Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that makes for a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a quick lunch, a picnic treat, or a side for dinner, this salad brings together vibrant flavors and textures. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crispy spinach topped with a light poppyseed dressing creates a refreshing meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad can be ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The mix of sweet strawberries and rich avocado delivers a burst of flavor with every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish for barbecues and gatherings.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is as good for you as it is delicious.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out ingredients or add your favorites like nuts or other fruits.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad requires minimal tools, making the process easy and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl or jar
• Whisk or jar with lid

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: This is essential for combining all your salad ingredients without making a mess.
• Small bowl or jar: Great for mixing the dressing thoroughly to ensure all flavors meld perfectly.
• Whisk or jar with lid: A whisk helps emulsify the dressing effectively; if using a jar, shaking is equally effective.

Ingredients

For this refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, gather the following ingredients:

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 all the dressing ingredients together vigorously until emulsified.
2. Taste the dressing and season with fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper as needed.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Ingredients

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

Step 3: Toss and Serve

1. Gently toss all ingredients until combined well.
2. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and enjoy your vibrant Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Serving this vibrant Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is a breeze, and it can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a gathering or looking for a quick lunch, these suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

As a Standalone Meal

• A light lunch: Serve the salad on its own for a nutritious meal that’s both filling and refreshing.
• Picnic delight: Pack this salad in a container for an outdoor picnic; it holds up well and tastes great chilled.

With Grilled Proteins

• Grilled chicken: Add sliced grilled chicken breast on top for some added protein.
• Shrimp skewers: Pair with grilled shrimp for a seafood twist that complements the salad’s flavors.

As Part of a Buffet Spread

• Brunch option: Include the salad as part of a brunch spread alongside pastries and fruit.
• Holiday gatherings: Serve it at holiday meals; the colors make it festive, and it’s a hit with guests.

In Meal Prep

• Lunch boxes: Divide into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Side dish for dinner: Serve alongside your favorite protein dishes during weeknight dinners.

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How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

To ensure your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Quality spinach and ripe avocados are key to enhancing the salad’s flavor.
• Toast almonds: Lightly toast the sliced almonds before adding them for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Adjust dressing to taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients based on your preferences; add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess.
• Serve immediately: For the best texture, serve the salad right after tossing it with dressing to prevent sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad can elevate your meal further. Here are some delightful options that complement this fresh dish beautifully.

1. Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful veggies charred on the grill add smokiness that balances the salad’s freshness.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A protein-packed grain dish that adds heartiness without overpowering the salad’s lightness.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet, caramelized bites offer a comforting contrast to the crisp greens and fruits.
4. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread serves as an excellent accompaniment for scooping up any leftover salad dressing.
5. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes provide another fresh element that pairs well with fruit flavors.
6. Couscous Salad: A light couscous mix with herbs can serve as an ideal side that complements the poppyseed dressing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can dull the flavors. Always taste your dressing and adjust the seasoning before tossing it with the salad.

• Using overripe avocados: Overripe avocados can make the salad mushy. Choose ripe but firm avocados for the best texture.

• Cutting ingredients too early: Sliced strawberries and avocados can brown quickly. Prepare these ingredients right before assembling your salad for freshness.

• Not toasting almonds: Toasting almonds enhances their flavor. Take a few minutes to toast them in a skillet or oven for a delicious crunch.

• Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can overpower the fresh ingredients. Start with a little dressing, then add more if needed after tossing.

• Forgetting to chill: Serving your salad cold enhances its refreshing quality. If possible, chill your salad bowl and ingredients for about 30 minutes before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 2 days for optimal freshness.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of avocados and spinach.
• If necessary, freeze only the dressing in an ice cube tray for future use.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread components on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes without wilting spinach.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish; heat in short bursts (30 seconds) until just warm, being careful not to cook.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan on low heat, stirring gently until warmed through without cooking the spinach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing special?

This salad combines fresh flavors from strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds, all tied together with a delightful poppyseed dressing that brings everything together beautifully.

Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or mandarin oranges for added sweetness and variety.

Is Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare all components ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate and combine everything right before serving for optimal freshness.

How do I make this salad vegan?

To make this salad vegan, simply omit cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The poppyseed dressing is already dairy-free!

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner. Feel free to customize it by adding proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas to enhance its appeal. We hope you enjoy making this fresh and vibrant salad!