This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a vibrant, healthy dish that brings together fresh ingredients for a delightful meal. Perfect for summer picnics, light lunches, or as a colorful side at dinner parties, this salad showcases the sweet taste of strawberries combined with creamy avocado and crunchy almonds. Tossed in a simple yet flavorful poppyseed dressing, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This salad takes just 15 minutes to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Fresh Flavors: The combination of strawberries and avocado provides a refreshing taste that’s both sweet and savory.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize it by adding your favorite nuts or cheese types based on what you have on hand.
Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from spinach and healthy fats from avocado, this salad is great for those looking to eat healthier.
Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors make this salad visually appealing, making it a great centerpiece for any meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline the preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk or jar with 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 lid: Whisking the dressing ensures proper emulsification; using a jar allows for easy storage and shaking.
Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when slicing fruits and vegetables.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients 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.

Salad 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 dressing ingredients together vigorously in a small bowl or shake in a covered jar until emulsified. Taste and season with a pinch of salt and freshly-ground black pepper as needed.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Combine all salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad. Gently toss until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Serve Immediately

Serve the salad right away to enjoy its fresh flavors. This dish is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to maintain its crispness. Enjoy your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only colorful but also versatile. It can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

As a Main Dish

Serve it as a light lunch or dinner option by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
Pair it with a warm crusty bread on the side for a comforting meal.

At a Picnic

Pack the salad in mason jars for easy transport. Layer ingredients separately and add dressing just before serving.
Include some fresh fruit skewers as a refreshing snack alongside.

For Entertaining

Present the salad in an elegant bowl, garnished with extra strawberries and avocado slices for visual appeal.
Offer additional toppings such as nuts or seeds on the side so guests can customize their salads.

With Breakfast

Serve it alongside scrambled eggs or an omelet for a nutritious start to your day.
Add it to a brunch spread featuring pastries and fresh juices for extra flair.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

To make your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad even more delightful, consider these simple tips.

Choose ripe avocados: Look for avocados that yield slightly when pressed; this ensures creaminess in every bite.
Use fresh spinach: Opt for baby spinach that is vibrant and crisp. This enhances both texture and flavor.
Toast the almonds: Lightly toast sliced almonds in a pan to deepen their flavor and add crunch.
Make dressing ahead: Prepare the poppyseed dressing in advance; this allows flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Season well: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning. A pinch of salt can elevate all the flavors.
Add variety: Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or mandarin oranges for added color and taste.

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 Breast: A simple, seasoned grilled chicken breast complements the salad perfectly while adding protein.
Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty, fluffy grain dish provides texture and boosts nutritional value.
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread serves as a comforting side that contrasts the freshness of the salad.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction offer an Italian twist.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and heartiness to your meal, balancing the lightness of the salad.
Fruit Platter: A selection of seasonal fruits creates a refreshing contrast, enhancing the fruit elements in your salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can elevate your dish.

Using overly ripe avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe. Overripe avocados can make the salad mushy and unappealing.
Not washing spinach properly: Always wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. This helps maintain freshness and flavor.
Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your dressing! A pinch of salt and pepper can transform the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
Forgetting to toast almonds: Toasting almonds brings out their natural oils and adds a wonderful crunch. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
Mixing in dressing too early: Dress your salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp. This prevents the greens from wilting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture of spinach and avocado, leading to a less enjoyable salad.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10 minutes. This may alter freshness but can warm ingredients.
Microwave: Heat on low for 1-2 minutes, but be cautious as this can make greens wilt quickly.
Stovetop: In a pan over low heat, warm gently for just a few minutes, stirring continuously.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing special?

The unique combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy poppyseed dressing creates an extraordinary flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Can I customize my Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, seeds, or other fruits like blueberries or peaches for variety. Experiment with different cheeses too!

How do I ensure my salad stays fresh?

Keep all components separate until serving time, especially the dressing. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare all ingredients ahead of time. Just mix them together right before you plan to serve.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for lunch or as a side dish at dinner. Feel free to customize it according to your taste preferences!

Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings together the luscious sweetness of strawberries, creamy avocado, and crisp spinach, all drizzled with a delightful poppyseed dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, light lunches, or as a stunning side dish at dinner parties, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. With its quick preparation time and customizable ingredients, it’s an ideal choice for health-conscious food lovers looking to enjoy fresh flavors. Impress your guests or treat yourself to this colorful and satisfying salad any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Prepare the dressing by whisking together avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, avocado, cheese, almonds, and red onion.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly.
Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American