Strawberry Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

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This vibrant Strawberry Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a fresh and light meal or as a special side dish. The combination of crisp greens, sweet strawberries, crunchy walnuts, salty bacon, and tangy feta cheese creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Ingredients:

For the Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon grated onion
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1/3 cup plus one tablespoon mayonnaise
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Strawberry Spinach Salad:

  • 12 ounces mixed salad greens (including baby spinach, romaine, and spring greens)
  • 1/4 large red onion, very thinly sliced
  • 1/2 lb. strawberries, sliced
  • 2/3 cup chopped walnuts
  • 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Dressing:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the cider vinegar, granulated sugar, grated onion, and Dijon mustard until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
    • Add the poppy seeds and mayonnaise, and whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Assemble the Salad:
    • In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced strawberries.
    • Add the chopped walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, and crumbled bacon to the salad.
  3. Dress the Salad:
    • Drizzle the creamy poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  4. Serve:
    • Serve the salad immediately after dressing to maintain the freshness of the greens and the crispness of the bacon.

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing is not only visually appealing but also packed with a variety of flavors and textures that complement each other beautifully. It’s an excellent choice for a healthy lunch or as an elegant addition to any dinner party menu. Enjoy the delightful interplay of fresh strawberries with the creamy, tangy dressing and the rich additions of feta and bacon.