Strawberry Spinach Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

This strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing is an ideal barbecue side. Fresh strawberries, crisp lettuce and spring onions are tossed with a simple 3-ingredient sweet dressing for a bright, flavorful salad.

Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Picture

I’ve been in a serious salad-making mood lately. Visiting my parents, whose garden is overflowing with organic produce, makes it hard not to experiment. Ripe fruits and crisp vegetables beg to be turned into something tasty and colorful.

Since I arrived, trying new flavor combinations and quick recipes has been my top priority. The first salad I made there was this strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing. We served it at a family barbecue and it was a hit.

Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Ingredients

To me, a great barbecue isn’t just about perfectly grilled meat or fish — it’s also about the side dishes and fresh additions that balance the meal. Light, colorful salads are perfect in summer: this strawberry salad joins other favorites like watermelon-feta combinations or a kale-and-mango toss. Any of these will brighten your spread and complement the grilled items.

Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Pic

When I first suggested strawberries with lettuce and spring onion, my parents were skeptical. That changed quickly after the first bite — the flavors melded beautifully. The poppy seed dressing adds a sweet-tangy note that ties everything together and gives the salad a distinct, pleasant finish.

Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Images

Timing and freshness

Prepare this salad just before serving. Lettuce wilts and strawberries spoil faster after being washed and sliced, so to preserve crispness and flavor, wait to dress the salad until you’re ready to eat.

Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Photos

Ingredient substitutions

Butter lettuce – A mild, tender base. If unavailable, romaine works well for more crunch.
Spring onion – Thinly sliced white or red onion can be used if preferred.
Poppy seeds – Optional. You can omit them or substitute chia seeds for a similar texture.

Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

A quick, colorful salad that combines fresh strawberries, butter lettuce and spring onions with a simple, sweet poppy seed dressing. Ready in about 15 minutes and serves as a refreshing side for summer meals.

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
15 minutes

Servings:
4 (as side)

Author:
Julia

Ingredients

Strawberry Salad:

1 butter lettuce
2 cups fresh strawberries
2 spring onions

Poppy Seed Dressing:

4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp poppy seeds
1 tbsp balsamic reduction

Instructions

Rinse the lettuce, strawberries and onions under running water. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, slice the strawberries and thinly slice the spring onions. Place everything in a large serving bowl and gently toss.
Make the dressing by combining extra virgin olive oil, poppy seeds and balsamic reduction in a jar or small bowl. Shake or whisk until combined, then pour over the salad.
Toss the salad again to coat the leaves and berries with dressing. Serve immediately.