Delightful and Healthy Strawberry and Onion Salad Recipe
Salads can be more than just a pile of greens on a plate. What if I told you that you could have a salad for your next party that combined the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the zing of red onion, all topped with a creamy poppy seed dressing? Well, look no further than this Strawberry and Red Onion Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing recipe.
This salad is perfect for any summer gathering or dinner party. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. The combination of the juicy strawberries and crispy red onions provides both sweet and savory notes to the dish, while the creaminess of the poppy seed dressing ties everything together.
The best part? You don’t have to be a professional chef to whip up this salad recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, this dish can come together in no time. Plus, it’s customizable – feel free to add other fruits, nuts or cheese to give it your own personal touch.
So why not try something different at your next get-together? This Strawberry and Red Onion Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing salad that packs a punch of flavor, then look no further than our Strawberry and Red Onion Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe. This recipe perfectly blends the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the tanginess of red onions to create a tantalizing combination that is sure to please your palate.
But it’s not just the taste that makes this salad so amazing – it’s also jam-packed full of nutrient-rich ingredients, like leaf lettuce and spinach, that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Plus, its poppy seed dressing adds an extra layer of indulgence without being too heavy or overpowering.
Another great thing about our Strawberry and Red Onion Salad is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients or add your own personal touch to create a version that’s uniquely yours. Whether you prefer candied pecans or feta cheese, this salad recipe is incredibly customizable and can be adapted to meet a variety of taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
And if you’re someone who loves hosting parties or gatherings, this salad makes for a perfect addition to any menu. Not only does it look beautiful on the table with its vibrant colors, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
In short, there are countless reasons why you’ll love our Strawberry and Red Onion Salad Recipe. With its delicious flavor profile, nourishing ingredients, customizable options, and versatility, it’s truly hard to beat. So what are you waiting for? Gather up the ingredients and get ready to fall in love with one of the best salads around!
Ingredient List
For this Strawberry and Red Onion Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Leaf lettuce (4 cups)
- Spinach (2 cups)
- Red onion (1 small, thinly sliced)
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups, halved)
- Almonds
- Feta cheese
- Candied pecans
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- Pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon)
- Poppy seeds (2 tablespoons)
- Water (2 tablespoons)
- Honey (1/3 cup)
- Apple cider vinegar (1/3 cup)
- Olive oil (1/3 cup)
You will also need the following ingredients to make the poppy seed dressing:
- Canola oil (1/2 cup)
- Apple cider vinegar (1/3 cup)
- Honey (2 tablespoons)
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon)
- Poppy seeds (2 tablespoons)
The Recipe How-To
Now on to the fun part- making the salad! Here’s how to create this delicious Strawberry and Red Onion Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing recipe:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
First, gather 3 cups of leaf lettuce, which will create a great base for the salad. Then, thinly slice 1 small red onion and halve 2 cups of fresh strawberries.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of canola oil, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of water, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Step 3: Create a Delicious Salad
In a large bowl, toss the prepared onion and strawberries with the lettuce. Drizzle some poppy seed dressing over the mixture and toss it again. Add as much or as little dressing as you like!
Step 4: Garnish with Goodness
Optionally garnish your salad with additional sliced strawberries or candied pecans for an extra flavor punch (you can make them yourself by sprinkling sugar over pecans and toasting them in the oven).
Voila! Your scrumptious spinach and strawberry salad poppyseed is all set to be served!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch things up with this recipe? There are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try out. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Swap out the leaf lettuce for baby spinach or romaine lettuce to give the salad a different texture and flavor profile.
– Instead of red onion, try using thinly sliced shallots for a milder onion flavor.
– If you’re not a fan of poppy seeds, you can easily leave them out of the dressing, or substitute with sesame seeds.
– Add some crunch with candied pecans or glazed almonds as a topping for the salad.
– For a creamier dressing, swap out the apple cider vinegar with lemon juice and use mayonnaise instead of canola oil.
– Mix up the fruit in the salad and try using fresh raspberries or blackberries instead of strawberries.
– Try crumbling feta cheese over the top of the salad for an added salty flavor.
– Want to incorporate some healthy fats into the dish? Add sliced avocado or drizzle avocado oil over the top.
These substitutions and variations will add new flavors and textures to your salad, so don’t hesitate to get creative with it!
Serving and Pairing
This salad is versatile and can be served on its own as a light lunch, or paired with a main dish for a complete meal. The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy red onions make it a perfect addition to any summer picnic or BBQ.
For an extra burst of flavor, pair this salad with grilled chicken or shrimp. The creamy poppy seed dressing complements the savory taste of the meat and makes for a delectable combination.
If you plan on serving this salad as part of a larger spread, try pairing it with a fruit salad or candied pecans for added sweetness. For those looking for something more substantial, serve alongside toasted bread or as a topping to a bed of leaf lettuce.
For a twist on the traditional spinach salad, try incorporating some avocado slices or feta cheese to add depth to the dish. Another great variation is to substitute baby spinach for the plain lettuce, creating a richer earthy taste that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the strawberries and onions.
This strawberry and red onion salad can also be used as an appetizer before your main meal. Serve on individual plates as an elegant beginning to your dinner party. Whatever your occasion may be, this flavorful salad will leave everyone satisfied and coming back for seconds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The Strawberry and Red Onion Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a perfect dish for those who love to meal prep or host events without sacrificing taste nor quality. This recipe can be made ahead of time with minimal loss of flavor and texture, making it ideal for busy individuals or those who want to spend less time in the kitchen.
To make this salad ahead of time, you can prepare the dressing and store it separately in an airtight jar or container in the fridge. The dressing can last up to 1 week when stored properly. Make sure to bring it back to room temperature and give it a good shake before using it.
For the salad ingredients, you can cut up the red onion and wash and dry the salad greens, but leave the strawberries whole until you’re ready to serve. Store them separately in plastic or glass containers wrapped with paper towels or kitchen tissue to absorb excess moisture. You can also put dry paper towels on top of the salad greens to prevent them from wilting quickly.
When you’re ready to assemble the salad, cut the strawberries into halves, slice the red onion thinly, and toss everything together with the dressing. You can also add other ingredients such as candied pecans, feta cheese or avocado to your liking.
This salad is best served fresh and should not be reheated for fear of losing the freshness of its ingredients. If there are leftovers, place them back in separate containers again after assembling so that they do not get soggy. These leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for about 1-2 days.
Overall this recipe presents great make ahead options that allow its yummy flavors to keep intact while providing ease to your cooking routine!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Strawberry and Red Onion Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing turns out perfectly, take note of these tips:
1. Use the freshest ingredients: The key to a great salad is using fresh produce. Choose crisp leaf lettuce and unbruised strawberries. Pick red onions that are firm and have a deep color.
2. Don’t over-dress your salad: It is important not to overwhelm the flavors of the fruit and vegetables with too much dressing. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed.
3. Preparing the strawberries: Wash and dry the strawberries before chopping them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. If you cut them too small, they can get lost in the salad.
4. Slice the onions thinly: Thinly sliced red onions will add a sweet and tangy crunch to contrast with the juicy strawberries.
5. Toasted poppy seeds: Toasting your poppy seeds before adding them to your dressing will bring out their nutty flavor.
6. Serve immediately: This salad is best served immediately after preparing it. If you need to store it, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
By following these tips, you will be able to create a flavorful and colorful Strawberry and Red Onion Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing that everyone will love.
FAQ
Now that we have gone over the recipe for Strawberry and Red Onion Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing, it is important to answer some common questions that may arise during the cooking process. Here are some frequently asked questions about this salad recipe to help you achieve perfect results every time.
What is in poppy seed salad dressing?
This recipe calls for a handful of essential ingredients, including eggs. You will need to gather water, sugar, soybean oil, cider and distilled vinegar, egg yolk, salt, corn starch, poppy seeds, xanthan gum, dried onion, lemon juice concentrate, and natural flavoring.
Is poppy seed dressing good for diabetes?
Incorporating poppy seeds into your diet can have health benefits, particularly for managing diabetes. These small seeds contain manganese, which has been shown to aid in the treatment of this condition. As such, adding poppy seeds to your meals can be a nutritious choice.
What does Panera poppyseed dressing taste like?
Get ready to delight your guests with a velvety dressing that blends the sweetness of juicy oranges and the sharpness of onions to evoke the classic flavors of yesteryear.
Should poppy seed dressing be refrigerated?
Hey party people, want to keep your salads poppin’ with flavor for up to two weeks? All you gotta do is store this homemade poppy seed dressing in an airtight container in the fridge. Boom, easy and tasty!
Bottom Line
In concluding, the strawberry and red onion salad with poppy seed dressing recipe is a delightful and flavorful summer salad that will impress your guests. The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy red onions is complemented perfectly by the creamy poppy seed dressing, making this salad a perfect option for a light lunch or as part of a dinner spread.
Don’t hesitate to try out some of the substitutions or variations mentioned in this recipe to create a unique and personalized version of this delicious salad. You can pair it with different dishes such as grilled chicken, lamb or veggies to elevate your dining experience even further.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients and let this recipe be your guide for creating one of the best salads of your life. With its effortless prep work, make-ahead options, and lip-smacking flavors which won’t disappoint, you’ll soon find this dish to be one of your favorites to serve at any gathering whether indoors or outdoors. Enjoy!
Strawberry and Red Onion Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
Salad Dressing
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey (slightly warmed to help in blending)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Salad
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, stemmed and halved
- 1 small red onion, sliced and cut into crescents
- loose leaf lettuce
Instructions
- Salad Dressing: In small non-reactive bowl, combine the salad dressing ingredients. Blend thoroughly using an immersion blender and set aside. Best prepared 1 hour in advance of serving.
- Salad: To assemble salads, line four individual serving plates with the lettuce.
- Arrange strawberries and onion crescents, equally divided, on the lettuce leaves.
- Whisk dressing before serving and serve on side.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!