Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful and vibrant dish, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or looking for a healthy lunch option, this salad stands out with its fresh flavors and colorful ingredients. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds tossed in a light poppyseed dressing will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad can be made in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The mix of strawberries and avocado adds a refreshing twist that brightens up any meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish or add protein for a complete meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this recipe supports your wellness goals.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make this salad visually appealing on any table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, gather all the necessary tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Small bowl or jar for dressing
• Whisk or jar lid for shaking
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all salad ingredients easily without making a mess.
• Small bowl or jar for dressing: Using a separate container ensures the dressing emulsifies properly before adding it to the salad.
• Whisk or jar lid for shaking: A whisk helps achieve the perfect consistency in your dressing; a jar lid allows easy mixing when shaking.

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

1. In a small bowl (or jar), whisk together avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled cheese, toasted almonds, and sliced red onion.
2. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

1. Gently toss everything together until well mixed.
2. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of all ingredients!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a casual lunch, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

As a Main Course

• Serve it as the main dish for lunch or dinner. The mix of spinach, strawberries, and avocado makes it hearty yet refreshing.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pair the salad with grilled chicken for added protein. The flavors complement each other beautifully and provide a satisfying meal.

At Brunch

• This salad is perfect for brunch gatherings. Its vibrant colors and fresh taste will impress your guests while keeping it light.

On a Picnic

• Pack this salad for your next picnic. It’s easy to transport and can be enjoyed cold, making it an ideal outdoor dish.

As a Side Salad

• Serve it alongside grilled meats or barbecue dishes. The sweetness of the strawberries balances out savory flavors perfectly.

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How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

To make your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad even more delightful, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose ripe avocados – Look for firm avocados that yield slightly when pressed; they add creaminess to the salad.
• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh baby spinach and ripe strawberries enhance flavor and texture.
• Toast almonds lightly – Toasting sliced almonds brings out their nutty flavor; just a few minutes in a skillet will do.
• Adjust dressing to taste – Feel free to modify the poppyseed dressing by adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
• Add seasonal fruits – Incorporate other fruits like blueberries or mangoes for variety and additional nutrients.
• Chill before serving – Letting the salad chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes allows flavors to meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This delicious salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet, smoky corn adds a fun texture contrast to the salad.
2. Quinoa Pilaf – A light quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs complements the freshness of the salad nicely.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – These bring natural sweetness and hearty satisfaction to balance out the meal.
4. Caprese Skewers – Simple skewers made of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil make an elegant side option.
5. Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread offers a comforting addition, perfect for sopping up any leftover dressing.
6. Fruit Platter – A colorful fruit platter serves as a refreshing snack that ties in beautifully with the fruity notes of the salad.
7. Vegetable Spring Rolls – Light and crisp spring rolls add an Asian twist that pairs well with the poppyseed dressing.
8. Cheese Board – A variety of cheeses alongside crackers can complement both textures and flavors in this salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the dressing can make your salad taste bland. Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving.
• Using unripe avocados: An unripe avocado can ruin the texture of your salad. Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed.
• Cutting strawberries too early: Sliced strawberries can become mushy if left out too long. Slice them just before adding them to the salad.
• Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the fresh flavors. Start with a small amount and add more as needed, ensuring everything is lightly coated.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Freezing is not recommended due to the avocado’s texture change.
• If necessary, freeze only the spinach and strawberries (up to 3 months), but add fresh ingredients afterward.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes. Avoid overheating.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (15-20 seconds) on low power, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, tossing occasionally until just heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for blue cheese in the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?

You can use goat cheese or feta cheese instead of blue cheese for a different flavor profile. Both options complement the salad well.

How do I make the poppyseed dressing from scratch?

Combine avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper in a bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until emulsified.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare everything except for the avocado and dressing. Store separately in the refrigerator until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Is the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients from spinach and strawberries while being low in calories, making it a great choice for healthy eating.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is both delightful and versatile. You can easily customize it by adding nuts, seeds, or other fruits. Give it a try; it’s perfect for any occasion!