Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, preparing a light lunch, or looking for a nutritious side for dinner, this salad is sure to impress. With the combination of fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, and a delightful poppyseed dressing, each bite bursts with flavor. It’s not only simple to make but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Fresh Flavors: The balance of sweet strawberries and creamy avocado creates a deliciously fresh taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or a side; this salad complements many meals beautifully.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is both satisfying and good for you.
• Beautiful Presentation: The colorful ingredients make this salad visually appealing, adding a pop of color to your table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having the right tools makes preparation easier and helps you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl or jar (for dressing)
• Whisk or jar shaker
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to combine all the salad ingredients without making a mess.
• Small bowl or jar: Ideal for whisking together the dressing efficiently.
• Whisk or jar shaker: Ensures that the dressing emulsifies well for maximum 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 Dressing

• 1/3 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 3 tablespoons red apple 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: Make the Dressing

Start by whisking all dressing ingredients together vigorously in a small bowl or shaking them in a covered jar. Ensure everything is well combined until emulsified. Taste the dressing and season with fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper as needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients including spinach, strawberries, avocado, blue cheese (or alternative), toasted almonds, and red onion.

Step 3: Toss Together

Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad. Gently toss all ingredients together until fully combined.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad right away for the best flavor!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a light dinner, this salad pairs well with many dishes and flavors.

Pair it with Grilled Chicken

• This salad complements grilled chicken beautifully, adding a fresh contrast to the smoky flavors.

Add Quinoa for Extra Protein

• Tossing in cooked quinoa will enhance the protein content, making it a filling meal option.

Serve as a Side Dish

• Use this salad as a vibrant side dish alongside main courses, such as roasted vegetables or grilled fish.

Enjoy with Whole Grain Bread

• A slice of whole grain bread can round out the meal while providing additional fiber and nutrients.

Top with Extra Nuts

• Sprinkle more toasted almonds on top for added crunch and healthy fats.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

To elevate your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad, consider these helpful tips for perfection:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach, ripe strawberries, and a perfectly ripe avocado make all the difference in flavor and texture.

• Make dressing in advance: Prepare the poppyseed dressing ahead of time for easy assembly when you are ready to serve.

• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of honey in the dressing according to your taste preference.

• Add seasonal fruits: Experiment by including other seasonal fruits like blueberries or mango for variety and color.

• Serve immediately: For the best texture, serve the salad right after tossing it with the dressing to keep the spinach crisp.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Pair this vibrant salad with delightful side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Grilled Asparagus – Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a nice char that pairs well with the salad’s freshness.

2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness balances beautifully with the tangy poppyseed dressing.

3. Couscous Pilaf – Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs makes a great side that enhances the meal’s overall texture.

4. Vegetable Stir-Fry – A colorful mix of stir-fried vegetables offers crunch and complements the salad’s flavors nicely.

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Filled with grains or beans, these provide heartiness alongside the lighter salad.

6. Chickpea Salad – A zesty chickpea salad can add an extra protein punch while maintaining freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, it’s important to steer clear of some common pitfalls.

• Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. Always use fresh spinach, ripe strawberries, and a perfectly ripe avocado for the best flavor and texture.
• Overdressing the Salad: It’s easy to pour on too much dressing. Start with a little, toss it gently, and add more if needed to avoid sogginess.
• Neglecting to Taste: Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper based on your preference.
• Using Too Much Onion: Red onion can be strong in flavor. Use only half of a small red onion for a balanced taste without overpowering the salad.
• Ignoring Texture Variety: Incorporate different textures by adding toasted almonds or seeds. This adds crunch and makes the salad more enjoyable.
• Making It Too Early: For the freshest experience, assemble the salad just before serving. This keeps the spinach crisp and vibrant.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Freezing is not recommended due to ingredients like avocado, which do not freeze well.
• The texture of spinach may also suffer when thawed.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes; however, this may affect freshness.
• Microwave: Not recommended as it will wilt the greens.
• Stovetop: Gently heat over low flame for a couple of minutes but be cautious not to cook it.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers some common questions about preparing the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.

Can I use other greens besides spinach?

Yes! You can substitute kale or mixed greens for a different flavor profile while keeping it healthy.

How can I customize the poppyseed dressing?

Feel free to experiment by adding citrus juice like orange or lime for extra zing, or swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan option.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

What can I add for extra protein?

Consider grilled chicken or chickpeas. Both options blend well and provide additional nutrition.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for any occasion. With its refreshing ingredients and customizable options, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy this healthy dish!