Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful addition to any meal. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or even a light dinner, this salad combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creaminess of avocado and the crunch of almonds. Tossed in a simple yet flavorful poppyseed dressing, it’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy this vibrant dish at your next gathering or as part of your weekly meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes needed for prep, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Fresh Flavors: The combination of strawberries and avocado creates a deliciously fresh taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: This salad can be served as a side or a main dish, making it suitable for various occasions.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, it’s not only tasty but also great for your health.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or cheeses for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make the process smooth and efficient, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything ready will enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or jar with a lid
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without mess.
• Whisk or jar with lid: This helps ensure your dressing is well-mixed and emulsified for better flavor distribution.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients, protecting your counters.
• Sharp knife: Essential for cutting fruits and vegetables cleanly, ensuring uniform pieces.

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 Poppyseed 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

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until fully emulsified. Alternatively, shake them in a covered jar.
2. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients including spinach, strawberries, avocado, blue cheese (or alternative), sliced almonds, and red onion.
2. Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad mixture.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Gently toss all salad ingredients together until well combined.
2. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Serving the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can elevate any meal. This vibrant salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a light snack.

As a Standalone Meal

• This salad is hearty enough to serve on its own. Pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

With Grilled Chicken

• Adding grilled chicken can transform this salad into a protein-packed dish, making it great for lunch or dinner.

As a Side Dish

• Serve this salad alongside your favorite main courses such as grilled fish or roasted vegetables for a refreshing contrast.

For Picnics and Gatherings

• The freshness of this salad makes it an ideal choice for outdoor events. Pack it in jars for easy serving at picnics.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Creating the perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your salad shines.

• Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest spinach and strawberries available for the best flavor and texture.
• Ripeness Matters: Choose ripe avocados; they should yield slightly when pressed. This ensures a creamy texture.
• Toast Almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds crunch. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet will do.
• Adjust Dressing to Taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients according to your preference, adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Marinated chicken grilled to perfection complements the fresh flavors of the salad.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf adds texture and is packed with nutrients, making it a healthy option.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the salad’s flavors.
4. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies provide a crunchy contrast and are fun to eat.
5. Baked Salmon: A simple baked salmon dish can elevate your meal while adding healthy fats.
6. Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad mixed with herbs and lemon zest offers a refreshing side that matches well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, be mindful of these common mistakes.

• Skipping the washing step – Not washing the spinach and strawberries can lead to dirt or pesticides in your salad. Always rinse your greens and fruits thoroughly under cold water.
• Using overripe avocados – Overripe avocados can ruin the texture of your salad. Choose avocados that are firm but yield slightly when pressed.
• Not balancing flavors – If your dressing is too sweet or too acidic, it can overpower the salad. Taste and adjust the seasoning before combining with the salad ingredients.
• Chopping ingredients too large – Large pieces can make it difficult to eat and mix. Cut strawberries and avocados into bite-sized pieces for an enjoyable experience.
• Dressing too early – Adding dressing too soon can make your salad soggy. Dress the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.
• Ignoring presentation – A beautifully arranged salad enhances enjoyment. Take a moment to artfully arrange your ingredients for an appealing presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The salad is best eaten within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• This salad does not freeze well due to the avocado and spinach textures.
• It’s recommended to enjoy it fresh rather than freezing.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Oven – Not recommended; salads are best served fresh.
• Microwave – Not applicable; avoid reheating salads.
• Stovetop – Not applicable; serve chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.

Can I use different greens in my Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?

You can substitute spinach with other leafy greens like arugula or kale for a different flavor profile.

How long does the poppyseed dressing last?

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas are great additions for extra protein.

What other fruits can I use in this recipe?

Feel free to experiment with blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for added variety and flavor.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various fruits, nuts, or proteins based on your preferences. Give this refreshing salad a try—you’ll love how easy it is to prepare!