Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful mix of fresh ingredients that come together in a burst of flavor. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or light weeknight dinners, this salad shines with juicy strawberries and creamy avocado. The homemade poppyseed dressing adds a sweet and tangy touch that complements the greens beautifully, making it a standout dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Fresh Flavors: With ingredients like strawberries and avocado, each bite offers a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a side dish or add protein to make it a satisfying main course.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is not just delicious but also nutritious.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out cheese types or add your favorite nuts to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, you will need some essential kitchen tools for easy preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk (or jar with a lid)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Serving bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
• Whisk: Using a whisk helps emulsify the dressing quickly for an even distribution of flavors.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when slicing fruits and vegetables, enhancing presentation.

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 cider 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: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled blue cheese (or alternative), toasted almonds, and sliced red onion.
2. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

1. Gently toss all the salad components until they are evenly coated with the dressing.
2. Serve immediately for best freshness and enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This vibrant Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or at a summer gathering, it is sure to impress.

As a Light Lunch

• Pair with grilled chicken for added protein.
• Serve in a wrap with whole grain tortillas for a portable option.

At Dinner Parties

• Present in individual bowls to enhance the dining experience.
• Complement with crusty bread or garlic knots for a satisfying meal.

During Picnics

• Pack in mason jars to keep the ingredients fresh and separate until serving.
• Enjoy alongside fruit skewers or cheese platters for a balanced picnic spread.

For Meal Prep

• Store dressing separately to maintain freshness throughout the week.
• Combine with quinoa or farro for a heartier meal option.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Creating the ideal Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad requires some simple adjustments. Here are tips to elevate your salad.

• Use ripe avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for creaminess and flavor.
• Toast almonds lightly: Toasting enhances their crunch and nutty flavor, making the salad more appealing.
• Adjust sweetness: Depending on your taste, add more or less honey to balance the flavors.
• Experiment with cheese: Try different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for varied taste profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Complement your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with these delicious side dishes. They will enhance your meal and provide variety.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and pair well with the salad’s fresh flavors.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf brings in additional fiber and nutrients while being easy to prepare.
3. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread serves as a comforting side that balances the salad’s freshness.
4. Caprese Salad: This classic Italian dish made of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella adds vibrant color and flavor contrasts.
5. Fruit Platter: A mix of seasonal fruits makes for a refreshing addition that complements the sweetness of strawberries.
6. Vegetable Crudités: Crisp vegetables served with hummus or dip provide crunch and variety without heaviness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls.

• Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh spinach and ripe strawberries. Stale or overripe ingredients can ruin the salad’s flavor and texture.
• Ignoring the Dressing: Don’t underestimate the importance of the dressing. Make sure to whisk or shake it well to ensure all ingredients are emulsified for a balanced taste.
• Overcrowding the Salad Bowl: Be cautious not to overfill your bowl. This can make it difficult to toss the salad evenly, resulting in some bites lacking flavor.
• Seasoning Insufficiently: Neglecting to season properly can lead to a bland salad. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
• Serving Immediately After Tossing: Allowing the salad to sit for a few minutes after tossing helps flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Freezing is not recommended for this salad as it can alter the texture of spinach and avocados.
• If necessary, you may freeze dressing separately in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently until warm. This method helps maintain texture better than other reheating methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are in Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?

This salad includes fresh baby spinach, strawberries, avocado, blue cheese, almonds, red onion, and a homemade poppyseed dressing made from oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and seasonings.

How long does it take to prepare Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?

The total time needed for this recipe is just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for quick meals or last-minute gatherings.

Can I customize the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?

Absolutely! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, substitute different cheeses like feta or goat cheese, or even add grilled chicken for extra protein.

Is this salad healthy?

Yes! The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is packed with vitamins from fresh vegetables and healthy fats from avocados. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for nutritious meal options.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only refreshing but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, its vibrant flavors and textures will impress anyone at your table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or dressings to make it uniquely yours!

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Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a vibrant and delicious dish that brings together fresh, nutritious ingredients for a delightful meal. This salad features juicy strawberries and creamy avocado, tossed with baby spinach and finished with a homemade poppyseed dressing that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Ideal for summer picnics, potlucks, or light weeknight dinners, this recipe is quick to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. Enjoy it as a refreshing side or add protein to make it a satisfying main course.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 1/3 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 3 tablespoons red apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. To prepare the dressing, whisk together avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until well combined.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled cheese, toasted almonds, and sliced red onion.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until evenly coated.
4. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg