Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful dish that brings together fresh flavors in a quick and easy recipe. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side at gatherings, this salad is both healthy and satisfying. The combination of strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds creates a unique taste experience that will impress your guests. Enjoy this vibrant salad for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: You can whip up this salad in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Fresh Flavors: The blend of strawberries, avocado, and spinach delivers a refreshing taste that brightens any meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish, side dish, or even as a potluck contribution; it fits perfectly in any setting.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is not only delicious but also good for you.
• Simple Dressing: The easy poppyseed dressing adds a sweet touch without overpowering the salad’s natural flavors.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is simple with the right tools. Having a few essential kitchen items on hand makes the process even smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Whisk: Essential for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to toss the salad without spills.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for fruits and vegetables.
• Cutting board: Protects your countertop while preparing ingredients.

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: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk (or shake) together the avocado oil (or olive oil), red apple vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
2. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled blue cheese (or alternative), toasted almonds, and thinly sliced red onion.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
2. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether as a light lunch or an accompaniment to your dinner, it brings a burst of freshness to any meal.

As a Standalone Meal

• This salad works perfectly on its own for a quick lunch. The combination of spinach, strawberries, and avocado provides enough nutrients to keep you satisfied.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pair the salad with grilled chicken for added protein. The flavors of the chicken complement the sweet strawberries and creamy avocado beautifully.

On a Bed of Quinoa

• Serving this salad on top of quinoa adds a hearty element. Quinoa’s nutty flavor pairs well with the poppyseed dressing.

As a Picnic Delight

• Pack this salad for a picnic. It holds up well and can be enjoyed cold, making it an ideal outdoor dish.

For Special Occasions

• This salad makes an elegant addition to holiday meals or gatherings. Its vibrant colors and textures are sure to impress your guests.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

To elevate your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad, consider these helpful tips for making it even more delightful.

• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh spinach and ripe avocados for the best taste and texture.
• Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with different cheese options like goat cheese or feta for varied flavors.
• Add Protein: Consider adding nuts or grilled shrimp to boost the protein content.
• Adjust Sweetness: Tailor the sweetness of the dressing by adjusting the honey based on your preference.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill for 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Use Seasonal Fruits: Incorporate seasonal fruits like blueberries or peaches for extra variety and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic favorite that adds crunch and flavor, perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers complements the freshness of the salad.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Filled with grains or meats, they provide heartiness alongside your light salad.
4. Caprese Skewers: These are easy-to-eat bites that echo the fresh flavors found in your salad.
5. Couscous Salad: A light couscous dish seasoned well can add another layer of texture and taste.
6. Fruit Platter: Keep it refreshing with a colorful assortment of fruits that mirror the ingredients in your salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.

• Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or low-quality ingredients can dull the salad’s flavor. Always opt for fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, and a perfectly ripe avocado for optimal taste.
• Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a light drizzle and add more to taste if needed.
• Cutting Ingredients Too Small: Chopping ingredients into tiny pieces can lead to a mushy texture. Aim for bite-sized pieces, allowing each flavor to shine through in your salad.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season the dressing adequately can result in bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
• Not Serving Immediately: Allowing the salad to sit too long before serving can cause it to wilt. Serve immediately after tossing for the freshest experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.
• Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Not Recommended: Freezing this salad is not advisable due to the avocado and fresh greens, which do not freeze well.
• If you must freeze components, consider freezing just the dressing separately.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Oven: This salad is best served cold; reheating is not recommended.
• Microwave: Avoid microwaving as it will wilt the greens.
• Stovetop: Again, avoid reheating on the stovetop; serve fresh for best quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other greens in my Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?

You can substitute arugula or mixed greens if you prefer. Each green provides a unique flavor that complements the strawberries and avocado well.

How do I make this salad vegan?

To make a vegan version of this Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, replace honey with agave syrup and omit any cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

What can I add for protein?

Consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa for extra protein in your salad without compromising flavor.

How long does Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad last in the refrigerator?

The salad will stay fresh for about 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish at gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite nuts or proteins. Enjoy this healthy meal that bursts with flavor!