Strawberry Poppyseed Salad levels up your salad game with juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, crunchy almonds, and a poppyseed dressing you’ll want on everything.
author’s notes
Sweet, Creamy, Crunchy—My Panera-Inspired Salad!
When I lived in Ohio, I lived right next to a Panera, and I almost always ordered the same thing: Broccoli Cheddar Soup and the Strawberry Poppyseed Salad.
Once I moved, I had to recreate it—and this version seriously delivers.
My recipe keeps the strawberries, almonds, and classic poppyseed dressing but skips the extra fruit. I swapped in creamy avocado and feta instead. It’s simple, fresh, and so delicious!
Ingredients In Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
- Greens: Use spinach or a box of mixed greens—whatever you like best.
- Strawberries: Slice just before serving so they stay fresh.
- Avocado: Wait til it’s perfectly ripe for the best creaminess. Dice right before adding.
- Cheese: A block of feta has the best flavor. Crumble it straight into the salad.
- Candied nuts: Cool fully, then break apart and toss in right before serving.
How To Make Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
- Almonds: Stir constantly so the sugar doesn’t burn; let cool before using.
- Dressing: Blend first, then stir in poppy seeds so they stay whole.
- Assemble: Layer greens, toppings, and dressing right before serving.
Variations
Switch Things Up
- Fruit: Try blueberries, blackberries, or orange segments.
- Onion: Add diced or thinly sliced red onion for a little bite.
- Cheese: Use goat cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
- Dressing: Short on time? Use a store-bought dressing.
- Nuts & Seeds: Swap in candied pecans or sunflower seeds.
What To Serve With Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
- Add protein: Throw on some grilled chicken or steak
- Serve with grains: Mix in cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice to make it heartier.
- Enjoy It Panera Style: Serve with French bread or these quick dinner rolls.
- Enjoy As A Side: Serve with lasagna or crispy chicken cutlets.
Storage
This salad is best fresh. Once it’s put together, the greens soften, the avocado turns brown, and the almonds lose their crunch.
To make ahead: Mix the dressing and store it in a jar in the fridge. Make the almonds early and keep them in a sealed container. Put the salad together right before eating.
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
More Salad Recipes To Love:
Salads
Strawberry Salad
Salads
Italian Salad Recipe
Salads With Meat
Grilled Steak Salad Recipe
Salads
Crispy Chicken Salad
Easy Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
Video
Equipment
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. Remove from heat, stir to coat evenly, then spread on parchment to cool. Break apart once hardened.
- Dressing: Zest the lemon to get 1/2 teaspoon. Add the zest, mayo, milk, cream, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper to a small blender. Blend until smooth. Stir in the poppy seeds.
- Salad: Add greens to a large bowl. Top with strawberries, avocado, feta, and almonds. Drizzle on dressing only for what you'll eat that day—you’ll likely have extra (see note 2). Toss and serve right away.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This was really good! I usually shy away from anything containing Dijon mustard or apple cider vinegar, but this dressing was great! Everyone took seconds which means it’s a keeper.
I’m so thrilled to hear this! Thanks for sharing!
I love decent spinach serving mixed greens; this one seems as though it wouldn’t frustrate. The candy-coated walnuts in here make my heart dissolve. I’m a sucker for a sugar-coated walnut yet in a plate of mixed greens! It should add the ideal pleasantness and crunch!
Yay! I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Made this and loved it!
So happy to hear! Thanks Tina! 🙂
I like salads a lot. Added my favorite fruits. It become more delicious and yummy. Thanks a lot
You’re welcome! 🙂
So good!! I added rotisserie chicken and red onion. Husband and I had seconds!
So thrilled this was a hit; thanks for the comment! 🙂