Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Nuts, and Feta

Celebrate spring with this light and refreshing spinach salad featuring four ingredients and a splash of homemade poppy seed dressing. By: Jodie Shield, MED, RDN Looking for an irresistible spring salad that packs a nutritional punch? Check out my simple, colorful and fresh Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Nuts, and Feta. Only four ingredients but each naturally contributes powerful antioxidants that seem to play a role in fighting cancer and heart disease. I often toss in grilled chicken breast and transform this side salad into my main meal. Toasting the nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts) enhances their nutty flavor. How do you do this? Just spread them evenly on a cookie sheet and bake in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. While spinach and strawberries make a classic combo, romaine lettuce and arugula work well, too. Last, but not least, drizzle a small amount of the poppy seed dressing over the salad and store extras in your refrigerator.

You’ll find this recipe along with many others like Classic Spinach Salad and Lightened Up Seven Layer Salad on my FREE app Eat Healthy Homemade Meals in Minutes. 

Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Feta

Makes 4 servings

Preparation Time: = 10 minutes

No cooking required!

Salad Ingredients:

4 cups fresh baby spinach

1 cup strawberries, sliced and toasted

½ cup nuts such as chopped pecans, slivered almonds, or walnut pieces

½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing Ingredients:

½ cup canola oil

¼ cup red wine vinegar

¼ cup sugar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Directions:

1. In large bowl toss together spinach, strawberries, almonds and feta cheese. Divide salad onto 4 plates.
2. In small bowl, whisk together all of the salad dressing ingredients. Drizzle small amount over each salad.

Nutrition Information (for 1 cup salad and 1 Tablespoon of dressing): 223 calories, 6.5 grams protein, 11 grams carbohydrate, 18 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 17 grams cholesterol, 3 grams fiber, 241 milligrams sodium