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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing and Spicy Honey Glazed Pistachios Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

A fresh and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring sweet and spicy glazed pistachios and plumped dried cranberries, all tossed in a zesty Lemon Basil Dressing. This colorful, nutritious salad is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Dried Cranberries

  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • 2 teaspoons water

Sweet and Spicy Pistachios

  • 1 ½ tablespoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 1 cup pistachios

Salad

  • 10 ounces baby spinach
  • 12 ounces fresh strawberries, quartered
  • 1 cup sliced cucumber flowers or plain sliced cucumbers
  • small red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing

  • Lemon Basil Dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Plump the Dried Cranberries: Combine dried cranberries and water in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir with a fork and set aside uncovered to cool. Alternatively, pour 2 teaspoons of boiling water over cranberries, stir, and cover until ready to use.
  2. Prepare the Sweet and Spicy Pistachios: Lay out a 1½-foot piece of foil on a work surface and spray with cooking spray or oil. In a small bowl, mix honey, chili powder, and salt. Melt butter in a small sauté pan over medium heat, add pistachios, and stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the honey mixture and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until nuts are golden and coated with reduced honey. Remove from heat, spread pistachios on foil to cool. Store in an airtight container if making ahead.
  3. Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, toss together spinach, ¾ of the strawberries, ¾ of the cucumbers, and all of the red onion. Drizzle with 2-3 tablespoons of Lemon Basil Dressing and toss gently to combine.
  4. Finish and Serve: Top the salad with the remaining strawberries, cucumbers, plumped cranberries, and a generous sprinkle of the sweet and spicy pistachios. Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side.

Notes

  • The pistachios can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for several days.
  • If you do not have a microwave, plump the cranberries by pouring boiling water over them and covering until softened.
  • Use fresh lemon basil dressing or a similar vinaigrette to complement the flavors perfectly.
  • For added crunch, cucumber flowers add a decorative touch but sliced cucumbers work just as well.