Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This delicious Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is the perfect blend of fresh flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish at gatherings. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds creates a delightful experience that suits any occasion, from picnics to dinner parties. Plus, the simple poppyseed dressing ties it all together beautifully!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad can be made in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Fresh Flavors: The mix of strawberries and avocado adds a refreshing taste that brightens up any meal.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or a side; it pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a buffet.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is both satisfying and good for you.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing effectively, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Whisk
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or jar
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Whisk: Ideal for emulsifying the dressing quickly and evenly.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for tossing the salad without spilling ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing fruits and vegetables quick and easy.
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.
Fresh 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
Dressing Ingredients
- 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
- In a small bowl (or jar), whisk together the avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled cheese, toasted almonds, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
- Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in dressing.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors!
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a garden party or enjoying a light lunch, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your salad experience.
As a Standalone Dish
- A light and healthy option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
On a Buffet Table
- This vibrant salad adds color and freshness to any buffet spread, making it an eye-catching centerpiece.
Side Salad for Grilled Meats
- Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish to complement rich flavors and add a refreshing crunch.
Meal Prep Option
- Pack this salad in individual containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch throughout the week.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or rolls for a satisfying meal.
How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
To make your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad even more delightful, consider these simple tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe avocados will enhance the flavor and texture of your salad.
- Toast the Almonds: Toasted almonds add an extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Adjust Sweetness: Modify the honey in the dressing according to your taste preferences; add more for sweetness or less if you prefer a tangier flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for 10 minutes before serving can enhance the flavors as they meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.
- Grilled Chicken Breasts: Juicy chicken breasts seasoned with herbs create a protein-packed pairing.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread offers a comforting addition that balances the salad’s freshness.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A hearty quinoa pilaf adds texture and is packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted vegetables bring warmth and depth to your meal.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or beans complement the salad beautifully.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese enhances the meal’s richness without overpowering the salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, avoid these common mistakes to ensure a delightful experience.
- Using overripe avocados: Overripe avocados can ruin the salad’s texture. Choose firm, ripe avocados for the best results.
- Skipping the dressing: A good dressing is essential for flavor. Don’t skip it; the poppyseed dressing enhances the salad’s freshness.
- Using stale nuts: Toasted almonds add crunch and flavor. Always use fresh, toasted nuts for the best taste and texture.
- Not seasoning properly: A pinch of salt and pepper can elevate flavors. Taste your salad before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Mixing too vigorously: Gently toss the salad to keep ingredients intact. Overmixing can bruise delicate greens and fruits.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in spinach and avocado.
- If you must freeze, consider only freezing the dressing; store it in a jar.
Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5 minutes. Avoid heating spinach directly as it wilts quickly.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for 30 seconds at a time, stirring gently until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently. This method helps maintain some crunchiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes well with Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also works well as a side dish alongside sandwiches or wraps.
Can I customize the ingredients in this salad?
Absolutely! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, swap out cheeses, or include other fruits such as blueberries or kiwi.
How do I make my own poppyseed dressing?
Combine avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake well until emulsified.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes! The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is packed with vitamins from fresh spinach and strawberries, healthy fats from avocado, and protein from cheese.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The total prep time is about 15 minutes, making it an excellent choice for quick lunches or last-minute dinners.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only delicious but also versatile. Its colorful ingredients make it appealing while allowing for various customizations based on your preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings or dressings!
Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. This delightful salad combines fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy toasted almonds, all beautifully complemented by a light and tangy poppyseed dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a colorful side dish at gatherings, this salad is not only nutritious but also visually stunning. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with grilled meats for a well-rounded meal. With just 15 minutes of preparation time, you can savor this delicious dish any day of the week.
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 wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, avocado, cheese, almonds, and red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
