Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch, this salad brings a refreshing twist that appeals to everyone. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with sweet strawberries and crunchy almonds, all brought together by a tangy poppyseed dressing. It’s not just healthy; it’s also incredibly easy to prepare!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad can be made in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of strawberries, avocado, and spinach creates a refreshing taste that delights the palate.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even at gatherings and parties.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh produce, this salad supports a balanced diet.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, you’ll need some essential tools to simplify the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or jar with lid
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily toss all the ingredients together without spills.
- Whisk or jar with lid: These are crucial for creating an emulsified dressing that coats the salad evenly.
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.
Greens and Fruits
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
Cheeses and Nuts
- 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese or feta)
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- half a small red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing Components
- 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 salt and pepper as needed.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled cheese, toasted almonds, and red onion.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture!
Enjoy this Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing as a deliciously healthy option any day of the week!
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 dish for dinner, it pairs well with various options to enhance your meal.
As a Standalone Meal
- Enjoy it as is for a quick and healthy lunch option.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp on top for extra protein.
At a Picnic or BBQ
- Pack it in a portable container for an easy, colorful dish.
- Serve alongside grilled meats for a balanced meal.
For Special Occasions
- Present it on a large platter to impress guests.
- Garnish with extra poppy seeds and sliced strawberries for visual appeal.
With Toast or Bread
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for added texture.
- Pair it with whole-grain crackers as an appetizer.
How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
To elevate your salad, consider these simple tips. They will help enhance the flavors and presentation of your dish.
- Choose ripe avocados: Ensure the avocados are perfectly ripe for creaminess and flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh baby spinach and strawberries make all the difference in taste and nutrition.
- Toast almonds lightly: Toasting enhances their flavor and adds crunch to your salad.
- Adjust dressing to taste: Feel free to tweak the sweetness or acidity of the dressing based on your preference.
- Serve immediately: To maintain the freshness of the ingredients, serve right after tossing.
- Chill before serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for 15 minutes for flavors to meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Pairing your salad with complementary side dishes can create a more rounded meal. Here are some great options you can consider:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken in herbs and spices, then grill until juicy.
- Quinoa Salad: Mix cooked quinoa with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese for a healthy grain option.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies in olive oil and roast until caramelized; they add depth to your meal.
- Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy garlic bread complements the freshness of the salad perfectly.
- Fruit Platter: A selection of seasonal fruits provides a sweet balance to your savory salad.
- Cheese Board: Include assorted cheeses with nuts and dried fruits for an elegant touch.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a fresh bite.
- Vegetable Soup: A light vegetable soup can be a comforting side that pairs nicely with the salad’s freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using stale ingredients – Always use fresh spinach, ripe avocados, and juicy strawberries. This ensures maximum flavor and texture in your salad.
- Skipping the seasoning – Many forget to season the dressing. A pinch of salt and a twist of pepper can elevate the flavors dramatically.
- Overdressing the salad – It’s easy to drown your salad in dressing. Start with a little, toss gently, and add more if needed for balanced flavors.
- Not preparing in advance – While this salad is quick, chopping ingredients ahead of time can save you prep time during busy days.
- Ignoring texture – Including various textures makes the salad interesting. Toasted almonds add crunch, while creamy avocado provides smoothness; don’t skip these!
- Serving it too late – The salad tastes best fresh. Serve immediately after tossing to enjoy all the vibrant flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best eaten within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in spinach and avocado.
Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Oven – Not applicable as salads should be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
- Microwave – Avoid microwaving; it alters the freshness of vegetables.
- Stovetop – Not recommended; serve fresh for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing to help you get started.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the poppyseed dressing in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What other cheeses can I use?
You can substitute blue cheese with goat cheese or feta for different flavor profiles that pair well with strawberries.
How do I keep my avocado from browning?
To prevent browning, squeeze a little lemon juice over diced avocado before adding it to your salad.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite nuts or fruits. Whether as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, it’s sure to impress!
Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. It’s an irresistible blend of fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds, all drizzled with a tangy poppyseed dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a refreshing side dish at gatherings, or a colorful addition to your next picnic. With its nutritious ingredients and customizable options, this delightful salad not only pleases the palate but also supports a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures in every bite!
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
- 1/3 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together the avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, avocado, cheese, almonds, and red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
