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square image of strawberry spinach salad with balsamic poppy seed dressing, bacon, feta, pecans, and sliced strawberries on a plate
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4.67 from 3 votes

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing is the perfect quick salad with fruit, feta, bacon, and homemade dressing.
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Jamie Sherman

Equipment

Ingredients

For the salad

  • 8 cups spinach leaves
  • 2 cups strawberries hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup Feta cheese crumbled
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • ½ cup pecans lightly toasted

For the dressing

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon minced onion
  • pinch ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Add spinach to a large serving bowl or platter.
    8 cups spinach leaves
  • Top with strawberries, feta cheese, bacon, and pecans.
    2 cups strawberries, ½ cup Feta cheese, 6 slices bacon, ½ cup pecans
  • In a blender or food processor, combine all dressing ingredients. Blend for 30-60 seconds until smooth and well combined.
    2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, ½ cup olive oil, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon minced onion, pinch ground black pepper
  • Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving.
  • Toss gently if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

  • Store salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
  • Keep dressing refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 1 week
  • Toss salad just before serving for the best texture

♨️ REHEATING

  • No reheating needed
  • If bacon is stored separately, reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm and crisp

❄️ FREEZING

  • Freezing not recommended due to texture changes in spinach and strawberries

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Use fresh, dry spinach to prevent a soggy salad
  • Add dressing right before serving to keep everything crisp
  • Toast nuts for extra flavor and crunch
  • Use ripe strawberries for the best sweetness

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

  • Air fryer bacon: cook at 350°F for 7-9 minutes until crispy
  • Oven bacon: bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes on a baking sheet
  • Stovetop bacon: cook over medium heat until crisp

♻️ LEFTOVERS

  • Add leftover salad to wraps or sandwiches
  • Toss with grilled chicken for a quick meal
  • Use extra dressing as a marinade or drizzle for roasted vegetables

📝 NOTES

  • Dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator
  • Shake or stir dressing well before using
  • This salad is easily customizable with your favorite fruits, nuts, or cheeses

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 245mg | Potassium: 326mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2898IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 2mg
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