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3.67 from 6 votes
Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing in a wood bowl with apples in the background.
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Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 

This sweet and tangy spinach salad with poppy seed dressing is loaded with fruit and crumbly blue cheese and makes a great a starter or light meal.

Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: poppy seed dressing, spinach salad
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 229 kcal
Author: Cathy Roma | What Should I Make For...
Ingredients
Poppy Seed Dressing
  • 2 Tbsp real maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp shallots, minced
  • 2 tsp dijon mustard
  • kosher salt and pepper
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp poppy seeds
Spinach Salad
  • 5 oz baby spinach (1 bag)
  • 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup red seedless grapes (sliced in half or quartered if large)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
Poppy Seed Dressing
  1. In a food processor or mini prep fitted with a steel blade combine the maple syrup, vinegar, shallots, mustard, salt and pepper and process until combined.*
  2. Add the oil and process until emulsified, then stir in the poppy seeds.

  3. If not using a food processor or mini prep for the dressing, whisk together the syrup, vinegar, shallots, mustard, salt and pepper and then add the oil in a steady stream while constantly whisking. Stir in the poppy seeds when the dressing is emulsified.

Spinach Salad
  1. Combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss with as much dressing as desired.
Recipe Notes
  • A mini prep or food processor makes quick work of whipping up a salad dressing and keeping it emulsified.
  • Always blend or whisk all of the ingredients first (except the oil), then add the oil.
  • If whisking it by hand, add the oil in a very slow stream while continuously whisking.
  • I love the flavor of maple syrup in this dressing, especially when paired with apples, but honey can be substituted in its place.
Nutrition Facts
Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Amount Per Serving
Calories 229 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 6mg2%
Sodium 146mg6%
Potassium 269mg8%
Carbohydrates 24g8%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 18g20%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 2345IU47%
Vitamin C 10mg12%
Calcium 85mg9%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.