This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, serving lunch, or looking for a quick dinner side, this salad brings vibrant flavors and textures together. The creamy avocado pairs wonderfully with sweet strawberries and crunchy almonds, all drizzled with a light poppyseed dressing that elevates the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad can be made in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of strawberries, avocado, and spinach offers a burst of freshness that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side or main dish; it fits perfectly into various meal plans and occasions.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is not only delicious but also good for you.
- Simple Ingredients: Most components are easy to find in your pantry or local grocery store.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delightful Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, you’ll need a few essential tools to make preparation smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or jar with a lid
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all the ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk or jar with lid: Whisking the dressing by hand ensures it emulsifies well; using a jar allows for easy storage if you have leftovers.
- Knife: A sharp knife helps you slice the strawberries and avocado quickly and safely.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting ingredients while protecting your countertops.
Ingredients
This delicious Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is quick and easy to make, full of great fresh flavors, and tossed with a simple poppyseed dressing.
For the Salad
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
- 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese or feta)
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- half a small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing
- 1/3 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 3 tablespoons red apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the following until emulsified:
- 1/3 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 3 tablespoons red apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Taste the dressing and season with fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper as needed.
Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the following:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
- 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese or feta)
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- half a small red onion, thinly sliced
- Drizzle the salad with the prepared dressing.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
- Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly combined.
- Serve immediately on plates or in bowls. Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad!
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a light lunch, a picnic, or a dinner party, serving this salad the right way can elevate your meal.
As a Standalone Meal
- This salad can be enjoyed by itself as a light and healthy meal. The combination of spinach, strawberries, and avocado provides essential nutrients.
With Grilled Chicken
- Pairing the salad with grilled chicken adds protein. Simply slice the chicken and place it on top before drizzling with dressing.
On a Buffet Spread
- Serve this salad as part of a buffet. Its vibrant colors make it an attractive option among other dishes, drawing guests’ attention.
As a Side Salad
- This salad complements heavier entrees well. It balances flavors beautifully when served alongside rich dishes like lasagna or steak.
For Brunch Gatherings
- Incorporate this salad into your brunch menu. It pairs wonderfully with quiches and breakfast casseroles, offering freshness to your plate.
How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
To make your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad even better, consider these helpful tips:
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh spinach and ripe avocados enhance flavor and texture.
- Toast the almonds – Toasted almonds add a delightful crunch. Simply heat them in a skillet until golden brown.
- Chill the dressing – A cold dressing improves the overall taste of the salad. Prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate.
- Adjust sweetness – If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey in the dressing to suit your taste.
- Add protein – Consider adding grilled shrimp or chickpeas for extra nutrition and heartiness.
- Experiment with cheese – Try different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for varied flavor profiles that still complement the salad.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Quinoa Pilaf – A light quinoa pilaf made with herbs can provide added texture and flavor without overpowering the salad.
- Garlic Breadsticks – Crispy garlic breadsticks serve as a delightful contrast to the fresh salad.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables offer warmth and depth, balancing the coolness of the salad perfectly.
- Caprese Skewers – These skewers combine tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a fresh bite that complements the strawberry flavors.
- Fruit Platter – A colorful fruit platter can be a sweet addition, enhancing the fruity aspect of the main dish.
- Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa make for a hearty companion dish that satisfies more substantial appetites.
- Hummus and Veggies – A platter of hummus paired with crunchy vegetables provides an excellent appetizer option before serving your main course.
- Baked Sweet Potato Wedges – Sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with spinach and strawberries while adding fiber to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can be simple, but some common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are a few pitfalls to watch for:
Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or low-quality ingredients can ruin the salad’s flavor. Always choose fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, and a perfectly ripe avocado.
Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing makes the salad soggy. Start with a little dressing and add more as needed after tossing.
Not Toasting Almonds: Un-toasted almonds lack flavor. Toast them lightly in a dry pan to enhance their taste before adding them to the salad.
Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to blandness. Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after dressing your salad.
Using Cold Ingredients: Cold ingredients may not mix well. Allow your avocado and other ingredients to come closer to room temperature for better integration of flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep the dressing separate if possible; this helps maintain texture.
Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Not Recommended: This salad does not freeze well due to the texture of spinach and avocado.
- If you must freeze it, consider omitting avocado before freezing to prevent discoloration.
Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm slightly for about 5 minutes without drying out.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for short intervals (10-15 seconds) while monitoring closely.
- Stovetop: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until just warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing last?
This salad lasts about 2 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I use different nuts in this salad?
Absolutely! While toasted almonds add great flavor, you can substitute with walnuts or pecans based on your preference.
Is there a vegan option for the dressing?
Yes! Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a completely vegan poppyseed dressing.
How do I customize my Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?
You can add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra nutrition. Fresh herbs, like basil or mint, also enhance flavor.
What are some good sides to serve with this salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as part of a buffet spread for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. With its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, it’s perfect for any meal occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite toppings or proteins! Enjoy experimenting!
Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of our Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. This vibrant salad combines fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy toasted almonds, all beautifully drizzled with a homemade poppyseed dressing. Perfect for light lunches, picnics, or as a side for dinner parties, this dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients, making it a delightful choice for any occasion. With just 15 minutes of preparation time and simple ingredients commonly found in your local grocery store, you can create a meal that’s both quick and delicious.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese or feta)
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 3 tablespoons red apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a jar or bowl, whisk together avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine baby spinach, strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled cheese, toasted almonds, and sliced red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are coated.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added crunch and flavor, toast the almonds in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. Customize with grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. Allow the dressing to chill before serving to enhance its flavor.
