Fresh Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Crumbled Goat Cheese is topped with a delicious Poppy Seed Vinaigrette! An easy and breezy salad that is perfect for an easy lunch or as a huge hit at any party!
Loaded with fresh spinach, juicy sweetened strawberries, some creamy and crumbled goat cheese, candied almonds, and a tangy and sweet poppy seed vinaigrette– this Strawberry Spinach Salad is here to solve all of your first-world problems! Need a last-minute healthy dinner option? Add in some Strawberry Basil Chicken or Lemon Salmon to pair with this salad for a complete meal. Need an Easter side dish? Summer cookout with friends? Easy lunch for the week? This fresh spinach salad has you covered in so many ways!
As a nutritionist, salads are an integral part of my diet. Loaded with antioxidants and fiber, salads are the best complement to any meal! I love creating fun new flavors and experimenting with different salad dressings. Sweet Basil Vinaigrette and Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette are a few of my faves!
This salad is no different! We’re using in-season strawberries for a sweetness that pairs well with goat cheese, and a poppy seed vinaigrette that comes together in a few minutes!
Ingredients for Fresh Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese
Here is what we need for the salad:
- Fresh spinach
- Strawberries
- Crumbled goat cheese
- Candied almonds
Here is what we need for the Poppy Seed Vinaigrette:
- Avocado oil or olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Chopped shallots
- Garlic
- Poppy Seeds
- Honey
This salad comes together so easily by combining the salad ingredients into a large bowl. Use a blender or food processor to blend together the dressing.
To elevate this salad
Let’s talk about the candied almonds…..I love this addition of bringing a little something extra to this salad! It’s not necessary, but a fun way to elevate this salad. You can buy store-bought candied almonds, or make your own. For these, I warmed up 1/4 cup honey on the stovetop and then stirred in 2 tbsp of brown sugar and sea salt. I tossed in the almonds, then spread out on a sheet pan covered in parchment paper. Bake for 12 minutes at 325 and let cool before adding on the salad.
Serving and Storing Strawberry Spinach Salad
My favorite addition to serve with this salad is simple grilled chicken or flank steak. You can also toss in some grains like farro or quinoa for a heartier meal.
This salad will not store well if already dressed. It’s best to store the poppy seed vinaigrette separately (for up to 3 weeks!) and combine the ingredients when ready to serve.
Other Salads you will love!
- Blueberry Mango and Spinach Salad
- Superfood Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette
- Grilled Sweet Potato Salad with Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette
- Basil Lime Fruit Salad
Fresh Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Crumbled Goat Cheese
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 10 oz Fresh baby spinach
- 1 quart Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3/4 cup Crumbled goat cheese
- 3/4 cup Candied almonds*, chopped
For the poppy seed vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup Red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp Chopped shallots
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 1/2 cup Avocado oil or olive oil
- 2 tbsp Poppy seeds
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Make the dressing: in a food processor, combine all ingredients with the exception of the poppy seeds. Pulse until well combined, toss in the poppy seeds.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, add the spinach. Pour about half of the dressing over the spinach and assess the amount of dressing You want the spinach to be well coated by not swimming in dressing! You may need to add a bit more. Top with strawberries, goat cheese, and almonds. Drizzle with a bit more of dressing. If storing this salad to consume later, store without dressing.
Notes
The post Fresh Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Crumbled Goat Cheese appeared first on Wholesomelicious.