Looking for the ultimate salad that’s both gorgeous and crowd-pleasing? This Spinach Strawberry Salad is it. Bursting with juicy strawberries, crisp greens, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and savory bacon, every bite delivers a perfect mix of flavor and texture. Tossed with a sweet and tangy balsamic-style poppy seed dressing, it’s a salad that steals the show — and hearts.
🛒 Ingredients
Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
This luscious dressing is sweet, tangy, and creamy — with the perfect poppy seed crunch.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated onion
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Strawberry Spinach Salad
A colorful combo of fresh produce, creamy cheese, and crisp toppings.
- 12 ounces mixed salad greens (baby spinach, romaine, and spring greens)
- ¼ large red onion, very thinly sliced
- ½ pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ⅔ cup chopped walnuts (lightly toasted for more flavor)
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 4 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cider vinegar, sugar, grated onion, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and mayonnaise until smooth.
Alternatively, shake it all in a mason jar for easy prep and storage.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2️⃣ Assemble the Salad:
In a large serving bowl, layer the mixed greens.
Top with thinly sliced red onion, strawberries, walnuts, feta, and bacon.
3️⃣ Dress & Serve:
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving.
Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors!
✅ Why You’ll Love It
✔️ Sweet, savory, and creamy all in one
✔️ Perfect for potlucks, brunch, or date night dinners
✔️ Easily customizable with your favorite nuts, cheese, or fruit
✔️ Meal prep friendly – store dressing separately until ready to serve
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Dressing: Make up to 4 days ahead; store in a jar in the fridge. Shake well before using.
- Salad: Wash and prep greens, berries, and toppings ahead. Keep separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
- Leftovers: If dressed, the salad is best eaten the same day. If undressed, store components separately for up to 2–3 days.
🥄 Variations & Tips
- No mayo? Swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.
- Nut allergy? Use sunflower seeds or roasted pepitas for crunch.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based mayo and omit cheese and bacon (or sub vegan bacon crumbles).
- Add protein: Top with grilled chicken or salmon for a full meal!
