Delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

Published: January 22, 2026

by Grace Bennett

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

This incredible Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing:

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil – A key player in our creamy dressing; opt for a good quality oil for the best flavor.

1 teaspoon honey – Adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the tartness of the dressing wonderfully.

¾ teaspoon poppy seeds – Tiny little seeds that give a pleasant crunch and a hint of nuttiness.

¾ teaspoon dijon mustard – Provides a sharp bite, helping to bring all the dressing ingredients together.

Zest of 1 lemon – Adds bright citrus aroma and flavor; make sure to zest only the yellow part for the best taste.

Juice of 1½ lemons – Fresh lemon juice not only brightens the dish but also adds acidity, cutting through the sweetness.

¾ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors, making them pop like fireworks in your mouth.

8 oz fresh baby spinach – The foundation of our salad, bright and leafy, providing a lovely contrast to the strawberries.

1 pinch kosher salt – Just a tiny touch is all you need to bring out the spinach’s natural flavor.

8 oz fresh strawberries, sliced – Sweet and juicy, these berries are the star of the show; always choose ripe, fragrant ones.

5 oz feta cheese, crumbled – Creamy and salty, feta adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries.

¾ cup candied pecans or nuts – These add a lovely crunch and sweetness, making your salad truly irresistible.

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing:

Step 1: Prepare Your Dressing
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, poppy seeds, dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, and kosher salt. Whisk everything together until you have a well-emulsified dressing that’s as smooth as a silk scarf blowing in the wind.

Step 2: Let It Rest
Allow the dressing to sit at room temperature for at least a few minutes. This is crucial because letting the flavors meld together will elevate the taste of your salad from great to mind-blowingly sensational.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, toss the fresh spinach with a pinch of kosher salt. Sprinkle in those luscious strawberry slices, candied pecans, and crumbled feta cheese, letting each ingredient shine.

Step 4: Drizzle and Toss
Before diving into those beautiful greens, drizzle the lemon poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss everything gently to ensure every morsel is coated with that heavenly dressing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
For the pièce de résistance, serve the salad with the dressing on the side, allowing everyone to dress their own salad. This not only looks more appetizing but also keeps the spinach crisp and fresh until you’re ready to dig in!

To wrap things up, the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing is an absolute must-try. With its delightful combination of fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and mouthwatering flavors, it’s sure to become your go-to dish for any occasion. Plus, who knew being healthy could be so tasty? Enjoy this salad, and let every bite take you back to those blissful summer days at the berry farm!

This showstopping Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing Cooking Process

Start by whisking together the dressing ingredients to let the flavors meld. Next, toss the fresh spinach, strawberries, feta, and candied pecans together before serving. This order ensures maximized flavor and efficiency while keeping everything fresh.

Add Your Touch to Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

Feel free to swap the feta cheese for goat cheese for a creamier texture or add grilled chicken for a protein boost. You can also use honey-roasted almonds instead of pecans for a different crunch!

Storing & Reheating Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the freshness and crunch of the ingredients.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

This professional-quality Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sharing this recipe always brings a smile to my face, especially when my friends ask for seconds. One time, my grandmother declared my salad the best she’d ever tasted, which made my day!

FAQs About Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

What is Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing?

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy candied pecans. Tossed together and dressed with a bright, tangy lemon poppy seed vinaigrette, this salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, lunch, or as a light dinner side. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy elements creates a timeless classic that is sure to impress.

How do I make the lemon poppy seed dressing?

To make the lemon poppy seed dressing, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. Blend until the mixture is well-emulsified, and allow it to rest for a few minutes to let the flavors meld. This easy dressing imparts a zesty, homemade touch to your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing and can be made ahead for convenience.

Can I customize the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing?

Absolutely! This salad is highly versatile. You can swap feta cheese for goat cheese for a creamier texture or even add grilled chicken for a protein boost. If you prefer a different crunch, try honey-roasted almonds instead of candied pecans. Additionally, consider mixing in other fruits such as blueberries or mandarin slices for an exciting twist. The flexibility of the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing allows you to tailor it to your taste.

How should I store leftovers of the Strawberry Spinach Salad?

To maintain freshness, store any leftover Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the greens from wilting. This way, you can enjoy the salad for up to two days while preserving the vibrant colors and textures of the ingredients. Before serving, give it a quick toss to refresh the flavors.

Conclusion for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

In conclusion, the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing is a delightful and colorful addition to any meal. With its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at gatherings or simple dinners at home. Remember, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences, making it a versatile staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy this salad as a refreshing side dish or a light meal regularly!