Strawberry Poppyseed Green Salad
Enjoy a refreshing spring-time Strawberry Poppyseed Green Salad that’s easy to make and popular among crowds! The balsamic vinegrette is oil-free but you’d never guess. Maple-glazed nuts and creamy avocado or feta cheese take it over the top!
Strawberry season is one of my favorite times of the year! Not only because it means winter is over, but because by the time spring comes, I’m really ready for new fruits besides the apples, bananas, and oranges that have been our main fruit sustenance for months. We also use a lot of frozen fruit and berries in the winter, but there’s nothing like fresh berries. I’m not one to buy berries out of season, so it’s really special when they are in season and on sale! We also get fresh strawberries on our plants in the back yard, which is beyond exciting. (I say “we” but let’s be honest–my kids eat them all and I never really get any. #momlife)
Why you Should Try this Irrestistable Strawberry Green Salad
There are a few ways of eating leafy greens that are truly delicious and even addicting. They are few. And this is one of them! The variety of textures and flavors in this salad make it stand out, and the health benefits of eating SO many greens so easily outweigh the fact that is uses added sugar (maple syrup).
I made this for Easter dinner with extended family, and it was eaten up. I served it with mashed potatoes and gravy, crispy tofu, Vegan Greek Pasta Salad, Bread Bunny Vegetable tray, steamed green beans, and my brother in law made salmon for those who wanted it. There’s an Easter menu if you need one!
How to Make this Strawberry Poppyseed Green Salad
First, make the glazed nuts. You can use any nuts or even seeds (such as slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, pecans or walnuts). I often make more than necessary and have them ready for other salads, or for snacking. It’s amazing how just adding glazed nuts to a salad helps you eat more greens, especially kids and the salad-hesitant. Nuts are so good for you, too!
Next, whisk together the simple oil-free balsamic dressing.
Then, slice the strawberries, gather any of the other optional ingredients (sliced red onion, chickpeas, avocado, or vegan feta cheese are all yummy additions!). Toss it all together with the greens and serve immediately!
What Kind of Feta Cheese to Use?
There are lots of recipes to use to make homemade feta, such as this highly-rated vegan feta cheese from Rainbow Plant Life. I also want to try this goat cheese recipe from Plant-Powered Couple. You can also buy vegan feta from popular brands like Follow Your Heart and Violife. I usually just use cubed avocado for the creaminess as a whole-food option (but feta looks better for the photos!).
Other Green Salad Recipes
I only post salad recipes that I really like!
Winter Green Salad with Orange Tahini Dressing
Thanksgiving Green Salad (that I make all year!)
Six of my Favorite Oil-Free Salad Dressings
Chopped Thai Power Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing
Strawberry Poppyseed Green Salad
Ingredients
Maple Glazed Pecans
- 1/2 cup pecan pieces
- 1 TBSP maple syrup
- dash cinnamon
Green Salad
- 6-8 oz spring mix (a few big handfuls)
- 1/2 lb strawberries, stems removed and sliced
Dressing
- 1 TBSP balsamic vinegar
- 2 TBSP maple syrup
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 TBSP poppyseeds
Optional Additions
- 1/4 cup vegan feta cheese or feta cheese (optional)
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed (optional)
- 1/2 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 red onion, thiny sliced and soaked in water 10 minutes to remove sharpness
Instructions
Glazed Nuts (can be made ahead of time)
- To make the glazed nuts, put the pecans or walnuts into a small skillet and turn to medium heat. Once hot and fragrant, pour the maple syrup on (you'll hear it sizzle) and stir immediately. Sprinkle the cinnamon on and remove from heat. Let cool until crispy. I often make double this amount and keep some glazed nuts on hand to add to salads or snack on by themselves.
Dressing
- Whisk the ingredients together.
Assemble the Salad
- Tear the spring mix into small pieces and put into a salad bowl. Add any additional ingredints you'd like to use (such as chickpeas, avocado, feta cheese, or red onion). Add the sliced strawberries and glazed nuts (save a few to put on top for best presentation since most sink to the bottom) and pour the salad dressing over. Toss to combine. Enjoy immediately or within an hour (nuts will soften and greens will wilt with time).
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