Baby Spinach Strawberry Salad

Featured in: Seasonal Food Ideas

This salad combines fresh baby spinach and juicy strawberries with creamy feta and toasted almonds. A tangy poppy seed dressing brightens every bite, offering a refreshing and light option perfect for warm days or casual meals. Ready in just 15 minutes, it brings together a delicious balance of textures and flavors with minimal effort.

Ideal for a quick lunch or spring gatherings, it pairs well with grilled proteins or can be adapted for vegan preferences by swapping ingredients. The simple preparation and fresh ingredients create a memorable dish full of color and zest.

Updated on Wed, 18 Feb 2026 03:12:37 GMT
Vibrant spinach strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing, topped with feta and almonds for a fresh spring meal. Pin It
Vibrant spinach strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing, topped with feta and almonds for a fresh spring meal. | joyeuxilem.com

Celebrate the arrival of spring with this vibrant Baby in Bloom Spinach Strawberry Salad. Combining tender greens with juicy sliced berries and a tangy homemade poppy seed dressing, this dish offers a refreshing burst of flavor that is perfect for light lunches or seasonal gatherings.

Vibrant spinach strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing, topped with feta and almonds for a fresh spring meal. Pin It
Vibrant spinach strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing, topped with feta and almonds for a fresh spring meal. | joyeuxilem.com

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This easy American-style salad captures the essence of fresh ingredients with a delightful crunch from toasted almonds and a subtle bite from thinly sliced red onions. It is a simple yet elegant addition to any meal rotation.

Ingredients

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  • Salad
  • 6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ⅓ cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • Poppy Seed Dressing
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1
In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until well emulsified.
Step 2
In a large salad bowl, combine baby spinach, strawberries, red onion, and half the feta and almonds.
Step 3
Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat.
Step 4
Top with remaining feta and almonds.
Step 5
Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, ensure your baby spinach is completely washed and dried to help the dressing adhere better. Using a small jar to shake the dressing ingredients is an excellent way to achieve a smooth, emulsified texture quickly.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize this salad by substituting goat cheese for feta or using toasted pecans instead of almonds. To make a vegan version, simply replace the honey with maple syrup and omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Serviervorschläge

This salad is excellent when paired with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc. For a heartier meal, consider topping the greens with grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.

Refreshing baby spinach salad with juicy strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy almonds, drizzled with tangy poppy seed dressing. Pin It
Refreshing baby spinach salad with juicy strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy almonds, drizzled with tangy poppy seed dressing. | joyeuxilem.com

With only 235 calories per serving, this Baby in Bloom Spinach Strawberry Salad is a wholesome way to enjoy the season's finest produce. Serve it immediately for the crispest texture and most vibrant flavors.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute feta cheese in this salad?

Yes, goat cheese works well as a creamy alternative, or omit cheese for a dairy-free option.

What nuts can replace almonds in this dish?

Pecans or walnuts can be used instead of almonds for a similar crunch and flavor.

How should the poppy seed dressing be stored?

Keep the dressing refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week and shake before use.

Is this salad suitable for gluten-free diets?

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

Can I add protein to make this more filling?

Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu are great additions to enhance protein content and round out the dish.

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Baby Spinach Strawberry Salad

Vibrant blend of spinach, sweet strawberries, feta, almonds, and tangy poppy seed dressing.

Prep Time
15 minutes
0
Overall Time
15 minutes
Created by Natalie Kuhn


Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info Vegetarian-Friendly, No Gluten

What You Need

Salad

01 6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
02 1.5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
04 0.33 cup sliced almonds, toasted
05 0.25 small red onion, thinly sliced

Poppy Seed Dressing

01 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
02 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
03 1 tablespoon honey
04 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
05 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
06 0.25 teaspoon salt
07 0.125 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Poppy Seed Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until well emulsified and fully combined.

Step 02

Assemble Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and half the crumbled feta cheese and almonds.

Step 03

Dress and Toss: Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat all components evenly without bruising the spinach and strawberries.

Step 04

Finish and Garnish: Top the salad with remaining feta cheese and toasted almonds for added texture and visual appeal.

Step 05

Serve: Transfer to serving plates and serve immediately while components remain crisp and fresh.

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Gear Needed

  • Large salad bowl
  • Small mixing bowl or jar
  • Whisk or cocktail shaker
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Allergy Details

Review every item for possible allergens and talk to your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese)
  • Contains tree nuts (almonds)
  • Cross-contamination risk with other tree nuts and dairy products during processing

Nutritional Details (each serving)

Details are for information and shouldn't be taken as a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 235
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 6 g

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