This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. With its blend of fresh fruits and greens, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or as a delightful addition to your next picnic. The poppyseed dressing adds a unique touch that ties all the flavors together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Whipping up this salad takes just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Flavorful Combination: The sweetness of strawberries pairs perfectly with creamy avocado and savory cheese.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad supports a balanced diet.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it on its own or as a side to grilled meats or sandwiches.
- Great for Gatherings: This salad is an impressive dish to share at gatherings, barbecues, or potlucks.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the preparation of your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad, gather the necessary tools. Having the right kitchen equipment will make your cooking experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Small bowl or jar (for dressing)
- Whisk or jar lid (if using a jar)
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without making a mess.
- Whisk or jar lid: These help create an emulsified dressing quickly, ensuring all flavors are well combined.
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: Prepare the Dressing
Whisk all ingredients together vigorously in a small bowl (or shake in a covered jar) until emulsified. Taste and season with a pinch of salt and a few twists of pepper as needed.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad. Gently toss until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Serve
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your vibrant Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad!
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This vibrant Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether as a light lunch, a side dish, or part of a festive meal, it brings fresh flavors to the table.
As a Standalone Lunch
- A perfect quick meal option that’s both filling and nutritious. Pair it with whole-grain bread for added fiber.
Accompanied by Grilled Chicken
- Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken for a protein boost. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
At a Potluck or BBQ
- This salad is an excellent choice for gatherings. Its colorful presentation and delicious taste are sure to impress guests.
With Quinoa or Couscous
- Add cooked quinoa or couscous to make it more hearty. This addition also enhances the salad’s texture.
On a Bed of Lettuce
- For an elegant touch, serve the salad on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves. It adds visual appeal and extra crunch.
How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
To elevate your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad, consider these helpful tips for the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe avocados significantly enhance flavor and texture.
- Toast Almonds Lightly: Toasting almonds before adding them brings out their natural oils, adding depth to the salad.
- Chill Ingredients: Keeping your ingredients chilled helps maintain freshness and makes for a refreshing dish.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste, feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the dressing for desired sweetness.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for varied flavors. Each adds its unique twist!
- Add Protein Options: Consider adding grilled turkey or chickpeas for extra protein, making it even more filling.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Pair your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with these delicious side dishes to create a well-rounded meal.
- Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Juicy chicken marinated in lemon and herbs complements the salad’s freshness.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf provides additional nutrients and pairs well with the salad’s textures.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add warmth and enhance the overall meal experience.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Crunchy garlic breadsticks offer a delightful contrast to the soft textures of the salad.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and beans add heartiness alongside your salad.
- Vegetable Soup: A warm vegetable soup serves as a comforting counterpart, especially on cooler days.
- Couscous Salad: A refreshing couscous salad mixed with herbs is light and complements the main dish well.
- Fruit Platter: A fresh fruit platter provides a sweet finish after enjoying your savory salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is simple, but there are common mistakes that can diminish its flavor and texture.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the fresh flavors. Start with a little and add more as needed.
- Using unripe avocados: Unripe avocados can be hard and lack flavor. Choose ripe ones for a buttery texture.
- Not washing spinach properly: Dirty spinach leaves can spoil the salad experience. Rinse thoroughly under cold water and dry before using.
- Skipping the seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the flavors. Don’t forget to season your salad lightly!
- Letting it sit too long: The salad is best enjoyed fresh. Serve immediately after tossing to keep ingredients crisp.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Containers: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Note: Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for best results.
Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Duration: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to texture changes.
- Note: Fresh ingredients like avocado and spinach do not thaw well.
Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Oven: Not recommended as salads are best enjoyed cold.
- Microwave: Not suggested; salads lose their crispness when microwaved.
- Stovetop: Not applicable; this dish is served fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance but wait to dress it until just before serving for optimal freshness.
What variations can I try for this Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?
You can customize this salad by adding nuts, different cheeses, or other fruits like blueberries or mandarin oranges.
Is there a substitute for poppy seeds in the dressing?
Yes, sesame seeds or sunflower seeds can be used instead of poppy seeds for a different flavor profile.
How do I store leftover Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, keeping dressing separate until serving.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only refreshing but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite nuts or cheese, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this delicious recipe today!
Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, a refreshing dish that combines fresh ingredients into a delightful meal. This salad is perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed as a light lunch, served as a side at dinner, or brought along to picnics and gatherings. The sweetness of strawberries pairs beautifully with creamy avocado and crunchy almonds, making it not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. The homemade poppyseed dressing adds a unique flair that ties all the flavors together, ensuring every bite is bursting with freshness.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
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
- half a small red onion, thinly sliced
- 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
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together avocado oil, red apple vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, avocado, cheese, almonds, and red onion.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (about 300g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg