berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
A fresh spinach salad dotted with strawberries, blueberries, and feta cheese, drizzled with a sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes blends baby spinach leaves, sliced fresh strawberries, fresh 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.
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup, sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup, toasted sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine 6 cups baby spinach leaves, 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries, 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp poppy seeds, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 4: Serve immediately for a crisp, colorful salad bursting with fresh flavors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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.
What goes well with berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
