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I remember when my grandma first introduced me to strawberry spinach salad. I was hesitant, spinach in a salad? But one bite, I was hooked. It was at our yearly family reunion, you know, the one where everyone brings a dish and tries to outdo each other. Well, that salad won that year. Now, I've tweaked her recipe a bit, adding arugula for that extra peppery kick and making the dressing just a tad bit sweeter. This salad isn't just food; it's a memory, a tradition, and a whole lot of deliciousness packed into one bowl.
What makes this salad stand out? It's the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and peppery notes. The strawberries burst with juicy sweetness, the spinach provides a mild earthiness, and the arugula adds a pleasant peppery bite. Then there's the poppy seed dressing – oh, that dressing! It's creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet, tying all the flavors together in perfect harmony. Making it a must-have addition to your next lunch or dinner menu.
Required Equipments
Salad Spinner
Cutting Board
Knife
Whisk
Large Bowl
Small Bowl
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Arugula Allure: Frequently Asked Questions
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Arugula Allure
Delight in the vibrant flavors of summer with this Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring peppery arugula, sweet strawberries, and a luscious poppy seed dressing. It's a refreshing and nutritious dish that's quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Wash and dry the spinach, arugula, and strawberries: Ensure all greens are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Wet greens will dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. Use a salad spinner for the best results. It's very important or the whole salad will lose its luster.
Hull and slice the strawberries: Remove the green tops (hulls) from the strawberries and slice them into bite-sized pieces. I like to cut some in half and leave others whole for visual appeal. Keep some on the side to garnish as well if you are feeling fancy.
Prepare the poppy seed dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking by adding more honey or vinegar. Make sure you taste it frequently to get it just right.
Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together the spinach, arugula, and sliced strawberries. If you're adding other toppings like candied pecans or crumbled feta cheese, add them now.
Dress the salad: Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly. Be careful not to over-dress the salad, as it can become soggy. It's better to start with less dressing and add more as needed. You can even serve dressing on the side so that everyone has just the right amount.
Serve immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the salad immediately after dressing. If you're preparing it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving. And that's it! Enjoy your beautiful and tasty salad
📝 Notes
Add some crumbled feta cheese for a salty kick.
Top with candied pecans for a sweet and crunchy texture.
Grilled chicken or shrimp can be added to make it a complete meal.