Summer Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing

 Summer Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing is a light, refreshing salad that is perfect for warm weather. The combination of fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, and tangy dressing makes it a vibrant and flavorful dish. The lemon poppyseed dressing adds a zesty touch that elevates the entire salad.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

6 cups fresh spinach (washed and dried)

1 cup strawberries, sliced

1/2 cup cucumber, sliced

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

1/4 cup walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)

1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)

1/4 cup avocado, diced (optional, for creaminess)

For the Lemon Poppyseed Dressing:

3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp poppyseeds

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:

In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, cucumber, and red onion (if using).

If you're using nuts or cheese, sprinkle them over the salad along with the diced avocado (optional).

2. Make the Lemon Poppyseed Dressing:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, poppyseeds, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

3. Assemble the Salad:

Drizzle the lemon poppyseed dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.

4. Serve:

Serve the salad immediately for a fresh, light meal. It pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a light pasta dish for a more filling meal.

Tips:

For added protein: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas to make it more hearty.

Substitute fruits: You can substitute strawberries with other fruits like peaches, blueberries, or raspberries for a different flavor profile.

Make it ahead: The salad can be prepped in advance (minus the dressing) and stored in the refrigerator, but dress it right before serving to keep the spinach fresh.

This Summer Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing is a perfect choice for summer gatherings or a quick, healthy meal that’s packed with flavor!