Strawberry Spinach Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing

Okay, let's get this strawberry salad recipe party started!

Summer On a Plate: Your New Favourite Salad

Ever just crave that feeling of sunshine? i do. this strawberry salad recipe is pure sunshine on a plate. seriously, it's the perfect way to capture the essence of summer in every bite.

It's got that sweet, tangy, and slightly crunchy thing going on. honestly, what's not to love?

Where Did This Deliciousness Come From?

Strawberry spinach salad isn't exactly a new invention, you know? it's got those classic flavours we all know and love.

This particular version is super easy. we're talking 20 minutes, tops! it's a simple yet satisfying meal that yields six servings.

Perfect for a little bbq or a light lunch.

Why You'll Be Obsessed

Honestly, this salad isn't just delicious, it's packed with goodness. spinach is amazing for you, loaded with vitamins and minerals.

Plus, it's light, refreshing, and totally instagram worthy. it's perfect for those days when you just want something healthy but don't want to spend ages in the kitchen.

It's a real game changer. think of it as a salad that actually makes you feel good.

Ready to dive in? Let's talk about what you'll need.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

It isn't like your salisbury steak meatballs frozen, its better. no, it´s not the similar frozen meal you might make from time to time.

The real magic is in the poppy seed dressing . it is totally addictive and just makes the salad. you could even make a slow cooker salisbury steak or salisbury steak crockpot and serve this on the side!.

If you wanna go heavy and you are not looking for a salad, maybe a good meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes could be it.

But if you are looking for something different and that feels more fresh, let´s keep going with the recipe!. there's something about the tiny little poppy seeds that really elevates the whole thing.

Trust me on this one.

Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty of this strawberry salad recipe ! honestly, good ingredients and a few bits of kit are all you need.

Think of it like building lego. get the right bricks and instructions, and bam, you've got something amazing!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, pay attention! These measurements are important.

• Spinach: 10 ounces (285g) . Fresh is best, not that sad, slimy stuff at the back of the fridge.
• Strawberries: 1 pound (450g) . Smell them! They should be super fragrant.
• Almonds: 1/2 cup (50g) . Slivered and ready to toast!
• Red Onion (optional): 1/4 cup (30g) . If you like a little bite.

For the poppy seed dressing:

• Vegetable Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Something neutral like sunflower oil works well.
• White Vinegar: 3 tablespoons (45ml) .
• White Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) . Castor sugar melts nicely.
• Poppy Seeds: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) .
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1/4 teaspoon (1ml) . Don’t skip this, it adds depth!
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1ml) .

Quality is key with the strawberries. if they're bland, your salad will be, too. honestly, i once tried this with unripe strawberries.

Disaster. lesson learned! look for deep red colour and a strong, sweet smell.

Seasoning Notes

This dressing is where the magic happens. The sweetness of the sugar, tanginess of the vinegar, and nuttiness of the poppy seeds... oh my gosh! It is a perfect flavour combination.

For flavour enhancers and aromatics, worcestershire sauce adds a unique savory touch that complements the sweetness. if you're out of paprika, a pinch of smoked paprika adds a lovely warmth.

Honestly, i've even used a tiny drop of liquid smoke before in a pinch. don't tell anyone!

Quick substitution options include using apple cider vinegar if you're out of white. Just use slightly less, as it's a bit stronger.

It goes really well with salisbury steak meatballs frozen , if you don't want to add chicken or fish, or you can make salisbury steak crockpot served over mashed potatoes , that is a recipe that is usually a hit.

You can also make crock pot meatballs as well.

Equipment Needed

Nothing fancy here!

• Large salad bowl
• Small bowl or jar for dressing
• Whisk or fork
• Colander or salad spinner
• Toasting sheet (for almonds)

Don't have a salad spinner? paper towels work fine, just takes a bit longer. a fork works just as well as a whisk for the dressing.

I've even used a mason jar and shaken it!

So, there you have it. Nothing too complicated. Just good ingredients and a little bit of love. Now, let's get cooking! I always thought of Souvlaki Recipe when eating a Strawberry salad, you know?

Alright, let's talk about how we can make the best strawberry salad recipe ever! honestly, it’s easier than baking a victoria sponge, you know? let’s dive into the actual cooking method to make this happen.

Strawberry Spinach Salad: Method Madness (But the Good Kind!)

Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place

First things first. good old mise en place , right? this is how we stay sane in the kitchen. wash that 10 ounces (285g) of spinach and spin it dry soggy salad is no bueno.

Hull and slice 1 pound (450g) of fresh strawberries. toast 1/2 cup (50g) of slivered almonds until they're just golden; keep an eye on them, they burn fast.

If you're feeling fancy, thinly slice 1/4 cup (30g) of red onion.

Time saving tip: Toast those almonds in bulk and keep them in a jar. They’re great on everything.

step-by-step: Salad Assembly Line

Here's the super easy bit. Numbered, like a proper recipe.

1. In a large bowl, chuck in your dry spinach.
2. Add those gorgeous sliced strawberries.
3. Sprinkle in the toasted almonds.
4. If you're using it, add the red onion.
5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil, 3 tablespoons (45ml) white vinegar, 1/4 cup (50g) white sugar, 1 teaspoon (5ml) poppy seeds, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) paprika, 1/4 teaspoon (1ml) Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon (1ml) salt.
6. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad.
7. Toss gently to combine.

Pro Tips: From Novice to Nearly MasterChef

• Dressing Drama: Don't dress the salad until just before serving. Trust me, you'll thank me later. Wilty spinach is not cute.
• Strawberry Swap: If your strawberries are a bit tart, a tiny pinch of sugar can work wonders.
• Almond Alert: Keep a close eye on the almonds as they toast.

And honestly, who knows? This salad might just become your new go-to.

Now, where does this fit into the salisbury steak meatballs frozen picture? it’s the perfect light side to balance the richness! if you are someone that likes meatballs frozen or are looking for a souvlaki recipe , strawberry spinach salad is the breath of fresh air you need!

alternatively, have you considered a quick salad fix while your salisbury steak crockpot is going to be ready? a quick strawberry spinach salad is the perfect pre-cursor.

Pro tip : this also goes well with crock pot meatballs . you could even try it over mashed potatoes ! it might sound weird, but sometimes the best things are.

So, try it next time you're thinking of something new to serve with meatballs and gravy .

Alright, love, let's chat about making this strawberry salad recipe extra special! It's not just about throwing some leaves and berries in a bowl, you know? It's about the whole experience.

Recipe Notes

Honestly, this strawberry salad recipe is so forgiving. Feel free to tweak it to your liking. Don't be afraid to experiment! Sometimes I think the best recipes are happy accidents.

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation Ideas

Presentation is key, darling! think about how it looks on the plate. a nice swirl of balsamic glaze can add a touch of elegance.

I sometimes use edible flowers too. serve it on a chilled plate for extra oomph. for drinks, try a refreshing lemonade or a crisp sauvignon blanc!

Storage Tips: Refrigeration and Reheating

If you're making this ahead, don't dress it until just before serving. store the dressing separately. the spinach will get soggy otherwise.

Honestly, this salad is best fresh. i wouldn't recommend freezing it, it will become mush.

Variations: Dietary Adaptations and Ingredient Swaps

Want to make it vegan? easy peasy! just make sure your sugar is vegan friendly. a lot of granulated sugar is processed using bone char.

Wild, right? you can swap the almonds for pecans if you're allergic. in the winter, use pomegranate seeds instead of strawberries for a festive twist.

You can also use salisbury steak meatballs frozen in order to add protein to the salad.

Nutrition Basics: Simplified Information

This strawberry salad recipe is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. spinach is great for iron, and strawberries are full of vitamin c.

It's a healthy and delicious way to get your greens. i'd also consider it if i had leftover salisbury steak meatballs .

So, there you have it, my lovely. a strawberry salad recipe that's easy, delicious, and totally customizable. now, get in the kitchen and have some fun! this is the perfect dish to serve with a souvlaki recipe , or even some meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes .

Don't be intimidated, just go for it! you've got this, love! you can even toss in some crock pot meatballs for a heartier dish, or try making a slow cooker salisbury steak as a complementary main course if salads aren't your complete dinner.

If you have any meatballs frozen or salisbury steak meatballs lying around, feel free to add some!