Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that burst with flavor. It’s perfect for summer picnics, quick lunches, or as a refreshing side dish at dinner parties. The combination of strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds makes this salad both nutritious and satisfying. Plus, the easy poppyseed dressing ties everything together beautifully, making it a hit for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad takes just 15 minutes to whip up, making it an excellent choice for busy days.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The blend of strawberries, avocado, and spinach offers vibrant flavors that are sure to please your palate.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main dish; you can enjoy it alone or pair it with grilled chicken or fish.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad supports your wellness goals.
• Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having the right equipment makes preparing your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing easy and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or jar with lid
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining all ingredients without mess.
• Whisk or jar with lid: Allows you to emulsify the dressing thoroughly for better flavor integration.
• Cutting board: A safe surface for chopping fruits and vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise slicing of strawberries and avocados to enhance presentation.

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

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 all dressing ingredients together vigorously until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your beautifully assembled Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad right away for the best flavor!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile. It can be served in various ways to suit different occasions and preferences.

As a Light Lunch

• Pair it with whole grain bread for a wholesome meal.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

As a Side Dish

• Serve alongside grilled meats like chicken or steak.
• Complement with a hearty soup for a complete dinner.

For Special Occasions

• Use elegant bowls to serve at dinner parties.
• Garnish with edible flowers for a stunning presentation.

For Meal Prep

• Store the salad ingredients separately and mix before serving to keep them fresh.
• Prepare the dressing in advance and refrigerate for easy access.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

To elevate your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad, consider these handy tips.

• Choose ripe avocados: This will enhance the creamy texture of your salad.
• Use fresh strawberries: Opt for seasonal strawberries for the best flavor.
• Toast almonds lightly: Toasting adds depth and crunch to your salad.
• Balance flavors: Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more honey or vinegar according to taste.
• Serve immediately: Enjoying the salad fresh ensures maximum flavor and crispness.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try goat cheese or feta for different flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Pairing sides with your salad can make for a delightful meal. Here are some excellent suggestions to complement your dish.

1. Grilled Chicken: A simple, seasoned grilled chicken breast adds protein and pairs wonderfully with the fresh flavors of the salad.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty side dish is packed with nutrients and complements the salad’s freshness beautifully.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted till caramelized provide a warm contrast to the cool salad.
4. Vegetable Soup: A light vegetable soup serves as a comforting addition that doesn’t overpower the main dish.
5. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread offers a hearty texture that balances well with the lightness of the salad.
6. Chickpea Salad: A chickpea salad boosts protein content while incorporating more veggies into your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your salad dressing can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving.
• Using overripe avocados: An overly ripe avocado can ruin the dish’s texture. Look for avocados that yield slightly when gently pressed, indicating they’re ripe but not mushy.
• Not washing spinach properly: Dirty spinach can spoil the freshness of your salad. Always rinse your spinach under cold water and dry it thoroughly before use.
• Chopping ingredients too small: If you cut the strawberries or avocado too small, they may get lost in the salad. Aim for bite-sized pieces to maintain texture and visual appeal.
• Making dressing ahead of time: If you prepare your dressing too early, it may separate or lose its fresh taste. Whisk it right before serving for optimal flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
• It’s best eaten within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes of spinach and avocado.
• If you must freeze, consider only freezing the dressing in a sealed container for later use.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place salad on a baking sheet for just a few minutes until slightly warmed.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: In a pan over low heat, toss gently until warmed through. Avoid overheating to preserve quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Yes! You can substitute kale, arugula, or mixed greens if you prefer different textures or flavors in your salad.

How do I make my Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing.

What are some good toppings for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?

Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, seeds such as pumpkin seeds, or even grilled chicken for extra protein!

How long does this salad last?

The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is best consumed within 1-2 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only vibrant and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding proteins like grilled chicken or swapping out cheese types to suit your taste. Whether served at a picnic or as a light dinner option, this refreshing salad is sure to impress!

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Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing—an easy, refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. This salad combines fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds, creating a delightful mix of textures that will please your taste buds. Tossed in a simple poppyseed dressing, it’s nutritious and satisfying while being quick to prepare—ideal for summer picnics or as a light lunch. With its versatility, you can enjoy it as a side dish or add grilled chicken for a heartier meal. Elevate your dining experience with this beautiful salad that’s sure to impress!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 1/3 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 3 tablespoons red apple vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the dressing ingredients until well emulsified. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine fresh spinach, strawberries, avocado, cheese, almonds, and red onion.
3. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Salad
• Method: No cooking required
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 10mg