Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients, ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a refreshing salad to impress guests at a gathering, this recipe fits the bill. The combination of strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds creates a flavor explosion that is both healthy and satisfying. Plus, the homemade poppyseed dressing adds the perfect touch of sweetness and tang.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this salad is perfect for busy days.
- Fresh Flavors: The mix of strawberries and avocado provides a refreshing taste that brightens up any meal.
- Versatile: Great as a stand-alone dish or as an accompaniment to grilled meats or sandwiches.
- Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad supports your wellness goals.
- Easy Customization: Feel free to swap out cheeses or nuts based on your preferences.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious strawberry avocado spinach salad, you will need some essential tools that simplify the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or jar with lid
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl ensures you can toss all ingredients together without mess.
- Whisk or jar with lid: These are vital for emulsifying the dressing easily; the jar is especially handy for shaking it up.
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 Poppyseed 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: Make the Dressing
- Whisk all ingredients together vigorously in a small bowl (or shake in a covered jar) until emulsified.
- Taste the dressing and season with a pinch of salt and a few twists of pepper as needed.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients.
- Drizzle evenly with the prepared dressing.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Serve
Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors. Enjoy your vibrant Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing!
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a refreshing dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
As a Standalone Meal
- Enjoy this salad on its own for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of spinach, avocado, and strawberries makes it filling yet healthy.
Pair with Grilled Proteins
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. The poppyseed dressing complements the smoky flavors beautifully.
Add Crunch with Bread
- Pair with crusty bread or breadsticks. This adds texture and makes for a more satisfying meal.
Garnish with Additional Fruits
- Top with extra sliced strawberries or any seasonal fruits. This enhances the salad’s sweetness and freshness.
Create a Buffet Style
- Offer it as part of a larger buffet spread during parties. Guests will love the vibrant colors and flavors among other dishes.
Include in Picnic Baskets
- Pack it for picnics! It holds up well and is sure to impress your friends and family outdoors.
How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
To achieve the best version of this salad, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and presentation.
- Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for the freshest spinach and ripe avocados for maximum flavor.
- Toast nuts: Toasted almonds add an extra crunch and depth of flavor to the salad.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes prior to serving. This helps meld all the flavors together.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust honey according to your preference for sweetness.
- Experiment with cheeses: Try different cheeses like goat cheese or feta if you want a flavor variation.
- Serve immediately: For optimal freshness, serve right after tossing with dressing to prevent wilting.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This delectable salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Here are some fantastic options:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and pair well with the salad’s fresh ingredients.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf flavored with herbs provides a hearty yet healthy side.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances out the tangy poppyseed dressing perfectly.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies make a light, crunchy addition.
- Caprese Salad: The classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers vibrant flavors that complement yours beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread adds warmth and richness to your meal without overpowering it.
- Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter enhances your table setting while being a refreshing accompaniment.
- Cheese Board: A small cheese board featuring assorted cheeses can provide variety and indulgence alongside your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can be simple, but a few mistakes can lead to less-than-ideal results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for.
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Using wilted spinach or overripe strawberries can ruin your salad’s flavor. Always choose the freshest produce available.
- Overdressing your salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the salad. Start with a little and add more if needed for balance.
- Not seasoning properly: Neglecting to season your dressing can make it bland. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
- Using dull knives: A dull knife can crush your avocado and strawberries instead of slicing them cleanly. Always use a sharp knife for prep work.
- Ignoring texture variety: A lack of crunch can make the salad feel flat. Include toasted almonds or crispy onions for added texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Not recommended, as freezing will affect the texture of the spinach and avocado.
Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes, but be careful not to heat too long.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on low for short intervals (15-30 seconds) until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, tossing gently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.
Can I substitute other greens in this salad?
Yes! You can use mixed greens or kale for a different flavor profile.
How do I make the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing vegan?
To make it vegan, omit cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
What other fruits can I add to this salad?
Fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or mandarin oranges work well alongside strawberries and avocados.
How do I keep my avocados from browning?
To prevent browning, toss the diced avocado in lemon juice before adding it to your salad.
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 swapping cheese types. It’s perfect for summer lunches or as a side dish at gatherings. Give this refreshing recipe a try!
Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. This delightful dish combines fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a homemade poppyseed dressing that adds a touch of sweetness and tang. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick lunch or a stunning side dish at your next gathering, this salad will not only please your palate but also support your health goals. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a nutritious and refreshing meal that impresses!
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 wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, avocado, cheese, almonds, and onion. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
