Description
This Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for spring and summer. Combining fresh strawberries, crisp greens, and a homemade poppy seed dressing, this salad offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a pleasant crunch. Ideal as a light lunch or a colorful side dish, it’s both nutritious and visually appealing.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
For the Poppy Seed Dressing
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (canola or light olive oil)
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and Dijon mustard until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Toast the Almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning, then remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, and red onion slices. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese and Almonds: Sprinkle the toasted almonds and crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad for added texture and flavor.
- Toss with Dressing and Serve: Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all elements. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and crunchy texture.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the almonds or substitute with pumpkin seeds.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- The dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
- To make this salad vegan, replace honey with maple syrup and omit cheese.
- Adding grilled chicken or tofu can turn this salad into a complete meal.
