Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful blend of flavors that makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a quick lunch, or looking for a healthy side dish, this salad stands out with its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients. The combination of strawberries and avocado adds a unique twist, while the homemade poppyseed dressing ties everything together beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad takes just 15 minutes to make, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
- Fresh and Flavorful: With fresh spinach, strawberries, and creamy avocado, each bite bursts with flavor.
- Versatile Options: Easily customize this salad by swapping cheeses or nuts based on your preference.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, it’s a nutritious addition to any meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or weekday dinner, this salad fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the preparation process and ensure everything comes together smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl or jar (for dressing)
- Whisk or jar lid (for shaking)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all ingredients without spilling.
- Small mixing bowl or jar: Perfect for making the dressing smoothly.
- Whisk or jar lid: Ensures the dressing emulsifies properly.
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 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 all dressing ingredients until emulsified. If using a jar, simply shake well.
- Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients: spinach, strawberries, avocado, blue cheese (or alternate), sliced almonds, and red onion.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients evenly.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Serve Immediately
- Plate the salad in individual bowls or serve family-style from the large bowl.
- Enjoy this refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad right away!
This recipe yields about 4-6 servings and takes only 15 minutes in total—from prep to plate! Perfect for anyone seeking healthy salad options that are both easy to prepare and delicious.
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. Its vibrant colors and flavors make it a delightful addition to any table setting.
For Lunch or Light Dinner
- Serve it alongside grilled chicken for a protein boost.
- Pair with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the poppyseed dressing.
As a Side Dish
- Complement with roasted vegetables for a healthy balance.
- Offer it next to your favorite protein, such as salmon or steak, for a complete meal.
At Gatherings or Picnics
- Present in individual bowls for easy serving at parties.
- Bring it to potlucks in a large bowl, allowing guests to help themselves.
With Additional Toppings
- Add sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or mint for added flavor.
How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
To enhance your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad, consider these tips that can elevate your dish even further.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe strawberries make all the difference in flavor.
- Toast the almonds: Toasted almonds add depth and crunch; simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
- Balance the dressing: Adjust the sweetness of the poppyseed dressing by adding more honey if desired, ensuring it complements the salad’s flavors.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill can meld the flavors beautifully; just toss lightly before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, making it versatile for any meal. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Chicken Breast: A simple and healthy protein option that complements the salad’s freshness.
- Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty grain adds texture and is easy to prepare; just cook quinoa with vegetable broth and herbs.
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice that provides satisfying crunch and flavor; perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their sweetness pairs nicely with the tangy dressing; cube and roast until tender.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad with vinegar adds brightness; slice cucumbers thinly and toss them in lemon juice.
- Caprese Skewers: Skewers of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offer an Italian twist that enhances your meal presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the best Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes and how to steer clear of them:
- Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or old ingredients can ruin the salad’s flavor. Always choose fresh, ripe strawberries and avocados for the best taste.
- Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the salad. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to keep the flavors balanced.
- Neglecting Texture: A good salad has a mix of textures. Don’t forget to include crunchy elements like sliced almonds or crispy vegetables alongside the soft fruits.
- Not Tossing Gently: Tossing too aggressively can bruise delicate ingredients like spinach and avocado. Use a gentle hand when mixing to preserve their quality.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Forgetting to season your dressing can result in bland flavors. Always taste and adjust with salt and pepper before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Containers: Keep in an airtight container for freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Not recommended: This salad does not freeze well due to the texture changes in spinach, avocado, and strawberries.
Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes, but it’s best served cold.
- Microwave: Not recommended as it will wilt the spinach and change the texture of fruits.
- Stovetop: Warm gently on low heat, stirring occasionally, but again, this could affect freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding making the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing:
Can I use frozen strawberries in this salad?
Frozen strawberries tend to be mushy when thawed, which may not work well in this fresh salad. It’s better to use fresh strawberries for optimal texture and flavor.
How do I customize my Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?
Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or nuts like walnuts for added crunch! You can also switch up the cheese for a different flavor profile.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
How long does it take to prepare?
The total time for preparing this refreshing salad is just 15 minutes, making it an easy choice for a quick meal!
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different toppings or dressings according to your preferences. Enjoy its vibrant colors and flavors that are perfect for any occasion!
Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves about 4 to 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. This delightful salad features a colorful mix of fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds, all drizzled with a homemade poppyseed dressing that perfectly balances sweetness and tang. Ideal for summer barbecues, quick lunches, or as a healthy side dish at gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients.
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
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/3 cup avocado oil (or olive oil), 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, avocado, blue cheese (or alternate), sliced almonds, and red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly for enhanced flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
