Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 9 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup 84 g chopped walnuts or pecans; 2 tbsp 24 g brown sugar; 2 tsp 9 g unsalted butter; 1/4 cup 60 mL light olive oil or grapeseed oil; 1/2 tsp 4 g honey, optional; 1/2 tsp 4 g poppy seeds; 1/2 tsp 4 g dijon mustard; Zest of half lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; 1/2 tsp 4 g kosher salt; 8 oz 240 g fresh baby spinach, washed; 8 oz 240 g fresh strawberries, sliced; 5 oz 130 g feta cheese, crumbled; 3/4 cup candied pecans or nuts (from above)

There’s something truly refreshing about a salad that balances sweet, tangy, and crunchy all in one bite. This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is exactly that—a vibrant medley that feels like spring in a bowl and always impresses guests without any fuss.

A wooden bowl filled with a fresh salad sits on a white marbled surface with a light cloth underneath. The salad has a base layer of bright green spinach leaves, topped with red strawberry slices arranged evenly throughout. Small white crumbles of cheese are scattered across the strawberries and spinach. Dark brown pecan halves are also placed evenly on top, adding texture. Around the bowl are whole strawberries, pecans, and a block of white cheese on the side. The light gives a fresh and natural look to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember making this salad for a casual dinner party, and it completely stole the show. The combo of fresh strawberries with spinach and that dreamy poppy seed dressing is such an unexpected delight—I think you'll find yourself craving it on repeat!

Bright and Fresh: The juicy strawberries give the salad a natural sweetness that's perfect against the earthy spinach.
Crunch Factor: Candied pecans add that coveted crunch, making each mouthful exciting.
Easy Homemade Dressing: The lemon poppy seed dressing is whipped up in minutes, totally elevating the salad without any store-bought fillers.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a light lunch or a side dish at a party, this salad fits beautifully and pleases all palates.

A wooden bowl filled with a fresh spinach salad that has three layers: at the bottom, large bright green spinach leaves with smooth texture; on top, sliced red strawberries scattered evenly across the leaves; and small white dollops of soft cheese sprinkled throughout; a woman's hand is pouring yellow salad dressing with visible black pepper flakes from a small cup onto the salad; the background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe plays a special role, and together they create a harmony of textures and flavors. I always recommend picking the freshest strawberries and baby spinach to make the salad truly sing.

Flat lay of fresh baby spinach leaves, bright red strawberry slices, a small pile of crumbled white feta cheese, a handful of glossy candied pecans, whole brown walnuts, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with tiny black poppy seeds, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth light brown dijon mustard, fresh lemon zest strands, a halved fresh lemon with visible juice droplets, and coarse kosher salt crystals in a small white ceramic bowl, arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: For toasting or making candied nuts, their natural oils boost flavor and add crunch.
Brown Sugar: Helps caramelize the nuts, giving a lovely, sweet contrast.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness for perfectly candied nuts.
Light Olive Oil or Grapeseed Oil: Neutral oils that blend nicely into the dressing without overpowering.
Honey (Optional): Balances out the tart lemon and mustard in the dressing with a touch of sweetness.
Poppy Seeds: Classic in poppy seed dressings, they add a subtle crunch and a mild nutty taste.
Dijon Mustard: Provides depth and emulsifies the dressing beautifully.
Lemon Zest and Juice: They bring bright acidity that wakes up every ingredient.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all flavors without being too harsh.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Tender greens that hold up well and pair perfectly with fruit.
Fresh Strawberries: Make sure they're ripe for sweetness and juicy texture.
Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy, salty contrast that brings everything together.
Candied Pecans: The pièce de résistance for crunch and a sugary punch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I love most about this salad is how easy it is to personalize. Feel free to switch up the nuts or cheese to suit your tastes or even add a touch of grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.

Variation: I've swapped candied pecans with toasted almonds for a milder crunch, and it’s just as delightful. Sometimes I like to sprinkle in some dried cranberries for extra tang and texture.
Dietary Modifications: For a dairy-free version, swap feta for avocado chunks or omit cheese entirely—you won't miss it.
Seasonal Twist: In winter, swap strawberries for mandarin slices or pomegranate arils to keep that fresh fruit vibe alive.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Candy Those Nuts

Start with melting butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and toss your nuts with brown sugar. Keep stirring constantly—this prevents burning and evenly coats the nuts until the sugar caramelizes, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, spread them out on parchment to cool so they crisp up perfectly and don’t stick together.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, lemon zest and juice, and kosher salt. A vigorous whisk is key here to get the dressing emulsified nicely, which traps all those flavors together. Let it sit at room temperature so the ingredients can mingle—it makes a tangible difference in taste.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

Using a large bowl, gently combine the washed baby spinach, fresh strawberry slices, cooled candied nuts, and crumbled feta. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid soggy leaves—trust me, it keeps the salad fresh and crisp.

Top Tip

From my many times prepping this salad, a few little tricks can really elevate your results and make it foolproof.

Even Coating: When making the candied nuts, don’t rush the caramelization—constant stirring prevents clumping and burning.
Dressing Rest: Allow the dressing to rest at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to blend flavors better—this step is easy to overlook but pays off.
Freshness Check: Always use ripe strawberries; dull or underripe ones can make the salad taste flat.
Serve Immediately: Toss the salad with dressing right before serving to keep those spinach leaves crisp and vibrant.

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Strawberry Spinach Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top it off with a few extra candied pecans and some additional crumbled feta for visual appeal and a flavor boost. A few fresh mint leaves can also be a refreshing touch if you have them on hand.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light dinner. It also complements any pasta dish or works beautifully alongside a crusty artisan bread for a casual lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this salad in individual glass bowls layered with dressing and ingredients so guests can see all the colors before tossing. It's a fun way to showcase the salad’s beauty and makes the meal a bit more festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (though rare!), store the salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the candied nuts separate to maintain their crunch. Toss with dressing again just before eating.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because of the fresh greens and strawberries. I’d recommend enjoying it fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since it’s a fresh salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If you want to add protein warmed up on the side, that works great though!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen strawberries for this salad?

While fresh strawberries are best for this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe because they hold their shape and provide a fresh burst of juice, frozen strawberries tend to be watery and soft when thawed, which can make the salad soggy. If you only have frozen, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before adding, but fresh is ideal.

How long can I store leftover salad?

To keep the spinach fresh and crisp, store any leftover without dressing and nuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Add dressing and candied nuts just before serving again. Beyond that, the greens tend to wilt and the texture suffers.

Can I make the dressing in advance?

Yes! The lemon poppy seed dressing can be made a day or two ahead and kept refrigerated in a sealed container. Just give it a good whisk before using, as some separation may occur. Letting it come to room temperature before serving really brings out the flavors.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you’re not a fan of feta or want a dairy-free option, you can swap it with vegan feta, goat cheese for a creamier texture, or just skip the cheese and add avocado for creaminess instead. Each option gives a different but lovely flavor profile to your salad.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe has become one of those kitchen favorites I always return to when I want something light, bright, and satisfying. It’s simple, yet it feels special—plus, it’s super forgiving, so you can confidently whip it up even on busy days. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your go-to salads too!