This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a vibrant, fresh dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you need a quick lunch or a colorful side for dinner, this salad stands out with its delightful combination of flavors. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with juicy strawberries, while the poppyseed dressing adds a unique touch. It’s not just tasty but also healthy, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to enjoy nutritious meals.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Salad
- For the Dressing
- How to Make Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!
- How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- As a Main Course
- At a Picnic
- For a Dinner Party
- With Wine
- How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing unique?
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- What other cheeses can I use in Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?
- How do I customize my Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: This salad can be made in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The combination of strawberries, avocado, and spinach creates a refreshing taste that brightens any meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main course or side dish at picnics, barbecues, or family dinners.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad supports your wellness goals while being delicious.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out cheese types or add your favorite nuts to personalize the flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Small bowl or jar
- Whisk or jar lid for shaking
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for easily combining all salad ingredients.
- Small bowl or jar: Use this for preparing the poppyseed dressing effectively.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when slicing strawberries and avocados.
- Whisk or jar lid: These are necessary for emulsifying the dressing to achieve a well-blended flavor.
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 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
- Whisk all ingredients together vigorously in a small bowl (or shake in a covered jar) until emulsified.
- Taste the dressing and season with a pinch of salt and a few twists of pepper as needed.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- Combine all of the salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle evenly with the prepared dressing.
- Gently toss until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately while fresh to enjoy the vibrant flavors!
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This delightful Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Main Course
- Serve it as a stand-alone meal by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious poppyseed dressing.
At a Picnic
- Pack the salad in a portable container and dress it just before serving to keep the greens fresh.
- Include a refreshing drink, like iced tea or lemonade, to complement the flavors.
For a Dinner Party
- Present the salad in a large bowl for sharing, allowing guests to serve themselves.
- Garnish with extra strawberries and avocado slices for an appealing look.
With Wine
- Enjoy this salad with a crisp white wine that enhances the fruity flavors, such as Sauvignon Blanc.
- For non-alcoholic options, consider sparkling water with lime for added zest.
How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
To make your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad truly shine, follow these simple tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe avocados will elevate the taste of your salad.
- Toast almonds: Lightly toasting sliced almonds adds crunch and depth of flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: Modify the amount of honey in the dressing according to your taste preference.
- Add variety: Experiment by adding other fruits like blueberries or mandarin oranges for extra color and taste.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving; it enhances flavors and freshness.
- Serve immediately: To maintain texture, serve the salad right after tossing with dressing.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This vibrant salad pairs well with various sides. Here are some excellent choices that complement its flavors perfectly.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and can be easily made on a grill.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf provides a nutty flavor that balances the salad’s sweetness.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes bring a warm earthiness that contrasts nicely with the fresh ingredients.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers crunch and flavor that makes every bite delightful.
- Fruit Platter: A selection of seasonal fruits enhances the freshness of your meal while keeping it light.
- Cheese Board: An assortment of cheeses pairs beautifully with both the salad and any wine you serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few tips to help you avoid them.
-
Using stale ingredients: Freshness is key in salads. Always check that your spinach and strawberries are fresh before using them.
-
Overdressing the salad: It’s tempting to pour on a lot of dressing, but too much can overpower the flavors. Start with a little and add more if needed.
-
Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your dressing! A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the overall taste of the salad.
-
Chopping ingredients unevenly: For a visually appealing salad, chop your ingredients into uniform sizes. This ensures an even distribution of flavors in each bite.
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Making it too early: Salad is best served fresh. If made too far in advance, the ingredients can wilt and lose their texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- How long: Store the salad for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Containers: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Keep dressing separate: Store the dressing separately to avoid sogginess.
Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Not recommended: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to its delicate ingredients.
Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Oven: Not recommended as it will wilt the greens.
- Microwave: Avoid microwaving; salads do not reheat well.
- Stovetop: Instead of reheating, consider enjoying leftovers cold or at room temperature for best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing unique?
This salad combines sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and nutritious spinach, all enhanced by a flavorful poppyseed dressing. The mix of textures and flavors makes it stand out.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare most ingredients ahead of time. However, dress it just before serving to maintain freshness.
What other cheeses can I use in Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?
You can substitute blue cheese with goat cheese or feta for different flavor profiles that still complement the salad beautifully.
How do I customize my Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?
Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or even grilled chicken for added protein. You can also adjust the dressing ingredients according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. Its combination of fresh flavors and textures makes it not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite fruits or proteins. Give it a try today!
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Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Discover the vibrant and nutritious Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. This refreshing salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a colorful side dish for dinner. With the creamy texture of ripe avocado, the sweetness of juicy strawberries, and a delightful homemade poppyseed dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.
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
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 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
Instructions
- For the dressing, whisk together 1/3 cup avocado oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, avocado, cheese, almonds, and red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until well combined.
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
