.
Candied pecans add sweetness and crunch but can be replaced with candied walnuts or almonds.
For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo, honey with maple syrup, and omit cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best taste; alternatively, try blueberries or raspberries.
Adjust the amount of honey or vinegar in the dressing to balance sweetness and tang to your liking.