Strawberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Poppy Seed Dressing

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing: A Bright and Fresh Spring Favorite

A simple, vibrant salad packed with seasonal flavor and effortless charm.

When the first signs of spring emerge, so do cravings for something bright, fresh, and seasonal. This strawberry spinach salad is exactly that—simple to prepare, yet striking in flavor and presentation. With its juicy strawberries, tender baby spinach, crunchy pecans, creamy feta, and sweet-tangy poppy seed dressing, it’s the kind of dish that works just as well on a holiday table as it does on a weekday lunch plate.

It’s the perfect salad for spring or early summer, when strawberries are at their peak and farmers markets are stocked with fresh greens. Whether you’re hosting Easter brunch, attending a potluck, or just want something quick and nourishing, this salad fits the moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:

• Fresh spinach – Baby spinach is ideal for its tender leaves and mild flavor.

• Strawberries – Thinly sliced for an elegant presentation and a juicy-sweet bite.

• Red onion – Adds sharpness and color contrast.

• Toasted pecans – Nutty and crisp, they lend a rich crunch.

• Feta cheese – Crumbled for tang and creaminess.

• Poppy seed dressing – Sweet, tangy, and lightly creamy—it's the perfect finishing touch.

Full measurements and instructions are included at the end of this article.

Easy Poppy Seed Dressing

This salad’s flavor hinges on the homemade poppy seed dressing, made with just a handful of pantry staples:

• White wine vinegar

• Dijon mustard

• Shallot

• Honey

• Olive oil

• Poppy seeds

• Optional: mayonnaise for a creamy variation

Simply whisk the ingredients in a bowl or shake them in a sealed jar until emulsified. It’s a dressing that pairs well with many spring salads—especially those with fruit.

Swaps & Variations

This salad is easy to customize depending on your preferences or what’s in season:

• Swap the strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, orange slices, apples, or pears.

• Use spring mix or butter lettuce in place of spinach.

• Change the nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts work beautifully.

• Try another cheese: Goat cheese or blue cheese are excellent options.

• Go dairy-free with diced avocado instead of cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry spinach salad makes a great side dish for brunches, light lunches, or dinner parties. Pair it with:

• Egg salad sandwiches or crustless quiche for a spring meal

• Asparagus risotto or lemon pasta

• Grilled chicken or salmon for added protein

To turn this into a complete meal, toss in cooked quinoa or farro, or top with roasted chickpeas for crunch.

Make-Ahead Tips

This salad is best when freshly tossed, but it can be prepped in advance:

• Assemble the salad (without dressing) up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container.

• Make the dressing up to 5 days in advance and store in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if the oil solidifies.

Once dressed, the salad should be consumed within a few hours. Undressed leftovers will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Recipe: Strawberry Spinach Salad

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4–6

Ingredients:

• 5 oz baby spinach

• 1 cup strawberries, thinly sliced

• ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup toasted pecans

• 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled

• Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper

• 1 batch homemade poppy seed dressing

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, and red onion.

2. Drizzle with part of the poppy seed dressing and toss gently.

3. Add pecans and feta, and lightly toss again.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more dressing if desired, and serve immediately.

This salad is a celebration of seasonal simplicity and vibrant flavors, perfect for any spring table. The balance of textures—from creamy to crisp, juicy to crunchy—makes each bite satisfying, and the subtle sweetness of the dressing ties it all together.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more seasonal recipe inspiration and healthy dishes that bring fresh produce to life.

Looking for more ideas? Check out our spring salad collection and discover the best of seasonal eating.