If you’re searching for a vibrant, fresh dish that combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, you will fall head over heels for this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Bacon, Feta, and Poppy Seeds Recipe. It’s a delightful medley where tender baby spinach meets juicy strawberries, crispy bacon, creamy feta, and a luscious homemade poppy seed dressing that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for an easy lunch, a side salad at dinner, or even a potluck showstopper, this recipe balances colors, textures, and flavors to make every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is the first step toward nailing this lively salad. Each element plays a crucial role, from the leafy crunch of baby spinach to the irresistible sweetness of fresh strawberries and the salty crunch of bacon. These staples come together effortlessly to make a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Baby spinach (12 ounces): The fresh, tender greens provide a mild yet nutritious base that holds the salad together.
- Sliced strawberries (8 ounces): Sweet and juicy, these add a burst of summer flavor and vibrant color.
- Thinly sliced red onion (1/2 small): Adds a sharp, slightly spicy crunch that contrasts nicely with the sweet elements.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (1/2 cup): Crispy, salty, and smoky, it’s the savory star that elevates this salad.
- Candied pecans (1/2 cup): Crunchy with a hint of sweetness, these nuts bring texture and a caramelized note.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup): Creamy and tangy, feta adds depth and a hint of Mediterranean flair.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1 cup): The foundation of the dressing, it adds richness and smoothness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Balsamic vinegar (1/2 cup): Gives the dressing a bold, tangy kick that balances sweetness beautifully.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Natural sweetness that ties all dressing ingredients together for harmony in every bite.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle punch and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and brings all the flavors forward.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and complexity.
- Poppy seeds (2 tablespoons): Provide that classic crunchy texture and a light nutty essence in the dressing.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Bacon, Feta, and Poppy Seeds Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Produce and Bacon
Wash the baby spinach thoroughly and spin it dry so your salad doesn’t get watery. Hull and slice the strawberries, giving you those beautiful red slices packed with juice. Thinly slice the red onion so it blends well without overpowering any bite. Cook your bacon until crispy, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. This combination of fresh and smoky begins laying a delicious foundation.
Step 2: Make the Poppy Seed Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and poppy seeds. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and emulsified, with the poppy seeds evenly distributed. This dressing is the magic glue that binds your salad ingredients with a sweet, tangy, and slightly nutty flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Gently toss the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, candied pecans, crumbled bacon, and crumbled feta cheese together in a large salad bowl. Drizzle your homemade poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Bacon, Feta, and Poppy Seeds Recipe
Garnishes
Top your salad with a few extra candied pecans for added crunch and a sprig of fresh mint or basil leaves for a pop of herbaceous brightness. A light drizzle of balsamic reduction can also amp up the flavor while enhancing the presentation.
Side Dishes
This salad is a perfect companion to grilled chicken or fish, but it’s equally lovely alongside hearty sandwiches, quiches, or even a light pasta dish. Its refreshing nature complements both simple and elegant meals, making it a versatile star.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching serving idea, try layering ingredients in mason jars for a portable picnic or party platter. You can also use edible flowers or thinly sliced fruit chips on top for a stunning effect. The key is to highlight the natural colors and textures that make this salad stand out.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days to preserve the freshness of the spinach and strawberries. Place the dressing in a sealed jar or container in the fridge as well.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the delicate nature of the spinach, strawberries, and dressing. Freezing will cause the ingredients to become mushy and lose their vibrant flavors and textures.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary or recommended. Just toss the salad gently with dressing again if needed and serve chilled for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use baby kale instead of baby spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale is a sturdier green that adds a slightly earthier flavor and extra chew, which some find delicious in this kind of salad.
What can I substitute for candied pecans?
If you don’t have candied pecans, walnuts or almonds tossed with a bit of brown sugar and toasted work beautifully as a crunchy, sweet substitute.
Is the dressing very sweet? Can I reduce the honey?
The dressing strikes a nice balance, but you can definitely reduce the honey amount to suit your taste or substitute with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Yes! Omit the bacon and feta, or swap the feta for a plant-based cheese alternative and use a smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a similar savory twist. Also, ensure your dressing ingredients are vegan-friendly.
How long can I keep the dressing in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the dressing should stay fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before using as the ingredients may separate.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Bacon, Feta, and Poppy Seeds Recipe feels like introducing you to a little slice of joy on a plate. With its vibrant flavors, delightful textures, and simple ingredients, this salad not only tastes amazing but lifts any meal into something special. I truly hope you give it a try and make it a new favorite in your recipe collection. It’s one of those dishes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Bacon, Feta, and Poppy Seeds Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for a light lunch or as a side for dinner. Combining tender baby spinach with sweet strawberries, tangy red onion, crispy bacon, and crunchy candied pecans, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The salad is tossed with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette featuring olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds, adding a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Ingredients
Salad
- 12 ounces baby spinach
- 8 ounces strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup candied pecans (see notes for recipe)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Rinse and gently dry the baby spinach leaves. Hull and slice the strawberries, peel and thinly slice half of the small red onion. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it. Set aside all these ingredients along with the candied pecans and crumbled feta cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl or a jar, combine extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, finely chopped red onion, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and poppy seeds. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Toss the Salad: In a large salad bowl, add the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon, candied pecans, and crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. Give a final light toss if desired, then serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
Notes
- To make candied pecans: Toast 1/2 cup pecans in a skillet over medium heat, then stir in 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon butter until melted and coating the nuts. Spread on parchment to cool before using.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add toasted walnuts or extra nuts.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be prepped ahead by keeping the dressing separate and tossing just before serving.
