Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, hosting a brunch, or simply looking for a healthy lunch option, this salad checks all the boxes. With fresh ingredients like vibrant strawberries and creamy avocado, tossed in a delightful poppyseed dressing, you’ll enjoy every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of strawberries and avocado brings a burst of freshness to your meal.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or main dish; it fits into various meal plans effortlessly.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from spinach and healthy fats from avocado, it’s great for your diet.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or cheeses for added variety.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this delicious salad, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or jar with lid
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without mess.
- Whisk or jar with lid: This is crucial for emulsifying the dressing perfectly.
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.
Fresh 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
- half a small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing
- 1/3 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 3 tablespoons red wine 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
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk all dressing ingredients together vigorously until emulsified.
- 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 fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled cheese, toasted almonds, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
- Gently toss all salad ingredients together until well combined.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor experience! Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing!
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a light lunch or a side for dinner, it offers vibrant flavors and textures that please everyone.
As a Main Dish
- Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
- Pair it with quinoa or farro to add heartiness and extra fiber.
At a Picnic
- Pack it in portable containers for an easy, on-the-go meal.
- Include some whole-grain crackers on the side for a crunchy complement.
For Family Gatherings
- Present it in a large bowl for family-style serving.
- Add extra toppings like sunflower seeds or dried cranberries for variety.
As a Brunch Option
- Serve alongside fluffy pancakes or an omelet for a balanced brunch spread.
- Offer mimosas to elevate the brunch experience.
How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
To enhance your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad, consider these simple tips that will take your dish from good to great.
- Use ripe avocados: Make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and strawberries to maximize flavor and nutrition.
- Toast the almonds: Lightly toast sliced almonds in a skillet to bring out their nutty flavor.
- Adjust dressing to taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients based on your preference—add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
- Add variety: Incorporate other fruits like blueberries or mandarin oranges for added color and taste.
- Chill before serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This delicious salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful veggies charred on the grill add smoky notes that enhance the salad’s freshness.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette can add texture and protein, making it more filling.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides crunch and warmth, contrasting nicely with the cool salad.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create an Italian flair alongside your salad.
- Fruit Platter: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a sweet balance, enhancing the fruit elements of the main dish.
- Hummus and Veggies: Creamy hummus paired with crunchy vegetables provides a healthy snack option that aligns well with this dish.
- Cheese Board: An assortment of cheeses adds richness; choose lighter options like goat cheese or feta to keep it balanced.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can be straightforward, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using unripe avocados – Always choose ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture. A ripe avocado yields slightly when pressed gently.
- Overdressing the salad – Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Not balancing flavors – Aim for a mix of sweet, savory, and tangy elements. Adjust honey or vinegar in your dressing to find the perfect balance that suits your taste.
- Skipping toasting almonds – Toasting nuts enhances their flavor significantly. Take a few extra minutes to toast your sliced almonds for a richer taste.
- Ignoring freshness – Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Wilted spinach or old strawberries can ruin the dish’s appeal and taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of spinach and avocado.
- If necessary, freeze only the dressing in an ice cube tray for future use.
Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread salad on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave – Use a microwave-safe dish; heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Place in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring gently until heated without cooking further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing that many people ask.
Can I customize the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?
Yes! Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or nuts like walnuts. You can also use different cheeses based on your preference.
How long does Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing last?
In the refrigerator, this salad lasts up to 2 days if stored properly in an airtight container without dressing mixed in.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It’s also an excellent side dish at picnics or gatherings.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding various toppings or swapping out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Give it a try, and enjoy a refreshing twist on traditional salads!
Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. This delightful dish combines sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and fresh spinach, all drizzled with a light and tangy poppyseed dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, brunch gatherings, or a healthy lunch option, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. In just 15 minutes, you can create a refreshing meal that balances sweetness and savory notes while offering endless customization options to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese/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 wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a jar or small bowl, combine avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, avocado, cheese, almonds, and red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
