Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

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Hello, salad lovers! There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a vibrant salad packed with juicy strawberries, crisp greens, and topped with a creamy poppy seed dressing. This Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is perfect for gatherings, a light lunch, or as a colorful side dish. Let’s dive into this fresh and flavorful recipe that’s sure to delight!

Introduction

Strawberry salads are a refreshing twist on traditional greens, bringing a delightful blend of sweetness, crunch, and creaminess to the table. This Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing combines fresh greens, juicy strawberries, crispy bacon, and creamy feta, all topped with a homemade poppy seed dressing. The dressing adds a tangy, slightly sweet note that complements the ingredients perfectly. Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner, potluck, or special occasion, this salad is bound to impress!

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing, you’ll need:

Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon grated onion
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1/3 cup plus one tablespoon mayonnaise
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Strawberry Spinach Salad

  • 12 ounces mixed salad greens, including baby spinach, romaine, and spring greens
  • 1/4 large red onion, very thinly sliced
  • 1/2 lb. strawberries, sliced
  • 2/3 cup chopped walnuts
  • 3/4 cup feta cheese
  • 4 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled

This combination of ingredients creates a beautiful mix of flavors and textures, making the salad both hearty and refreshing.

How to Make Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Follow these steps to create your own Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing:

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cider vinegar, granulated sugar, grated onion, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and mayonnaise until well combined. For convenience, you can also add all the dressing ingredients to a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake it vigorously. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Assemble the Salad: In a large, wide bowl, spread the mixed salad greens evenly. Arrange the thinly sliced red onion, sliced strawberries, chopped walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, and crispy bacon over the greens.
  3. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad, then gently toss to combine. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness and freshness of each ingredient.

Helpful Tips

  • Dressing Adjustments: For a lighter dressing, swap half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This will give the dressing a tangy flavor and reduce the calories.
  • Add Crunch: If you love an extra crunch, toast the walnuts in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad ingredients can also be prepped and kept separate until ready to serve.

Cooking Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make your Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing even better:

  • Ingredient Variations: Try adding other fruits like blueberries or mandarin oranges for a burst of extra color and flavor.
  • Freshness Matters: Use the freshest strawberries and greens you can find, as they make a big difference in taste.
  • Bacon Tip: Cook the bacon until extra crispy, then blot it with a paper towel to remove excess grease before crumbling.

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or a hearty soup. It’s a perfect addition to brunch spreads, holiday tables, or light summer meals. Serve in a large, shallow bowl or on a platter for an attractive presentation that highlights the colorful ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional content for this Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing:

  • Calories: 320
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Potassium: 420mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Vitamin A: 20%
  • Vitamin C: 60%
  • Calcium: 10%
  • Iron: 8%

Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but note that it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain its crispness.

Dressing Storage: The poppy seed dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake well before using.

If you want to keep the salad for longer, store the dressing separately and add it right before serving to keep the greens fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Goat cheese or blue cheese crumbles are excellent substitutes for feta, adding a unique flavor to the salad.

What other nuts work well in this salad?
Pecans, almonds, or pine nuts can also add a delightful crunch and slightly different flavor to this salad.

Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and cheese, and replace the mayonnaise in the dressing with a vegan mayo alternative. You’ll still have a delicious, plant-based salad.

If you love this salad, here are some other recipes you might enjoy:

Conclusion

And there you have it—a refreshing Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing! With its mix of fresh greens, juicy strawberries, and creamy dressing, this salad is bound to be a hit at any table. Try it out and enjoy each flavorful bite. Let us know how it turns out, and feel free to get creative with your own twist on this salad!

Meta Description: Fresh Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing, packed with greens, strawberries, walnuts, feta, and a creamy dressing!

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