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 barbecue, preparing a light lunch, or looking for a healthy side for dinner, this salad brings together fresh ingredients in a delightful way. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crisp spinach creates an explosion of flavors that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad can be whipped up in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings.
• Fresh and Flavorful: Enjoy the bright flavors of ripe strawberries and creamy avocado alongside the crunchy almonds and zesty dressing.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a light meal or a side dish, this salad pairs wonderfully with various proteins like grilled chicken or fish.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad not only tastes great but also supports your well-being.
• Customizable Options: Easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste; try different nuts or cheeses to make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious salad, you’ll need a few essential tools that will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or jar with lid
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without making a mess. It’s essential for tossing salads evenly.
• Whisk or jar with lid: Using a whisk helps achieve a perfectly emulsified dressing, while a jar can simplify storage and shaking if you prefer.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when slicing fruits and vegetables, preserving their texture and flavor.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface to chop your ingredients efficiently.

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

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the avocado oil (or olive oil), red apple vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is fully emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh baby spinach.
2. Gently fold in the hulled strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled blue cheese (or alternative), toasted almonds, and thinly sliced red onion.

Step 3: Combine Salad with Dressing

1. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
2. Gently toss everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Serve immediately for best flavor and freshness.
2. Enjoy this delightful Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad as part of your meal!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant colors and flavors, it can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

As a Light Lunch

• A light lunch option that pairs well with whole grain bread or wraps for added texture.

As a Side Salad

• This salad makes an excellent side dish for grilled chicken or fish, balancing richness with fresh flavors.

For a Summer Picnic

• Pack the salad in a portable container and enjoy it outdoors. It’s great for summer gatherings and barbecues.

At a Potluck

• Bring this salad to share at potlucks or gatherings. Its eye-catching presentation will impress guests.

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.

• Choose fresh ingredients: Select ripe strawberries and avocados for the best flavor and texture.
• Toast the almonds: Toasting sliced almonds enhances their flavor, adding depth to the salad.
• Make dressing ahead: Prepare the poppyseed dressing in advance to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Avoid browning avocados: Add diced avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and green.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options.

1. Grilled Chicken Breast: Simple and flavorful, grilled chicken adds protein and complements the salad’s freshness.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa pilaf adds heartiness without overpowering the main dish, making it a healthy choice.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide warmth and depth, balancing the coolness of the salad.
4. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add sweetness and fiber, enhancing the meal’s nutritional profile.
5. Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad with herbs can be a refreshing contrast that works well alongside the main dish.
6. Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter offers variety and sweetness, making it a delightful accompaniment to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a salad might seem simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.

• Skipping the seasoning: Many people forget to season their salad. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the flavors significantly.
• Overdressing the salad: It’s easy to use too much dressing. Start with a little and add more if needed to avoid soggy greens.
• Cutting ingredients too early: Preparing fruits and vegetables too far in advance can lead to browning or wilting. Cut them just before serving for freshness.
• Neglecting texture: Adding only soft ingredients can make a salad boring. Include crunchy elements like toasted almonds for balance.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using chilled ingredients makes the salad refreshing. Ensure your spinach and other components are cool before mixing.
• Not balancing flavors: A good salad has a mix of sweet, savory, and tangy. Adjust your dressing ingredients to achieve this balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 2 days in the fridge.
• Keep dressing separate from the salad until ready to serve.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes of spinach and avocado once thawed.
• If you must freeze, omit fresh ingredients and use only cooked components.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), spread on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes. This is best for any cooked components.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring in between to avoid overheating. Be cautious with fresh ingredients.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, stirring gently until warm. This method is also suitable for reheating cooked elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most of the components ahead of time but keep the dressing separate until serving.

What variations can I try with this salad?

You can customize it by adding nuts, seeds, or different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for varied flavors.

How do I store leftovers from Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best quality.

Can I add protein to my salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken or turkey would pair well with this salad while keeping it light and healthy.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite toppings or proteins. Give it a try and enjoy a refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion!