Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

This spinach and strawberry salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for spring or summer. The fresh spinach and strawberries are tossed in a tangy poppy seed dressing, and the feta cheese adds a salty and creamy touch. This salad is easy to make and can be served as a side dish or main course.

The origins of this recipe are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have originated in the American South in the early 1900s. The salad was likely created as a way to use up fresh spinach and strawberries that were in season. Over time, the salad became a popular dish at church suppers and family gatherings. Today, this spinach and strawberry salad is a classic Southern dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup poppy seeds
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the feta cheese, poppy seeds, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.

Why It Works

• The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy poppy seed dressing, and salty feta cheese creates a complex and flavorful salad.
• The fresh spinach adds a nutritional boost to the salad and helps to balance out the sweetness of the strawberries.
• The poppy seed dressing is light and tangy, and it helps to coat the salad without weighing it down.