Strawberry Poppyseed Salad: A Burst of Freshness with Homemade Poppyseed Dressing
Unleash a symphony of flavors and textures with this irresistible **Strawberry Poppyseed Salad**. Featuring sweet, juicy strawberries, rich and creamy avocado, delightfully crunchy candied almonds, and a sprinkle of savory feta cheese, all perfectly tossed in a vibrant, homemade poppyseed dressing, this salad isn’t just a side dish—it’s a main event. Get ready to elevate your salad game and discover a recipe you’ll want to make all season long.
From the Author
My Panera-Inspired Salad: A Sweet, Creamy, Crunchy, and Tangy Masterpiece!
During my time living in Ohio, my go-to order at Panera was almost always the same: a comforting bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup paired with their iconic Strawberry Poppyseed Salad. It was a combination I simply couldn’t resist.
After moving, I realized I desperately needed to recreate that beloved salad experience at home. And let me tell you, this rendition truly hits the mark, delivering all the sweet, creamy, and crunchy goodness you crave, but with a unique twist that makes it even better.
My recipe lovingly preserves the essential elements – the fresh strawberries, the irresistible candied almonds, and the signature poppyseed dressing. However, I’ve taken the liberty of simplifying the fruit medley and introducing some exciting new components. I swapped out the extra fruit for luscious, creamy avocado and savory feta cheese. The result? A perfectly balanced salad that’s incredibly simple to prepare, bursting with fresh flavors, and utterly delicious!
This version offers a fantastic harmony of textures and tastes, from the crisp greens and juicy berries to the tender avocado and salty feta, all brought together by that dreamy, tangy-sweet poppyseed dressing. It’s a salad that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
Why You’ll Adore This Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
- **Irresistible Flavor Combination:** The sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, savory feta, and tangy poppyseed dressing create a harmonious explosion of taste in every bite.
- **Textural Delight:** Enjoy the satisfying crunch of candied almonds, the softness of avocado, and the crispness of fresh greens.
- **Panera-Inspired Perfection:** If you’re a fan of the classic cafe version, prepare to be amazed by this homemade recipe that captures its essence and elevates it with thoughtful additions.
- **Quick & Easy Preparation:** With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this gourmet-level salad for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
- **Versatile & Customizable:** Easily adapt the ingredients to your preferences, adding different fruits, cheeses, or proteins to make it your own.
- **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a healthy main course, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
Crafting the perfect Strawberry Poppyseed Salad starts with selecting high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for success:
- Greens: The base of any great salad! Opt for fresh baby spinach for a tender bite, or a vibrant box of mixed greens for variety. Both provide a wonderful, crisp foundation for the other ingredients. Ensure your greens are thoroughly washed and dried to prevent a soggy salad.
- Strawberries: The star of the show! Choose ripe, firm strawberries with a deep red color for the sweetest flavor. Slice them just before assembling and serving to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Avocado: This is where the creamy texture comes in. Select a perfectly ripe avocado – it should yield slightly when gently squeezed. Dice it right before adding to the salad to prevent browning, or toss it with a squeeze of lemon juice if preparing slightly ahead. Learn how to tell if an avocado is ripe.
- Cheese: We recommend a block of feta cheese for its superior, tangy flavor and crumbly texture. Crumble it directly into the salad for a delightful salty kick that perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Candied Almonds: These are a game-changer! The sweet, crunchy candied almonds add an incredible textural contrast and a hint of caramelized goodness. Make sure to cool them completely and break them apart before tossing them into the salad just before serving to preserve their delightful crunch.
- Homemade Poppyseed Dressing: This creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing ties all the flavors together. Made with a blend of mayonnaise, milk, cream, sugar, apple cider vinegar, lemon, salt, and pepper, it’s remarkably easy to make and far superior to most store-bought options.
Crafting Your Strawberry Poppyseed Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this stunning salad is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a fresh and flavorful result:
- **Prepare the Candied Almonds**: In a medium pan over medium heat, combine the sliced almonds and granulated sugar. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as the sugar will melt and coat the almonds. The key is to stir continuously to prevent the sugar from burning. Once evenly coated and golden, remove from heat. Spread the candied almonds onto a piece of parchment paper to cool completely. Once hardened, gently break them apart into bite-sized pieces. These crunchy jewels are worth the small effort!
- **Whip Up the Creamy Poppyseed Dressing**: Begin by zesting one lemon to yield about ½ teaspoon of zest. In a small blender, combine the lemon zest, mayonnaise, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This ensures a consistent texture. After blending, stir in the poppy seeds by hand. This method prevents the poppy seeds from being pulverized by the blender, allowing them to remain whole and provide their signature visual appeal and subtle crunch.
- **Assemble Your Salad**: In a large serving bowl, lay out your fresh greens. Artfully arrange the sliced strawberries, diced ripe avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and your freshly made candied almonds on top of the greens. Just before serving, drizzle the creamy poppyseed dressing over the salad. It’s important to only dress the portion you plan to eat immediately, as dressed greens can soften and the avocado can brown over time. Gently toss everything together and serve this vibrant, refreshing salad right away.
Creative Variations to Customize Your Salad
Feel free to experiment with this recipe and make it your own! Here are some delicious ideas to switch things up:
- Add More Fruit: While our recipe focuses on strawberries, you can easily incorporate other berries like blueberries, blackberries, or even vibrant orange segments for an extra burst of color and sweetness.
- Introduce Onion: For a subtle bite and a savory counterpoint, add a small amount of diced or thinly sliced red onion. Its sharpness can add another layer of complexity to the flavor profile.
- Experiment with Cheese: If feta isn’t your preference, try crumbled goat cheese for a creamier, tangier alternative, or even a mild fresh mozzarella. You can also skip the cheese entirely for a dairy-free option.
- Quick Dressing Solution: Short on time? While our homemade poppyseed dressing is divine, a high-quality store-bought poppyseed dressing can be a convenient substitute.
- Swap Out Nuts & Seeds: Instead of candied almonds, consider candied pecans for a similar sweet crunch, or toasted sunflower seeds for a nut-free option and earthy flavor.
- Boost the Protein: Transform this side salad into a hearty main course by adding grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, baked salmon, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.
What to Serve with Strawberry Poppyseed Salad: Complete Your Meal
This versatile Strawberry Poppyseed Salad can be enjoyed in many ways, from a light lunch to a sophisticated side. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:
- Add Protein for a Hearty Meal: Turn this vibrant salad into a satisfying entrée by topping it with your favorite protein. It pairs wonderfully with tender grilled chicken, flavorful grilled flank steak, or even pan-seared salmon. For a vegetarian option, roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese are fantastic choices.
- Pair with Grains for Extra Substance: To make the salad even more substantial and fulfilling, mix in some cooked grains. Fluffy quinoa, chewy farro, or wholesome brown rice add a wonderful texture and boost the nutritional value, making it a complete meal.
- Enjoy It Panera-Style: For that authentic cafe experience, serve your Strawberry Poppyseed Salad alongside warm, crusty French bread or a basket of quick, homemade dinner rolls. Perfect for soaking up any extra dressing!
- Serve as an Elegant Side Dish: This salad makes an excellent accompaniment to a variety of main courses. Its fresh, light profile beautifully complements richer dishes like a classic lasagna, crispy chicken cutlets, or a simple grilled cheese sandwich.
- Light Lunch Option: Enjoy a generous portion of this salad on its own for a refreshing and healthy midday meal. It’s light enough not to weigh you down but flavorful enough to satisfy.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Peak Freshness
This Strawberry Poppyseed Salad truly shines when freshly assembled. Once dressed, the greens can soften, the avocado might brown, and the candied almonds can lose their delightful crunch. However, with a few smart make-ahead strategies, you can enjoy this salad with minimal last-minute effort:
To make ahead:
- **Poppyseed Dressing:** Prepare the dressing up to 4-5 days in advance. Store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Give it a good shake or stir before using.
- **Candied Almonds:** Make the candied almonds well ahead of time. Once completely cool and hardened, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. This way, they’ll be perfectly crunchy when you’re ready to add them. They’re also great for snacking!
- **Salad Components:** Wash and thoroughly dry your greens and store them in a large container or salad spinner in the fridge. Slice your strawberries and crumble your feta, storing them separately in airtight containers.
- **Avocado:** The trickiest component. Always dice the avocado just before assembling and serving the salad to prevent it from browning. A squeeze of lemon juice can help, but fresh is always best.
Assembly on the day: Simply combine the prepped greens, strawberries, feta, and almonds. Add the freshly diced avocado, drizzle with the prepared dressing (only dress the portion you plan to eat immediately), toss, and serve!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this delicious salad:
- Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
- Absolutely! Candied pecans, walnuts, or even toasted sunflower seeds make excellent substitutes for the candied almonds, offering a similar crunch and flavor profile. Adjust the candying process if needed based on the size of the nut.
- How can I make this salad a full meal?
- To make this salad more substantial, add a protein source like grilled chicken, shrimp, steak, or tofu. You can also mix in cooked grains such as quinoa, farro, or brown rice for added fiber and heartiness.
- Is the poppyseed dressing difficult to make?
- Not at all! Our homemade poppyseed dressing is incredibly easy to prepare. It involves blending a few common ingredients until smooth, then stirring in the poppy seeds. It takes less than 5 minutes and is well worth the effort for its fresh taste.
- Can I prepare the entire salad ahead of time?
- It’s best to assemble and dress this salad just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and texture. However, you can prepare the dressing, candy the almonds, wash the greens, and slice other ingredients (except avocado) in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, then combine everything right before eating.
- What kind of greens work best?
- Baby spinach or a spring mixed greens blend are ideal choices for their tender leaves and mild flavor that complements the other ingredients. You can also use chopped romaine for extra crunch, or a mix of different lettuces.
Featured Comment
“I made this for dinner tonight. It’s delicious! That dressing is especially divine! The candied almonds gave it nice crunch and sweetness. Will definitely make this again! Thanks!”
– Kristin
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Easy Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
20 minutes
20 minutes
4 as a side salad
Video
Equipment
- Medium pan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup mayo full-fat
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 lemon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 8 cups (5 ounces) baby spinach or mixed greens
- 2 cups strawberries stems removed and sliced
- 1 large ripe avocado diced, or 2 small avocados
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Add almonds and sugar to a medium pan over medium heat. Stir constantly for 3–4 minutes, until the sugar melts and coats the almonds. Watch closely to avoid burning the sugar; it caramelizes quickly. Remove from heat, stir to coat evenly one last time, then spread the candied almonds on parchment paper to cool completely. Once hardened, gently break them apart into individual pieces.
- **Dressing:** Zest the lemon to obtain about 1/2 teaspoon of zest. In a small blender, combine the lemon zest, mayonnaise, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Blend thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This ensures all flavors are well incorporated and the texture is uniform. Finally, stir in the poppy seeds by hand to keep them whole and visible in the dressing.
- **Salad Assembly:** In a large serving bowl, add your fresh greens as the base. Artfully arrange the sliced strawberries, diced ripe avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and the prepared candied almonds on top. For the best flavor and texture, drizzle the poppyseed dressing only over the portion of salad you intend to eat immediately; you will likely have extra dressing (see note 2). Gently toss to combine all ingredients just before serving. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Strawberry Poppyseed Salad!
Recipe Notes
Note 2: Dressing Yield & Storage. The poppyseed dressing recipe yields more than is typically needed for a single preparation of this salad. Any leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. Shake or stir well before each use.
Storage: For optimal freshness and texture, dress only the portion of salad that will be eaten on the same day. Store any leftover salad components (greens, dressing, candied almonds, and cheese) separately in individual airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cut avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain its vibrant green color.
Nutrition
Calories: 838kcal |
Carbohydrates: 45g |
Protein: 32g |
Fat: 67g |
Saturated Fat: 14g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 19g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 30g |
Trans Fat: 0.05g |
Cholesterol: 51mg |
Sodium: 736mg |
Potassium: 3547mg |
Fiber: 24g |
Sugar: 12g |
Vitamin A: 44880IU |
Vitamin C: 208mg |
Calcium: 782mg |
Iron: 16mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
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