Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful option for any meal. Its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors make it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply a light lunch at home. With the combination of sweet strawberries and creamy avocado, this salad stands out as a healthy choice that doesn’t skimp on taste. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, ensuring you have more time to enjoy your meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad can be made in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of strawberries and avocado creates a refreshing taste that brightens up any meal.
- Versatile Option: Perfect as a side dish or main course, this salad fits well into various occasions, from casual lunches to festive dinners.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and minerals, this salad promotes health while satisfying your cravings.
- Easy Customization: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, you’ll want to gather some essential tools that will make preparation easier. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or jar with lid
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Salad serving bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all salad ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk or jar with lid: Use this tool to create an emulsified dressing quickly; shaking in a jar adds convenience.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when slicing fruits and vegetables for even textures in the salad.
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
Start by whisking together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl or shake them in a covered jar until well mixed.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients.
Step 3: Toss & Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together until well combined. Serve immediately for maximum freshness and enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This vibrant Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, there are plenty of ways to serve and enjoy it.
Pair with Grilled Chicken
- Grilled chicken breast adds protein and makes this salad a complete meal.
Top with Nuts
- Sprinkle additional toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nutrition.
Serve as a Side Dish
- This salad complements grilled meats or seafood beautifully, making it an excellent side.
Add More Fruits
- Enhance the sweetness by adding other seasonal fruits like blueberries or raspberries.
Use Different Greens
- Experiment with mixed greens or arugula instead of spinach for varied flavors.
How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
To make your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad truly shine, consider these tips:
- Choose ripe avocados – Ripe avocados will add creaminess and flavor to your salad.
- Use fresh strawberries – Fresh strawberries provide the best taste; opt for organic if possible.
- Toast almonds lightly – Toasting your sliced almonds enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Adjust dressing ingredients – Feel free to tweak the poppyseed dressing to suit your taste preferences.
- Chill before serving – Letting the salad chill for a few minutes can enhance the flavors.
- Add proteins – Incorporating proteins like grilled shrimp or tofu can turn this salad into a full meal.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This delightful salad pairs well with various side dishes, enhancing your meal experience. Consider these options for your next gathering:
- Garlic Bread – Warm, buttery garlic bread is always a hit and complements the freshness of the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf – A light quinoa pilaf adds texture and nutrients while keeping it gluten-free.
- Roasted Vegetables – Roasted seasonal veggies bring out deep flavors that contrast nicely with the salad’s freshness.
- Fruit Platter – A colorful fruit platter can serve as a refreshing side, perfect for summer meals.
- Cheese Board – An assortment of cheeses pairs well and offers great variety alongside the salad.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn brushed with butter is a deliciously sweet addition that pairs perfectly with this dish.
- Hummus & Veggies – A healthy option that provides crunch and flavor without overpowering the main dish.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs can offer comfort alongside this fresh salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid.
- Using stale ingredients: Always ensure your spinach and strawberries are fresh. Wilted greens can ruin the salad’s appeal.
- Not balancing flavors: If you skip the seasoning in the dressing, the salad may taste bland. Adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the salad. Start with a little and add more if needed for flavor.
- Prepping too far in advance: Assembling the salad too early can cause it to wilt. Prepare just before serving for the best texture.
- Ignoring portion sizes: Make sure to serve appropriate portions so everyone can enjoy without waste. Adjust based on your guests.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
- It will remain fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture of spinach and avocado.
- It is best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.
Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Yes, you can substitute kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
How long does this salad last?
The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing lasts up to 2 days in the refrigerator if stored properly.
What dressing can I use besides poppyseed?
You can try a balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon vinaigrette for a different taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it great for various dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not just delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or different cheeses according to your taste. Try this refreshing recipe today!
Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing—a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. This delightful salad combines fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy toasted almonds, all drizzled with a light poppyseed dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it makes an excellent choice for picnics, light lunches, or as a colorful side at dinner gatherings. With its nutritious ingredients and customizable options, you can enjoy a delicious meal that’s not only tasty but also packed with vitamins.
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: Whisk together avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, avocado, cheese, almonds, and red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
