Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful dish that brightens up any meal. Perfect for summer lunches, picnics, or even casual dinners, this salad combines fresh flavors and textures. The vibrant colors of strawberries and greens make it visually appealing, while the creamy avocado and crunchy almonds add a satisfying element. Tossed in a simple yet flavorful poppyseed dressing, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Fresh and Flavorful: With ripe strawberries and creamy avocado, every bite bursts with flavor.
- Versatile: Great as a side or main dish, this salad suits various occasions from casual meals to elegant gatherings.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from spinach and healthy fats from avocado, it’s a guilt-free choice.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, gather your tools to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Small bowl or jar for dressing
- Whisk or jar with lid
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all salad ingredients without mess.
- Whisk or jar with lid: Whisking or shaking the dressing ensures that all ingredients emulsify well for better flavor distribution.
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: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl (or jar), whisk together:
- Avocado oil (or olive oil)
- Red wine vinegar
- Honey
- Poppy seeds
- Dijon mustard
- Whisk vigorously until emulsified. Season with fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add:
- Fresh baby spinach
- Sliced strawberries
- Diced avocado
- Crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese or feta)
- Toasted sliced almonds
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness and enjoy your delightful Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing!
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Serving your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can elevate any meal. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive dinner, this salad is versatile and refreshing. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Standalone Lunch
- Enjoy this salad as a light lunch option. Its combination of spinach, strawberries, and avocado provides essential nutrients to keep you energized throughout the day.
Pair with Grilled Chicken
- Top the salad with grilled chicken for added protein. This makes for a satisfying meal that combines fresh flavors with hearty ingredients.
Serve with Crusty Bread
- A slice of crusty bread or a dinner roll complements the salad beautifully. It adds a nice crunch and helps soak up any leftover dressing on your plate.
Use as a Side Dish
- This salad works well as a side dish for barbecues or family gatherings. It adds color and freshness to your table, balancing heavier main dishes.
Add Nuts for Extra Crunch
- Sprinkle some extra toasted almonds on top before serving. This enhances the texture and brings more flavor to each bite.
Drizzle Extra Dressing on Top
- For those who love a little extra zing, drizzle additional poppyseed dressing over the salad just before serving. It’ll make every bite even more delicious!
How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
To create the perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, consider these simple tips for optimal flavor and presentation.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach, ripe strawberries, and creamy avocados. Fresh produce enhances the taste significantly.
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Toast Almonds Lightly: Toasting the almonds brings out their nuttiness and adds depth to the salad. Just a few minutes in a dry pan will do!
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Make Ahead of Time: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge. This allows flavors to meld beautifully before tossing with the salad.
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Season to Taste: Make sure to taste your dressing before drizzling it on the salad. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for an ideal balance.
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 fantastic options that complement this vibrant salad perfectly.
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Grilled Salmon: A light, flaky fish like salmon pairs well with fruity salads, offering healthy fats and protein.
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Quinoa Pilaf: A warm quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs can add heartiness alongside this fresh salad.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables provide warmth and depth, making them an excellent contrast to the cool salad.
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Cheesy Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic bread adds indulgence, perfect for those wanting something hearty alongside their healthy dish.
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Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or meat can be a filling addition that complements the freshness of the salad.
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Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad dressed in olive oil or vinaigrette offers another layer of flavor while remaining light like your main dish.
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Fruit Platter: Offer an assortment of seasonal fruits as a refreshing side that aligns perfectly with the fruit elements in your salad.
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Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is sweet and juicy, providing a summer vibe that matches well with this dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can detract from its flavor and presentation.
- Using stale ingredients – Always opt for fresh spinach and ripe avocados. Check your produce before starting to ensure maximum flavor.
- Overdressing the salad – Too much dressing can overwhelm the salad. Start with a little and add more as needed after tossing.
- Cutting ingredients unevenly – For a beautiful salad, make sure to slice strawberries and avocado evenly. This helps with both presentation and texture.
- Skipping the seasoning – Don’t forget to season your dressing! A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper can make a huge difference in taste.
- Assembling too early – Assemble the salad right before serving. This prevents the greens from wilting and keeps the salad fresh.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days for best quality.
Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in spinach and avocado.
- If necessary, store components separately for best results.
Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Oven – Not suitable for reheating; serve cold.
- Microwave – Not recommended; will wilt the greens.
- Stovetop – Best enjoyed fresh; avoid reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.
What are the benefits of eating spinach?
Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, K, and iron. It promotes healthy skin, boosts immunity, and supports eye health.
Can I customize the recipe for dietary restrictions?
Yes! You can substitute cheese with nutritional yeast or omit it entirely. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.
How do I make my own poppyseed dressing?
Combine avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Whisk until emulsified!
What can I serve with Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It’s also great as a side dish alongside sandwiches or wraps.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavors. Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing while offering various customization options to suit your taste preferences. Try this refreshing salad for a light lunch or as a delightful side dish at your next gathering!
Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. This refreshing salad is perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to elegant dinners. Combining the sweetness of ripe strawberries and creamy avocado with the crispness of fresh spinach, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Tossed in a light poppyseed dressing, it’s easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, making it a go-to option for busy days. With its nutritious ingredients and customizable options, this salad is not only satisfying but also a guilt-free choice that your family and friends will love.
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
- Prepare the poppyseed dressing by whisking together avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl 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 optimal freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
