Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful medley of fresh ingredients, perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a summer picnic, preparing a light lunch, or looking for a healthy side dish for dinner, this salad fits the bill. The combination of ripe strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds creates an explosion of flavors that will please everyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh baby spinach and vibrant strawberries ensures every bite is packed with flavor and nutrients.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this salad by adding proteins like grilled chicken or swapping cheeses to suit your taste.
- Healthy Choice: With nutrient-rich ingredients like spinach and avocados, this salad is a great option for anyone looking to eat healthily.
- Delicious Dressing: The simple poppyseed dressing adds a sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the salad’s freshness.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking process smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or jar with a lid
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
- Whisk or jar with a lid: Whisking or shaking the dressing ensures it emulsifies well for even coating on your salad.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing strawberries and dicing avocado quick and safe.
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
Whisk all ingredients together vigorously in a small bowl (or shake in a covered jar) until emulsified. Taste and season with a pinch of salt and a few twists of pepper as needed.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients:
Add fresh baby spinach.
Toss in sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled cheese, toasted almonds, and red onion.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad. Gently toss until everything is combined well.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Serve your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad right away to enjoy its vibrant flavors at their best!
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This light and refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad makes a fantastic meal on its own or paired with other dishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your dining experience.
As a Main Course
- Serve it chilled for a satisfying lunch or dinner option.
- Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
As a Side Dish
- Complement your favorite grilled meats, like steak or chicken, for a vibrant side.
- It adds a refreshing touch to any barbecue or picnic spread.
For Meal Prep
- Prepare the salad ahead of time, keeping the dressing separate until ready to serve.
- Pack in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
With Additional Toppings
- Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Toss in some quinoa for a heartier version.
How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
To make your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad truly shine, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose ripe avocados: Make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the best flavor and texture.
- Use fresh strawberries: Fresh, seasonal strawberries will enhance the sweetness of the salad.
- Toast almonds lightly: Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
- Mix dressing well: Ensure your poppyseed dressing is emulsified before drizzling on the salad.
- Serve immediately: For optimal freshness, serve the salad right after tossing it with the dressing.
- Experiment with cheese: Try different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for varied flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Pairing your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated and grilled chicken skewers add protein and flavor to your meal.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf offers a nutty taste that pairs beautifully with the salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring out natural sweetness and add color to your plate.
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy fries provide a sweet contrast that balances the salad’s flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread makes a comforting addition, perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
- Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh fruits complements the salad’s fruity elements nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, it’s easy to make simple mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Using wilted or old spinach and unripe strawberries can ruin the freshness of your salad. Always choose the freshest produce for the best flavor.
- Overdressing the salad: Applying too much dressing can overwhelm the other flavors. Start with a little and add more as needed after tossing.
- Not tasting before serving: Failing to taste your dressing can lead to an unbalanced flavor profile. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
- Ignoring texture variety: A lack of contrasting textures can make the salad dull. Include crunchy almonds or crispy onion for added interest.
- Forgetting about seasoning: Neglecting salt and pepper can leave your salad flat. Always season your dressing and salad ingredients for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
- It will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- It is not recommended to freeze this salad as the avocado and spinach do not freeze well.
Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Oven: Not advisable; salads are best served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid reheating; serve chilled for optimal taste.
- Stovetop: Not necessary; enjoy fresh or chilled only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing in advance and store it separately from the salad ingredients to maintain freshness.
What variations can I try with this salad?
Feel free to add grilled chicken, quinoa, or different nuts for extra protein and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare individual servings in jars, keeping dressing separate until ready to eat.
How do I customize the poppyseed dressing?
You can adjust sweetness by changing honey levels or adding citrus juice for tanginess.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite proteins or nuts, making it adaptable for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this refreshing recipe!
Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. This delightful dish features fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy toasted almonds, all drizzled with a light and tangy poppyseed dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, light lunches, or as a healthy side dish, this salad is not only quick to prepare but is also packed with nutrients and flavor. With just 15 minutes needed for preparation, it’s an ideal option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Customize it with proteins or additional toppings to suit your taste and enjoy a refreshing meal that everyone will love.
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 until emulsified.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, avocado, cheese, almonds, and red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
