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5 from 1 vote

Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Sweet and tangy poppyseed dressing coats a robust salad of baby spinach, fresh strawberries, pickled shallots, creamy cheese, and crisp toasted pecans. Feel free to vary the cheese and nuts. Sunflower seeds or pepitas work well for nut-free. I like queso fresco but something like feta or ricotta salta, which are also salty provide a nice contrast. Feel free to swap this out for you favorite dairy-free alternative.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword american, dairy-free, dressing, easy, egg-free, nightshade-free, nut-free, poppyseed, salad, shallot, spinach, strawberry, vegetarian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 274kcal
Author Jenny Ross

Ingredients

Pickled Shallots

  • 3 tablespoons vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 drop stevia glycerite optional
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 peppercorns
  • 1 shallot sliced thin

Poppyseed Dressing

Salad

  • 4 cups baby spinach tough stems removed
  • 1 cup strawberries sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup queso fresco crumbled
  • 1/4 cup pecans toasted
  • salt and black pepper fresh ground, to taste
  • flower petals optional, for serving

Instructions

  • Bring the vinegar, water, salt, and sweetener to a boil in a small pot (or microwave in a glass bowl). Transfer to a glass bowl and add the shallots, stirring to coat completely. Let sit for 30 minutes while you prepare everything else.
  • Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake to emulsify completely. Adjust season to taste and set aside.
  • Combine all salad ingredients in a bowl. Drain the shallots and add to the salad. Toss with the reserved dressing (you can shake the jar again just before using to ensure it it evenly combined). Toss and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Sprinkle with flower petals, if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

Protein:Energy Quotient [calories]: 0.09

Nutrition

Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 239mg | Potassium: 317mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2885IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 1mg