This isn’t just another salad recipe; it's a journey to flavor town! I remember one hot summer day, feeling absolutely dreadful and uninspired with my usual lunch options. The thought of a heavy meal made me feel even more sluggish, so I decided to experiment with something light and refreshing. That's when the idea for this Strawberry Spinach Salad popped into my head. It was like a little spark of inspiration, and let me tell you, the result was nothing short of a revelation! Each bite of this Next Level Strawberry Spinach Masterpiece is a celebration of textures and tastes. The sweetness of the strawberries, the slighty salty feta, and the crunch of candied pecans create a wonderful harmony. The poppy seed dressing ties everything together, adding a creamy, tangy finish that’s simply irresistible. Get ready to toss together a colorful, healthy, and utterly delicious salad that will impress your taste buds and leave you feeling fabulous! This salad is a fantastic option for a light lunch, a side dish at your next dinner party, or even a potluck contribution that will have everyone asking for the recipe. If I could make a suggestion, you could even try adding some grilled chicken to make this an incredible dinner!
I once made this salad for a friend who 'doesn't like salads', and guess what? She asked for seconds! That’s how good it is! I feel like I had to write that because it seems impossible that somebody would enjoy this so much, but it happened! The secret? The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements, all drizzled with a homemade poppy seed dressing that's miles better than anything you can buy in a store. Trust me on this, once you try making the dressing from scratch, you'll never go back to the bottled stuff. It is so so so much better, and its not even close! Also, I was thinking that if you're looking to impress someone, this salad is your secret weapon. Imagine serving this at a brunch or a casual get-together—it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll have more time to enjoy the party yourself!
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Required Equipments
- Blender
- Large Bowl
- Whisk
- Salad Spinner
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Next Level Strawberry Spinach Masterpiece: Frequently Asked Questions
Next Level Strawberry Spinach Masterpiece
This Next Level Strawberry Spinach Masterpiece combines fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, salty feta, and crunchy candied pecans, all drizzled with a creamy homemade poppy seed dressing. It's a simple yet elegant salad that's perfect for any occasion.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Wash the spinach: Place the spinach in a large bowl filled with cold water. Swish it around to remove any dirt or sand. Drain the spinach and repeat the process until the water is clear. Use a salad spinner to dry the spinach thoroughly.
- Prepare the strawberries: Wash the strawberries under cold running water. Remove the stems and slice the strawberries into thin slices or halves, depending on their size. Set them aside.
- Make the candied pecans: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the pecans and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar is melted and the pecans are coated. Remove from heat and spread the pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool. Once cooled, roughly chop the pecans. If you bought candied pecans, you can skip this step!
- Make the poppy seed dressing: In a blender, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you don't have a blender, you can whisk the ingredients together in a bowl. But, i really really REALLY recommend using a blender, it changes the texture completely!
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped candied pecans. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve immediately: Serve the salad immediately to prevent the spinach from wilting. Garnish with a few extra strawberry slices or a sprinkle of feta cheese, if desired.
📝 Notes
- For a vegetarian option, make sure your feta cheese is made with vegetarian rennet.
- If you don't have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar can be substituted.
- You can add grilled chicken to the recipe for more protein!
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 80 mg
