Fresh Strawberry Romaine Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
This vibrant Fresh Strawberry Romaine Salad is a delightful dish that combines crisp romaine lettuce, sweet ripe strawberries, and zesty red onions, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal. The star of the dish is the creamy poppy seed dressing that offers a luscious balance of tangy and sweet flavors. This salad was a hit at Easter dinner when my friend Tina brought it, and I couldn't resist sharing it with you. It's easy to assemble and is sure to impress guests at your next gathering or simply enjoyed as a refreshing weeknight side. Make it ahead of time for the flavors to meld together beautifully and serve it chilled.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Romaine Lettuce
2 heads (Washed and torn into pieces)
Strawberries
1 pint (Washed and sliced)
Red Onion
1 small (Quartered and sliced)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (None)
Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 cup (None)
Poppy Seeds
1 1/2 tablespoons (None)
Milk
1/2 cup (None)
Sugar
2/3 cup (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the romaine lettuce under cold water. Allow it to drain completely. If using whole heads, cut the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. If using pre-packaged, simply open the bags and place the contents in a serving bowl.
2
Rinse the strawberries and remove the stems. Slice the strawberries into thin slices or quarters, depending on your preference.
3
In a large salad bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce, sliced strawberries, and quartered red onions. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
4
To prepare the creamy poppy seed dressing, combine the mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, poppy seeds, milk, and sugar in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well blended and smooth.
5
Just before serving, generously pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing, ensuring even distribution. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fresh Strawberry Romaine Salad?
It is a vibrant salad that combines crisp romaine lettuce, sweet strawberries, and zesty red onions with a creamy poppy seed dressing.
What are the main ingredients for this salad?
The main ingredients are romaine lettuce, strawberries, red onion, mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, poppy seeds, milk, and sugar.
How do I prepare the romaine lettuce?
Thoroughly wash the lettuce under cold water, allow it to drain completely, and tear or cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use pre-packaged lettuce for this recipe?
Yes, if using pre-packaged lettuce, you can simply open the bags and place the contents directly into a serving bowl.
How should the strawberries be sliced?
Rinse the strawberries, remove the stems, and slice them into thin slices or quarters based on your preference.
What type of onion is best for this salad?
The recipe calls for one small red onion, quartered and sliced.
What ingredients are in the poppy seed dressing?
The dressing consists of mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, poppy seeds, milk, and sugar.
How do I make the creamy poppy seed dressing?
Combine mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, poppy seeds, milk, and sugar in a jar and shake vigorously until smooth.
When should I add the dressing to the salad?
Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to ensure even distribution.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully; be sure to serve it chilled.
How many heads of romaine lettuce are needed?
This recipe requires two heads of romaine lettuce.
How many strawberries should I buy?
You will need one pint of strawberries for this recipe.
What is the flavor profile of the poppy seed dressing?
The dressing offers a luscious balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is an easy recipe that is simple to assemble for guests or weeknight meals.
How much mayonnaise is used in the dressing?
The dressing requires one cup of mayonnaise.
What amount of balsamic vinegar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar.
How much sugar is in the salad dressing?
The dressing contains 2/3 cup of sugar.
How many poppy seeds are added?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of poppy seeds.
What amount of milk is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/2 cup of milk.
Should the salad be served immediately after dressing?
Yes, for the best taste and texture, serve the salad immediately after tossing with the dressing.
How should the salad ingredients be mixed?
In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, strawberries, and onions, then toss gently to mix evenly.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 8 total ingredients in this recipe.
What kind of container is best for the dressing?
A jar or container with a tight-fitting lid is best so you can shake it to blend the ingredients.
Is this salad a good side dish for summer?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer salad and a fresh side dish.
How do I ensure the lettuce is crisp?
Make sure to wash it under cold water and allow it to drain and dry completely before assembly.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
The author shared this recipe after trying it at an Easter dinner where their friend Tina brought it.
Does the salad need to be chilled?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the salad chilled.
Can I adjust the onion preparation?
The recipe suggests quartering and slicing the red onion, but you can adjust based on personal preference.
Is the dressing smooth or chunky?
By shaking the jar vigorously, the dressing becomes well-blended and smooth.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include salad, strawberry, romaine, poppy seed dressing, easy recipe, side dish, and summer salad.