Strawberry Spinach Salad With Sesame Poppy Seed Dressing
If you're looking for a healthy and delicious salad to add to your meal plan, you can never go wrong with a classic strawberry spinach salad with sesame poppy seed dressing. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner, a potluck, or a summer barbecue. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and tender baby spinach leaves, tossed with a tangy and nutty dressing, is simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
To make the sesame poppy seed dressing, combine the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined.
In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss well to combine.
Pour the sesame poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Variations:
While this recipe is already a hit, you can still customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Use a mix of baby kale and spinach instead of just spinach.
- Add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or mandarin oranges.
- Swap the feta cheese for goat cheese or blue cheese.
- Add some crunch with croutons or crispy bacon bits.
- Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan version.
Health Benefits:
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that are good for your body. Here are some of its health benefits:
- Baby spinach is low in calories and high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and fiber.
- Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and potassium.
- Almonds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Feta cheese provides calcium, protein, and probiotics.
- Sesame seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium.
- Poppy seeds are rich in fiber and minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc.
Conclusion:
There you have it, a delicious and healthy strawberry spinach salad with sesame poppy seed dressing that's perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and tangy flavors, fresh and crisp textures, and loads of nutrients, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, go ahead and try it out for yourself!
