Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish that balances the crispness of fresh spinach with the sweetness of fruits like strawberries or mandarin oranges, and the crunch of nuts like almonds or pecans. The creamy poppy seed dressing ties everything together with its slight sweetness and tangy undertones, making this salad a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It’s a perfect light meal or side dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Spinach Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing
Ingredients:
- For the Salad:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup sliced strawberries or mandarin oranges
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
- For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Make the Poppy Seed Dressing:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries or mandarin oranges, red onion, crumbled cheese, and toasted almonds or pecans. Add dried cranberries if desired.
- Toss and Serve:
- Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra nuts or fruit on top if desired.
This Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is light, flavorful, and perfect for a quick and easy meal or side dish!
