This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion! It’s easy to prepare, full of fresh flavors, and makes for a delightful addition to summer picnics, lunch gatherings, or light dinners. The combination of juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and crisp spinach tossed in a tangy poppyseed dressing creates a salad that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad can be whipped up in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh Ingredients: Packed with nutritious greens and fruits, this salad is a wholesome choice that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main course, it pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, making it suitable for various meals.
- Flavorful Dressing: The homemade poppyseed dressing adds a unique twist that elevates the entire dish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its colorful presentation and delicious taste make it an instant hit at parties or family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the necessary tools before you begin. Having everything organized will save time and effort.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or jar for shaking dressing
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without mess.
- Whisk or jar: Essential for emulsifying the dressing to ensure all flavors are blended perfectly.
- Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for easily slicing strawberries, avocados, and onions.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertops while allowing you to chop ingredients safely.
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 vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
How to Make Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- Whisk all dressing ingredients together vigorously in a small bowl or shake them in a covered jar until emulsified.
- Taste the dressing and season with a pinch of fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper as needed.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled blue cheese (or alternative), toasted almonds, and sliced red onion.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
- Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are combined well with the dressing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad!
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Serving your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can elevate any meal. This salad is not only colorful but also packed with flavors that complement various dishes.
As a Main Course
- A light lunch option – Pair the salad with grilled chicken for a satisfying meal.
- Perfect for picnics – The fresh ingredients make it ideal for outdoor gatherings.
As a Side Dish
- With grilled meats – The salad pairs wonderfully with grilled beef or turkey, balancing the richness of the meat.
- Accompanying seafood – Serve alongside baked salmon for a refreshing contrast.
For Special Occasions
- Elegant starter – Present this salad in individual bowls for a dinner party or celebration.
- Holiday meals – It adds vibrant color and flavor to festive spreads.
How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
To ensure your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad shines, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh spinach and ripe strawberries enhance flavor and texture.
- Toast the almonds – Toasting brings out the nutty flavor, adding depth to each bite.
- Adjust the dressing – Feel free to tweak the dressing’s sweetness or acidity to match your taste preferences.
- Add protein – Incorporate grilled chicken or chickpeas for added nutrition and heartiness.
- Serve immediately – This salad is best enjoyed fresh; serve right after tossing with dressing.
- Experiment with cheeses – Try goat cheese or feta for different flavor profiles.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad can create a complete meal experience. Here are some excellent options.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers – Marinated chicken skewers add protein and flavor, perfect alongside the fresh salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf – A light quinoa pilaf provides a nutty taste that complements the salad’s sweetness.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and a savory element to balance the freshness of the salad.
- Vegetable Soup – A warm bowl of vegetable soup offers comfort and pairs well with the crispness of the salad.
- Hummus and Pita Chips – Lightly spiced hummus served with pita chips makes for an easy and tasty side snack.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with grains and beans can round out your meal beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.
- Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh baby spinach and ripe strawberries for maximum flavor and texture. Avoid wilting or overripe produce as it can ruin the salad.
- Overdressing the Salad: Use just enough dressing to lightly coat the ingredients. Too much can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more if necessary.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your dressing adequately with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavors of the salad components significantly.
- Cutting Ingredients Too Large: Ensure that strawberries and avocado pieces are cut into bite-sized portions for easy eating. Large chunks can make it difficult to enjoy the salad.
- Not Toasting Nuts: Toast sliced almonds before adding them to the salad. This step enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
- Preparing in Advance: While this salad is quick to make, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If preparing ahead, keep dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in avocado and spinach.
Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Oven: Not applicable for salads; best served cold or at room temperature.
- Microwave: Not recommended; it may wilt the spinach.
- Stovetop: Not suitable; enjoy fresh as intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.
Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Yes, you can substitute arugula or kale for a different flavor profile while maintaining great nutritional value.
What is the best way to store leftover salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, keeping dressing separate to preserve freshness.
Can I add protein to my Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or chickpeas would be excellent additions for extra protein.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
This delicious Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick meal.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a refreshing and versatile dish that combines vibrant flavors and textures. With options for customization, like adding proteins or swapping nuts, this salad is sure to please everyone. Give it a try today!
Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. This refreshing salad is a delightful blend of juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and crisp spinach, all tossed in a zesty homemade poppyseed dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, light lunches, or as a colorful side dish for any occasion, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. In just 15 minutes, you can create a wholesome meal that’s sure to impress family and friends while enjoying the benefits of fresh ingredients.
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 vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together avocado oil, red apple vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, fine sea salt, and black pepper in a bowl until emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, avocado, cheese alternative, toasted almonds, and red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for optimal taste. Toasting almonds enhances their flavor; do not skip this step. Customize by adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
