|

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing Recipe

Avatar photoByKylie
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 3 reviews

There’s something about the bright, fresh flavors of this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing Recipe that just sings springtime, even on the dullest days. I love how the tangy dressing complements the sweetness of the strawberries for a salad that feels light, yet satisfying.

A white bowl filled with a fresh spinach salad is shown on a white marbled surface. The salad has several layers: the bottom is dark green spinach leaves with a smooth texture, scattered with thin slices of red strawberries and light brown sliced almonds on top. There are also thin slices of pale purple onion and pieces of bright green avocado visible in the salad. A woman's hand is pouring a yellow vinaigrette dressing with black specks from a glass jar onto the salad. In the background, there is a whole avocado placed on the white marbled surface. Two black utensils are resting on the edge of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7
❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of lemony dressing and ripe strawberries makes each bite pop with brightness.
  • Quick & Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a beautiful salad ready in no time.
  • Versatile & Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have or prefer.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual lunch or a special dinner, this salad always impresses.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad’s ingredients work beautifully together because they balance sweetness, tang, crunch, and creaminess. When shopping, opt for the freshest spinach and ripe but firm strawberries so they hold up well after tossing.

Flat lay of fresh green spinach leaves, vibrant red sliced strawberries, a ripe avocado thinly sliced showing creamy texture, a small pile of chopped almonds, thinly sliced rings of purple-red onion, crispy coconut bacon pieces, small white ceramic bowls containing golden olive oil, bright yellow lemon juice with lemon zest shavings, a small bowl of amber maple syrup, a pinch of powdery Dijon mustard, a tiny bowl of black poppyseeds, and small bowls of sea salt and ground black pepper, two whole clean white eggs placed near the ingredients, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Fresh spinach: Baby spinach is best for tenderness and flavor.
  • Sliced strawberries: Look for bright red, ripe berries but avoid those that are overly soft.
  • Avocado: Adds creamy texture; slice it thin for even distribution.
  • Chopped almonds: Toast them lightly for extra crunch and depth.
  • Thinly sliced red onion: Gives a subtle sharpness without overpowering.
  • Coconut bacon: I use my homemade version for a smoky, crispy twist.
  • Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for the dressing.
  • Lemon juice and zest: Fresh lemon makes a big difference here.
  • Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that balances the tart lemon nicely.
  • Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
  • Poppyseeds: Essential for that classic lemon poppyseed flavor and fun texture.
  • Sea salt and black pepper: To season perfectly, enhancing all the other flavors.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I enjoy about this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing Recipe is how adaptable it is — you can easily swap in or add what you like for your perfect combo.

  • Protein boost: I sometimes add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal, and my family goes crazy for it.
  • Nut swaps: Pecans or walnuts work well if you’re not an almond fan or want a different crunch.
  • Fruit alternatives: Blueberries or mandarin orange segments can mix things up seasonally.
  • Vegan dressing option: If you want a dressing without maple syrup, a touch of agave works beautifully.

How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing Recipe

A fresh salad is shown in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers: the bottom layer is dark green spinach leaves, the middle layer is bright red sliced strawberries and pale green avocado slices arranged over the spinach, and the top layer includes thin slices of red onion, small chunks of toasted nuts, and bits of crispy brown bacon pieces sprinkled all over. The salad is lightly seasoned with black pepper. There is a black fork and knife placed on the edge of the bowl on top of a gray cloth with a chevron pattern. Some green mint leaves are placed near the bowl on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Up the Dressing

Pour all dressing ingredients — olive oil, lemon juice and zest, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, poppyseeds, salt, and pepper — into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Screw it on and shake vigorously until everything blends into a creamy, tangy sauce. This dressing is so simple yet bright and flavorful; it’s what pulls the whole salad together.

Step 2: Toss Together the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, thinly sliced red onion, and that crispy coconut bacon. Drizzle the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. I recommend serving immediately for the freshest bite — spinach can get soggy if it sits too long dressed.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Spinach Strawberry Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing Recipe

  • Freshness is Key: Use spinach that’s crisp and strawberries that aren’t mushy to avoid a watery salad.
  • Toast Your Nuts: A quick toast in a dry skillet amps up the almonds’ flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
  • Use a Jar for Dressing: I love shaking the dressing ingredients in a jar because it emulsifies quickly without extra tools.
  • Add Dressing Last Minute: Toss the salad right before serving to keep ingredients fresh and crisp.

How to Serve Spinach Strawberry Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing Recipe

spinach strawberry salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this salad with a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese or feta if I’m feeling indulgent — it brings a creamy tang that pairs beautifully with the dressing. Sometimes a few fresh mint leaves add a surprise pop of freshness.

Side Dishes

This salad plays nicely alongside grilled chicken breasts or salmon for an easy dinner, or with crusty bread and hummus for a lighter lunch. I’ve served it with baked sweet potatoes for a colorful, nourishing meal that my family adores.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch or party, I sometimes serve this salad in individual small glass jars or pretty bowls — it looks beautiful layered and saves cleanup later. You can also layer components like spinach, almonds, and strawberries for a *deconstructed* salad effect that’s both charming and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately if possible — spinach and strawberries don’t hold up well once tossed with dressing. I keep the dressing in its own jar and add it after reheating any proteins that go with it, so everything stays fresh.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so I don’t recommend freezing once it’s dressed. However, you can freeze the lemon poppyseed dressing separately in small containers for up to a month and thaw it gently before using.

Reheating

Because this salad is raw and fresh, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If you’ve paired it with warm mains, reheat those separately and serve the salad fresh on the side.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the lemon poppyseed dressing ahead of time?

    Absolutely! The dressing actually tastes better after resting for a few hours because the flavors meld nicely. Just give it a good shake before drizzling it over your salad.

  2. What’s the best way to prepare coconut bacon for this salad?

    I make my own by seasoning coconut flakes with smoky spices and baking them until crispy — it adds a fantastic texture and smoky flavor that you won’t find in store-bought options.

  3. Can I substitute other greens for spinach?

    Yes, baby kale or mixed spring greens can be delicious alternatives, but keep in mind that kale can be tougher and might benefit from a quick massage with a bit of dressing before mixing.

  4. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

    For meal prep, keep the salad undressed in an airtight container and the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess.

  5. Can I use frozen strawberries in this salad?

    I recommend fresh strawberries because frozen ones can release too much moisture and make your salad watery. If frozen is all you have, thaw and drain them well before adding.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing Recipe is one I come back to again and again, especially when I want something fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor without a ton of fuss. I think you’ll enjoy how the tangy, sweet, and crunchy elements combine in such a delightful way. Give it a try next time you want to brighten up your salad game — you might discover it becomes a favorite in your rotation too!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Kylie
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A fresh and vibrant Spinach Strawberry Salad topped with creamy avocado, crunchy almonds, and smoky coconut bacon, all drizzled with a tangy Lemon Poppyseed Dressing. Perfect as a light meal or side dish that combines sweet, savory, and zesty flavors for a delightful salad experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Lemon Poppyseed Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Zest from 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon poppyseeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Salad

  • 8 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 cups sliced strawberries
  • 1 avocado thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup chopped almonds
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/3 cup coconut bacon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: Add all dressing ingredients—olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, poppyseeds, sea salt, and ground black pepper—into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Screw the lid on securely and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
  2. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, chopped almonds, thinly sliced red onion, and coconut bacon. Drizzle the prepared lemon poppyseed dressing over the salad ingredients.
  3. Toss and Serve: Toss everything gently to ensure the dressing coats all the salad components evenly. Add the thinly sliced avocado on top or mix it in carefully to maintain its shape. Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste.

Notes

  • This recipe yields 3 large meal-sized salads or 4 smaller side salads.
  • You can substitute store-bought bacon or omit the bacon altogether for a vegetarian option.
  • The coconut bacon adds a smoky flavor and crunchy texture—consider making it in advance to have on hand.
  • Instead of the lemon poppyseed dressing, try using a strawberry balsamic dressing for a different flavor profile.
  • Make sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best sweetness and flavor balance.
  • If preferred, you may lightly toast the chopped almonds to enhance their nuttiness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Avatar photo

Hi, I’m Kylie Cook! 👋 I share simple, delicious recipes made for real life — from quick weeknight dinners to sweet treats you’ll want to make again and again. Let’s make your kitchen the coziest place in your home! 🍴✨

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star