Skip to recipe

This Strawberry Spinach Salad is the perfect pop of color and flavor for your Easter table! It’s light, refreshing, and beautifully balances sweet, savory, and tangy in every bite. With juicy strawberries, bright mandarin oranges, crisp shallots, slivered almonds, and shaved parmesan, every ingredient shines – especially when tossed with the most delicious homemade poppy seed dressing. Whether you’re hosting brunch, lunch, or dinner, this salad is a stunning (and simple!) way to welcome spring and impress your guests.

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1 shallot, slivered into rings
• 10 ounces fresh baby spinach. (I also love a 50/50 arugula and spinach blend)
• 1 quart strawberries (quartered)
• 23 oz jar drained mandarin oranges or 3 peeled cuties
• 3/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese

Ingredients for Dressing:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Prepare the dressing: In small mixing bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients—vinegar, oil, poppy seeds, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper—until well combined. (Alternatively, you can shake the ingredients together in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid).
2. Assemble the salad: Place the spinach in a great big serving bowl. Add the strawberries and oranges. Add shallots. Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss to coat the leaves. Assess the amount of dressing. You want the spinach leaves to be nicely moistened but not swimming in dressing. Add a little more if needed to suit your preferences. Add the parmesan and pecans. Toss lightly to combine. Serve immediately, with extra dressing on the side as desired.

Click HERE for a Downloadable Recipe Card!

Check out some Easter recipes & posts!!

Hi I’m Teresa!

I’m a mom to three, a wife and a physician assistant. I also have a degree in Nutritional Sciences and I love sharing all things life with you! I am passionate about empowering you through education, sharing all my fave products and items that have made life better and creating content to give you value!