Fresh spinach salad loaded with delicious berries, topped with maple candied walnuts and the BEST creamy strawberry poppy seed dressing. Gluten, dairy and refined sugar-free, this light and healthy berry salad is summer at it’s best.
If a salad is only as good as it’s dressing – then this Spinach Berry Salad is deee-vine. From it’s silky creamy texture you would never guess that it’s made with all natural, non-refined sugars and completely mayo and dairy free! As you’ve learned I’m a flavor freak who says go big or go home. And the flavors in this salad are definitely big.
The maple candied walnuts are the crowning jewels in this Spinach Berry Salad. They are ridiculously easy, refined-sugar free, and only take 5 minutes on the stovetop. Only five simple ingredients: nuts, coconut oil, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt. For the nuts, you can use whatever you like. I used what was on hand in my freezer – walnuts and pecans. Super simple. Super good.
The key to the creamy texture in the poppy seed dressing is busting out your blender. Ya’ll know I’m a fan of blenders. You can pretty much make anything in them. Dressings, soups, breads, cheesecakes, pizza crusts, pancakes – you name it, I’ve probably done it. Not that I have a fancy blender or anything… although I do dream every night about owning a shiny, high powered Vitamax….sigh. One day.
Blending this poppy seed dressing instead of just whisking or shaking it in a jar really helps the dressing to fully emulsify the oil and vinegars, giving you that velvety texture. I added a few strawberries at the end to increase the flavor and creaminess, however you can add just about any fresh fruit or berry and I can pretty much 100% guarantee you will LOVE this dressing.
If you want to get real fancy, you can add some thinly sliced red onions for a little peppery snap that gives the salad a nice savory element. Feta cheese is also a great option for those who can have dairy. It adds a delightful salty, tangy taste that pairs perfectly with the poppy seed dressing.
So go ahead, add this lovely salad to your weekly dinner plans. Like now.
PrintSpinach Berry Salad with Candied Walnuts & Poppy Seed Dressing
Fresh spinach salad loaded with delicious berries, topped with maple candied walnuts and the BEST creamy strawberry poppy seed dressing. Gluten, dairy and refined sugar-free, this light and healthy berry salad is summer at it’s best.
- Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Category: Salad
Ingredients
Maple Candied Nuts
- 2 cups nuts (you can use any kind you like, I used mostly walnuts with some pecans)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1/4 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2-3 strawberries
Spinach Berry Salad
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups berries of choice
Instructions
Maple Candied Nuts
- Place all ingredients in medium skillet over medium heat.
- Stir well to coat the nuts.
- Cook until bubbling, stirring regularly.
- Syrup will begin to thicken and caramelize after about 5-6 minutes.
- When syrup is sticking to the nuts and there is not much liquid left, remove from heat.
- Spread the nuts with wooden spoon onto a parchment lined cookie sheet to cool and harden.
- Once dry, store in an airtight container.
Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing
- Add honey, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, worcestershire sauce and paprika to the blender.
- With blender running, add oil and vinegar in a slow steady stream. Continue to blend till creamy.
- Add the dried, minced onions and blend.
- Add the strawberries and blend till smooth and the dressing is thick and creamy.
Spinach Berry Salad
- Wash spinach and berries thoroughly.
- Slice strawberries, and put the berries on top of the spinach.
- Top with maple candied nuts and poppy seed dressing.
- Make sure not to put too much dressing! It goes a long ways so start small and add more to taste.
Notes
Optional additions: red onion, feta cheese, avocado, chicken
I made this for a party and it was totally gone at the end! So yummy. The sauce was perfectly flavorful and the whole thing refreshing. Thanks chelsey!
You’re more than welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it!!
This is a beautiful salad! It has all of my favorite ingredients for a perfect salad. Berries, spinach, walnuts and poppy seed dressing sound like perfection on a plate. Delish!
Thank you! I’m a huge fan of big flavor and this salad is exactly that!
This is a perfect salad for the hot summer days! Love adding fresh berries to the salads, they bring so much good flavor and freshness)
Agreed! Fresh berries are a summer must when cooking!
Beautiful looking salad, with pretty awesome flavors! The dressing and the maple candied walnuts are the perfect addition.
Thanks! The nuts are SO easy and definitely bumped the salad up a notch :)
This salad is gorgeous! I love trying different types of salads, and this is one I’d love to try. Sounds delicious, and the flavors are perfect!
Thank you! It is one of our families favorite salad dressings!
what a refreshing looking summer salad! can’t wait to try. Thanks for sharing.
You’re most welcome! It is the perfect way to enjoy your fresh summer berries :)
This is just the type of salad I would order in a restaurant!! It looks amazing all the way from the candied nuts to the fresh poppy dressing. I have a special luncheon coming up and I’d love to serve this salad. very impressive.
Thank you! It is one of my all time favorite salads and I promise it won’t disappoint!
I smiled reading about your dreams :) I hope that your dreams come true sooner or later because I would really like to see what you can come up with owning that shiny blender!
Haha thanks! I hope those dreams come true too!!
ummm, you had me at maple candied walnuts!!! This salad looks so good with all the berries and spinach – it’s truly the perfect healthy lunch!
Thank you! It is an awesome lunch and saves perfectly for days with the dressing on the side :)
This salad is gorgeous and i’m loving all the texture and flavors here. the candied walnuts just put it over the edge! YUM
Thank you lovely! :)
THIS LOOKS SO REFRESHING AND LIGHT. I LOVE ALL THE NUTRITION AND AWESOME FLAVORS YOU HAVE HERE. THE SWEET AND SOUR ALL IN ONE.. SOUNDS YUM. Saving for later.
This is my kind of salad! I love everything about it. I can’t wait to make this.
Love the use of natural sugar in this recipe! That dressing is to die for and those maple nuts…omg! This is my kind of salad! Simply GORGEOUS!
Thank you Sherri! The nuts are my favorite – super easy and delish!