Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or looking for a quick weeknight dinner side, this salad shines with its vibrant colors and flavors. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds creates a dish that is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad can be made in just 15 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a last-minute meal or gathering.
• Fresh Flavors: The mix of strawberries and avocado brings a refreshing taste that pairs beautifully with the poppyseed dressing.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side or add protein to turn it into a complete meal. It’s suitable for anyone who loves healthy eating.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and minerals, this salad supports your health while being delicious.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences. Add grilled chicken or nuts for extra crunch!

Tools and Preparation

To make this Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad effortlessly, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can help you prepare quickly and efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Whisk: Perfect for blending the dressing until emulsified, ensuring all flavors meld together harmoniously.
• Large mixing bowl: Allows ample space to combine all salad ingredients without spilling.
• Knife: Essential for slicing fruits and vegetables swiftly and safely.

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

Whisk all dressing ingredients together vigorously in a small bowl or shake in a covered jar until emulsified. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add all salad ingredients including spinach, strawberries, avocado, blue cheese, almonds, and red onion.

Step 3: Toss Together

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

Step 4: Serve

Enjoy your fresh Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad immediately!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This vibrant salad is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. Here are some ideas on how to serve your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.

As a Main Dish

• This salad makes a filling main course when served with grilled chicken or turkey. The added protein enhances nutrition while keeping it light.

As a Side Salad

• Pair this refreshing salad with your favorite grilled meats or fish. It complements flavors beautifully and adds a colorful touch to your plate.

For Meal Prep

• Divide the salad into jars for easy grab-and-go lunches. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy for maximum freshness.

At a Picnic or Barbecue

• Pack this salad in a cooler for outdoor events. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors will impress your friends and family.

For Special Occasions

• Serve this salad at brunches or holiday gatherings as part of a larger spread. Its unique combination of flavors elevates any meal.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

To make the most of your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad, consider these helpful tips for perfection.

• Choose ripe avocados: Selecting perfectly ripe avocados ensures creaminess that complements the strawberries and spinach.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach, strawberries, and high-quality oils enhance flavor and nutritional value, making every bite delightful.

• Toast your almonds: Toasting sliced almonds before adding them brings out their natural flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to the salad.

• Adjust dressing to taste: Feel free to tweak the poppyseed dressing ingredients according to your preferences; adding more honey can increase sweetness if desired.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy skewers seasoned with herbs provide a hearty contrast to the lightness of the salad.

2. Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf mixed with vegetables makes for a nutritious side that complements the fresh flavors of the salad.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and texture, creating a satisfying balance alongside your vibrant salad.

4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with grains and beans offer an exciting flavor profile that ties well with the freshness of the salad.

5. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread serves as a delightful accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing from your plate.

6. Fruit Platter: A refreshing assortment of seasonal fruits enhances the meal’s sweetness and provides additional textures and colors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can be simple if you avoid common pitfalls.

• Skipping the fresh ingredients – Using wilted or spoiled greens and fruits can ruin your salad’s taste. Always use fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, and a perfectly ripe avocado.
• Overdressing the salad – Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a little, toss gently, and add more only if necessary to achieve your desired flavor.
• Ignoring balance in flavors – Failing to balance sweet, tangy, and savory flavors can lead to a bland salad. Ensure you adjust the honey or vinegar to suit your palate.
• Not properly preparing the vegetables – Cutting vegetables unevenly can affect texture. Make sure to slice strawberries and avocado uniformly for an appealing presentation and consistent bites.
• Using stale nuts – Old or rancid nuts can spoil your salad’s crunch. Always use fresh almonds, preferably toasted, for better flavor and texture.
• Forgetting seasoning – Neglecting salt and pepper makes the flavors flat. Don’t forget to season your dressing before combining it with the salad.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in spinach and avocado upon thawing.
• If you must freeze, consider freezing just the dressing for later use.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Oven – Spread leftover salad on a baking sheet and warm at low temperature for a few minutes; however, this may change textures.
• Microwave – Heat in short bursts (10-15 seconds) ensuring not to overcook; best suited for just the dressing.
• Stovetop – Sauté gently in a non-stick pan over low heat; again, best for warming only the dressing rather than the whole salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Yes, you can prepare all ingredients ahead of time but combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

What variations can I try with this salad?

Feel free to add other ingredients like grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein, or substitute different nuts based on your preference.

How should I store leftovers of Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep dressing separate when possible.

Is Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare individual portions without dressing in advance for healthy lunches throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not just delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect as a light meal or side dish. Feel free to customize it by adding proteins like chicken or swapping out nuts according to your taste preferences. Enjoy creating your own version of this refreshing salad!