Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring fresh spinach, strawberries, blueberries, and mandarin oranges, all tossed with a tangy homemade poppy seed dressing. This quick and easy salad is perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish, bursting with sweet and tangy flavors complemented by crunchy almonds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced onion
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup canola oil
Salad Ingredients
- 10 ounces fresh spinach
- 16 ounces fresh strawberries, sliced
- 15 ounces mandarin oranges, drained
- 6 ounces fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Prepare the Poppy Seed Dressing: In a blender, combine the granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, minced onion, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Blend the ingredients together until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate the Oil: With the blender running on low speed, slowly pour in the canola oil through the cover opening to emulsify the dressing thoroughly, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, add the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, drained mandarin oranges, fresh blueberries, and sliced almonds. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Dress the Salad: Just before serving, pour the prepared poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss well to ensure all the ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing, enhancing their flavors.
Notes
- The dressing can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to slice the strawberries evenly for consistent texture.
- For added crunch, you can lightly toast the sliced almonds before adding them to the salad.
- This salad is best served fresh to preserve the crispness of the spinach and the berries.
