Poppyseed Spinach Fruit Salad Recipe

At Ajpal, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Easy Salad with Fruit and Homemade Poppyseed Dressing

Now that summer is in full swing, I’m craving everything fresh – tons of leafy greens, bright and colorful fruit, and easy fresh-made dressings.

This salad has been on repeat at our house, and I think you’re going to love it just as much as we do!

This delicious, fresh spinach salad is bursting with flavor from fresh berries and a delicious lemon poppyseed dressing – as well as crunchy hemp hearts and sliced almonds for a vegan salad that is hearty and filling.

This salad is sure to become one of your family’s favorites – it is great for picnics, parties, lunch, and anytime you’re craving something fresh fast!

You can also top with chicken, just like this Chicken Spinach Fruit Salad recipe that you can find here.

How to Make Spinach and Fruit Salad

For This Spinach Fruit Salad, You’ll Need:

• Spinach: Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that has a mild and slightly sweet flavor. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin C, and calcium, and is a great source of fiber.
• Strawberries, sliced: Strawberries are a sweet and juicy fruit that add a pop of color and flavor to the salad. They are also rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
• Red grapes: Red grapes are sweet and juicy, and add a nice contrast to the other ingredients in the salad. They are also a good source of antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients.
• Green grapes: Green grapes have a slightly tart and crisp flavor, and add a nice crunch to the salad. They are also a good source of vitamin K and antioxidants.
• Blueberries: Blueberries are a small but mighty fruit that are packed with antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. They add a sweet and tart flavor to the salad.
• Blackberries: Blackberries are a juicy and flavorful fruit that add a deep purple color and a slightly tart flavor to the salad. They are also a good source of vitamin C and fiber.
• Orange, peeled and sliced: Oranges are a juicy and sweet citrus fruit that add a bright and refreshing flavor to the salad. They are also rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
• Sliced blanched almonds: Sliced blanched almonds add a crunchy and nutty texture to the salad, as well as some healthy fats and protein.
• Hemp hearts, optional: Hemp hearts are a good source of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and fiber. They add a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the salad.
• For the citrus poppyseed dressing:
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is a healthy fat that adds richness and flavor to the dressing.
• Freshly squeezed orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dressing.
• Fresh squeezed lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a tart and zesty flavor to the dressing.
• Fresh squeezed lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tangy and refreshing flavor to the dressing.
• Honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness to the dressing and helps to balance the acidity of the citrus juices.
• Celtic sea salt: Celtic sea salt adds a salty and savory flavor to the dressing.
• Poppy seeds: Poppy seeds add a nutty and crunchy texture to the dressing, as well as a mild and slightly sweet flavor.

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Spinach and Fruit Salad With Poppyseed Dressing

Store extra dressing. This dressing can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to one week. To store longer or make in bulk to freeze, I like to pour this dressing into ice cube trays, then let them defrost when I need it – go ahead and whip up a big batch of this dressing!

Add dressing to meats, rice, or pasta salad. This citrus poppyseed dressing is fabulous on chicken, fish, steak, vegetables, pasta, rice, and in cous cous – and as a fabulously fresh marinade. The sky is the limit!

Massage the spinach: To make the spinach leaves more tender and reduce their bitterness, massage them with a small amount of olive oil or lemon juice for a few minutes before adding the other ingredients.

Use a variety of fruits: Mix and match different fruits to add variety of colors, textures, and flavors to the salad. Try adding raspberries, kiwis, or mandarin oranges to the mix.

Toast the almonds: Toasting the almonds in a dry skillet for a few minutes will enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the salad.

Make the dressing ahead of time: The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. This will save you time when making the salad.

Add the dressing just before serving: To prevent the salad from becoming too soggy, toss it with the dressing just before serving.

FAQs

Yes, you can use other types of greens such as arugula, mixed greens, or baby kale. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the salad may differ.

Yes, you can use other types of fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, mangoes, or pineapples. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the salad may differ.

Yes, you can substitute honey with other sweeteners such as maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the dressing may be slightly different.

Yes, you can prepare the salad and the dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to toss them together right before serving to prevent the spinach from becoming too soggy.

Yes, you can add other toppings such as crumbled goat cheese, sliced avocado, or cooked quinoa to the salad to make it more filling and satisfying.

What to Serve with Spinach and Fruit Salad with Poppyseed Dressing:

Grilled chicken or shrimp: Grilled chicken or shrimp would make a great protein-packed main dish that would pair well with the salad.

Quiche or frittata: A vegetable quiche or frittata would make a great brunch or lunch dish that would pair well with the salad.

Soup or chili: A warm bowl ofchicken soup or chili would make a comforting and satisfying meal when paired with the salad.

Sandwiches or wraps: A simple sandwich or wrap such as turkey and avocado, chicken salad, or veggie wrap would be a great option for a light lunch or dinner when served alongside the salad.

Grilled vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as zucchini and squash, eggplant, or bell peppers would complement the flavors and textures of the salad and make a great vegetarian main dish.

If you love this easy spinach fruit salad with lemon poppyseed dressing, please check out some of my other favorite salads – bursting with fresh flavors everyone will love!

Baked Harissa Chicken and Spinach

Tuscan Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Kale

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Air Fryer Arancini Balls

To see our complete salad recipe index, click here.

Poppyseed Spinach Fruit Salad Recipe

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