If you are looking for a fresh, flavorful, and visually stunning salad to brighten up your meals, this Strawberry Spring Mix Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try! Combining the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the tangy bite of feta cheese, crunchy almonds, and a perfectly balanced poppyseed dressing, this salad bursts with texture and vibrant colors. It’s not only a feast for your taste buds but also a simple way to bring seasonal goodness into your kitchen. Whether it’s for a casual lunch, a picnic, or a side dish at dinner, this Strawberry Spring Mix Salad Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad plays a crucial role, from the fresh spring mix greens providing a tender base to the crunchy almonds adding a delightful bite. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy elements ensures a perfect harmony of flavors in every forkful.
- Spring Mix (1/2 lb.): This blend of young greens offers a mild, fresh base that carries the other flavors beautifully.
- Sliced Strawberries (1 lb.): Sweet and juicy, strawberries are the star that adds vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- Feta Cheese (3/4 cup, crumbled): Adds a creamy, salty contrast that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Sliced Almonds (3/4 cup): They bring wonderful crunch and a nutty richness to the mix.
- Sugar (3 tablespoons): Helps to enhance the natural sweetness of strawberries in the dressing.
- Dried Cranberries (1/2 cup, optional): Provide an extra tart chewiness and depth, but feel free to skip or add more.
- White Vinegar (1/3 cup): Offers the acidity needed to brighten the dressing and balance flavors.
- Sugar (3/4 cup for dressing): Sweetens the dressing just enough for that perfect touch without overpowering.
- Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild spiciness and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and makes every ingredient shine.
- Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle warmth that adds complexity.
- Poppyseeds (1 teaspoon): Bring a delicate crunch and nutty flavor to the dressing.
- Grated Onion (1 to 2 tablespoons): Contributes a gentle bite and depth without overpowering the salad.
- Oil (1 cup): Usually a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil that makes the dressing smooth and luscious.
How to Make Strawberry Spring Mix Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the white vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, poppyseeds, and grated onion in a bowl. Slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking constantly to create a smooth, well-emulsified dressing bursting with tangy and sweet notes. This dressing is the soul of your salad, so take your time ensuring it’s perfectly balanced.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, toss the spring mix with the sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, and dried cranberries if you’re using them. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until every leaf and slice of strawberry is evenly coated. The freshness of the greens and the juicy berries will pair wonderfully with the creamy feta and crunchy almonds, all elevated by the vibrant dressing.
Step 3: Final Touches
Give your salad a quick taste test to make sure the flavors are balanced, and adjust seasoning with a little more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. This last step lets you personalize your Strawberry Spring Mix Salad Recipe perfectly to your liking.
How to Serve Strawberry Spring Mix Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra sliced almonds or a few whole strawberries on top for a beautiful presentation. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can add an unexpected aromatic note that complements the sweetness and adds freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a light yet satisfying component for your meal. Serve alongside crusty bread or a bowl of soup to round out the dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual cups or mason jars for picnics or parties. Drizzling a little more dressing on top just before serving keeps everything crisp and eye-catching. You can also add grilled peaches or avocado slices for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Strawberry Spring Mix Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. To keep the salad from wilting, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
Freezing
Because this salad relies on fresh greens and juicy strawberries, it does not freeze well. Freezing will ruin the texture of the greens and berries, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold and fresh, so reheating is not recommended. Simply prepare smaller portions to ensure no leftovers need warming up.
FAQs
Can I substitute the spring mix with other greens?
Absolutely! While spring mix offers a lovely mild base, you can use baby spinach, arugula, or even romaine for a different texture and flavor profile in your Strawberry Spring Mix Salad Recipe.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. Everything else remains delightful and delicious.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using to recombine the ingredients.
What if I don’t have poppyseeds?
You can omit the poppyseeds or substitute with sesame seeds for a similar crunch and subtle nutty flavor in the salad dressing.
How do I keep the strawberries from making the salad soggy?
Use ripe but firm strawberries, and slice them just before assembling the salad. Toss everything with the dressing right before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Spring Mix Salad Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients bringing joy to every bite. Its ease, elegance, and vibrant flavors make it an unbeatable addition to your recipe collection. I encourage you to try it soon—your taste buds will thank you for this refreshing treat!
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Strawberry Spring Mix Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Spring Mix Salad featuring fresh strawberries, spring mix greens, crumbled feta, and crunchy sliced almonds, tossed with a sweet and tangy homemade poppy seed dressing. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this salad balances sweet, savory, and nutty flavors with a crisp texture.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. Spring Mix
- 1 lb. Strawberries, sliced
- 3/4 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
- 3/4 cup Sliced Almonds
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup White Vinegar
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Poppyseeds
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons Grated Onion
- 1 cup Oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: Begin by washing and drying the spring mix greens thoroughly. Slice the strawberries and crumble the feta cheese. In a large salad bowl, combine the spring mix, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, sliced almonds, and dried cranberries if using.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Add the grated onion and poppyseeds, then slowly drizzle in the oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate greens and strawberries. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries to enhance the salad’s natural sweetness.
- You can adjust the sugar in the dressing to your preferred sweetness level.
- Optional dried cranberries add a nice tart contrast, but can be omitted if preferred.
- To save time, prepare the dressing in advance and refrigerate; whisk again before serving.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh and not recommended for long storage as strawberries may release juices.
