Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad combining fresh spinach, strawberries, blueberries, and feta cheese, tossed in a sweet poppy seed dressing for a festive and healthy side. This salads (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes blends baby spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 4 Salads cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine 6 cups baby spinach, 1 cup sliced strawberries, 1 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup sliced almonds.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp poppy seeds, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and patriotic colors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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