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Square image of Spinach strawberry salad garnished with lemons.

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing is filled with tender spinach, summer strawberries, red onions, toasted almonds and a sweet and tangy lemon poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a light summer meal, potluck, or as a co-star with any main dish.

Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

  • ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated shallot
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Salad Ingredients

  • 6 cups baby spinach 142g (5 oz) clamshell
  • 16 strawberries sliced
  • ½ small red onion sliced
  • ⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds see Recipe Note 3
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl add the dressing, canola or vegetable oil, olive oil, grated shallot; lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt and pepper. Whisk well until combined and emulsified. Alternatively, shake the ingredients in a sealed jar.

  2. In a large salad bowl add spinach and drizzle it with about 2 – 3 tablespoons of the dressing. Toss lightly to combine.

  3. Arrange strawberries and red onion on top of the dressed spinach and drizzle with a little more dressing as desired. Sprinkle top with toasted almonds and garnish with lemon slices. Reserve any remaining dressing for other salads.

Recipe Notes

  1. Dressing can be made ahead as it keeps for a few days refrigerated; bring it to room temperature and shake well before using.
  2. To avoid the salad from becoming soggy, wait to drizzle the dressing on the assembled salad until just before ready to serve it.
  3. Toast almonds in a skillet over medium heat until lightly golden then transfer to a plate to cool completely.
  4. When strawberries are not available, substitute with raspberries, blackberries, apples, pears or drained canned mandarin oranges.
  5. If you are not partial to spinach you can easily substitute it with tender mixed greens or arugula.