If you’re looking for a refreshing and colorful salad that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors, you’ve stumbled upon a true favorite. This Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is a delightful combination of crisp Romaine and Iceberg lettuces mingling with juicy sliced strawberries, sharp cheddar, tangy feta, and the irresistible crunch of sugared almonds and croutons, all brought together with a luscious poppy seed dressing. Every bite is bursting with vibrant texture and bright flavor, making it an ideal dish for warm days, casual gatherings, or when you just want to treat yourself to something special and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this recipe fool you—each ingredient plays an essential role in creating a salad that’s rich in flavor, texture, and color. Fresh lettuces provide the perfect crisp base, while fruit, cheeses, nuts, and dressings add layers of complexity and indulgence.
- 3 cups Romaine lettuce: Adds a crunchy, slightly bitter texture that balances the sweetness in the salad.
- 3 cups Iceberg lettuce: Offers a refreshing, crisp bite to lighten up the mix.
- 1 pint fresh strawberries: Rinsed, dried, and sliced to bring juicy sweetness and a bright pop of color.
- 1 cup shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese: Brings a robust, creamy flavor that contrasts nicely with the fruit.
- ½ cup crumbled Feta cheese: Adds a tangy, salty punch for an extra burst of flavor.
- ½ cup sugared almonds: Provides a sweet, crunchy element that’s utterly addictive.
- Kosher salt: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the sweetness.
- Croutons: Store-bought or homemade for that satisfying crunch on top.
- Poppy seed dressing: The true star of the recipe, bringing creamy, sweet, and tangy notes that tie everything together beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Fresh Ingredients
Start by tossing together the Romaine and Iceberg lettuces in a large serving bowl. Then add your sliced strawberries, shredded sharp cheddar, crumbled feta, and sugared almonds. This initial mixture layers flavors and textures, preparing a foundation that’s bursting with freshness and excitement.
Step 2: Add the Dressing and Croutons
Drizzle your desired amount of poppy seed dressing gently over the salad mixture. The creamy, sweet dressing really amplifies the salad’s flavors and creates a lovely sheen on every piece of lettuce and strawberry. Next, sprinkle the croutons on top for savory crunch that complements the nuts.
Step 3: Toss Gently and Serve Immediately
Use tongs or two large spoons to toss the salad gently, ensuring every bite gets coated in that delicious dressing without bruising the strawberries. Serve immediately and offer extra croutons on the side, especially if you’re using homemade ones—it’s an added treat guests will appreciate!
Step 4: Enjoy Every Bite
This salad shines when eaten fresh, where textures stay crisp and flavors vibrant. Each forkful is a cheerful celebration of sweet strawberries, creamy cheeses, crunchy nuts, and tantalizing dressing all working together.
How to Serve Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
While sugared almonds and croutons are key garnishes, fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of poppy seeds can add an extra layer of fresh aroma and an eye-catching touch that takes this salad to the next level.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken for a light summer dinner or alongside a hearty sandwich for a satisfying lunch. It’s equally fantastic as a side at picnics and potlucks, where its vibrant colors and flavors always stand out.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in individual mason jars for grab-and-go lunches or at parties where presentation matters. Another fun idea is layering ingredients in a clear bowl so everyone can admire the beautiful, colorful strata before tossing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate if possible. Store salad ingredients with a paper towel in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain crispness. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the delicate nature of its ingredients, especially the fresh strawberries, lettuces, and cheeses which lose their texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold, reheating is not recommended. Freshness is key to enjoying the blend of flavors and textures at their best.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce for this salad?
Absolutely! While Romaine and Iceberg provide crunch and freshness, you can swap in baby spinach or mixed greens for a different but equally delicious twist.
Is it okay to use store-bought poppy seed dressing?
Definitely! Store-bought poppy seed dressing works perfectly if you’re short on time. However, homemade dressing can add a personal touch with fresher ingredients and customized sweetness.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Yes, you can experiment with mozzarella, goat cheese, or even a mild blue cheese if you prefer different flavor profiles; just remember their unique textures will affect the final salad experience.
How do I make sugared almonds at home?
Sugared almonds are surprisingly easy to make by coating toasted almonds in a simple sugar syrup and letting them cool until crunchy. They add an incredible sweet and crunchy texture that’s worth the extra effort.
What if I don’t have croutons on hand?
No worries! You can either toast some bread cubes at home with olive oil and herbs or substitute with toasted nuts or seeds for crunch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe enough for anyone who loves a fresh, flavorful, and fun salad experience. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser whether for family meals, casual gatherings, or special occasions. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a go-to in your recipe collection!
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Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing 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 vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Salad with a crunchy mix of Romaine and Iceberg lettuces, sweet fresh strawberries, sharp cheddar, creamy feta, sugared almonds, and crisp croutons, all brought together by a luscious poppy seed dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish, this salad offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with varied textures for an enjoyable eating experience.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped or torn
- 3 cups Iceberg lettuce, chopped or torn
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, rinsed, dried, and sliced
- 1 cup shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese (or your favorite)
- ½ cup crumbled Feta cheese
- ½ cup sugared almonds (store-bought or homemade)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Croutons (store-bought or homemade)
Dressing
- Poppyseed Dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, add the chopped Romaine and Iceberg lettuces, sliced strawberries, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled feta cheese, and sugared almonds. Gently toss all these ingredients together to evenly distribute the flavors without bruising the delicate strawberries.
- Add Dressing and Croutons: Drizzle the desired amount of poppy seed dressing over the salad. Sprinkle croutons on top to add a crunchy texture.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad right away to maintain freshness and crispness, with extra croutons on the side especially if homemade to prevent sogginess.
- Enjoy: Savor the delicious blend of flavors and textures of this fresh strawberry salad.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Dry strawberries well after rinsing to prevent watering down the salad.
- If preferred, make your own sugared almonds and croutons for a homemade touch.
- Adjust the amount of poppy seed dressing to taste to avoid overdressing the salad.
- Serve immediately after assembling to maintain texture and freshness.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
