Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is the perfect dish for any occasion. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it an ideal choice for summer picnics, light lunches, or as a side at dinner parties. The combination of strawberries, avocado, and spinach tossed in a delightful poppyseed dressing creates a refreshing salad that everyone will love. Plus, it comes together in just 15 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crisp spinach creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this salad by adding your favorite nuts or swapping out the cheese based on your preferences.
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from fresh fruits and greens, this salad is a guilt-free addition to your meal plan.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make this salad visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests.
Tools and Preparation
To make your preparation smooth and efficient, gather these essential tools before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or jar with a lid
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients comfortably without spilling.
- Whisk or jar with a lid: A whisk helps emulsify the dressing quickly. If using a jar, shaking it will efficiently blend all components.
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
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
- Avocado oil (or olive oil)
- Red wine vinegar
- Honey
- Poppy seeds
- Dijon mustard
- Whisk vigorously until emulsified. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Fresh baby spinach
- Sliced strawberries
- Diced avocado
- Crumbled cheese
- Toasted almonds
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
- Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated with dressing.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and freshness! Enjoy your delicious 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 a vibrant dish that can be served in various ways. Its fresh and flavorful ingredients make it a versatile option for any meal.
As a Main Course
- Serve the salad as a light main dish, perfect for lunch or dinner. The combination of spinach, strawberries, and avocado provides plenty of nutrients and flavors.
With Grilled Chicken
- Add grilled chicken on top for a protein boost. This pairing not only enhances the taste but also makes the meal more filling.
Accompanying BBQ Dishes
- Use this salad as a refreshing side to barbecue dishes. Its bright flavors complement smoky meats beautifully.
On a Picnic
- Pack the salad in a portable container for an outdoor picnic. It’s easy to transport and makes for an excellent dish to share.
For Meal Prep
- Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Toss everything together just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
As an Appetizer
- Serve small portions in individual cups as a starter at gatherings. This adds an elegant touch to any event.
How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
To elevate your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh spinach, ripe avocados, and seasonal strawberries will enhance flavor.
- Toast the almonds – Toasting the almonds brings out their nutty flavor and adds crunch to the salad.
- Adjust sweetness – Modify honey in the dressing based on your preference for sweetness.
- Experiment with cheese – Try different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for varied taste profiles.
- Chill before serving – Let the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
- Add extra toppings – Consider incorporating other toppings like cranberries or sunflower seeds for added texture.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This delicious salad pairs well with many side dishes, making meals even more delightful. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Vegetables – A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus grilled to perfection complements the freshness of the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf – Lightly seasoned quinoa adds protein and complements the flavors without overpowering them.
- Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread provides a satisfying contrast to the soft ingredients of the salad.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their sweetness balances well with the tangy poppyseed dressing and creamy avocado.
- Cheese Platter – A variety of cheeses alongside crackers offers a nice snack while enjoying your meal.
- Fruit Skewers – Bright fruit skewers echo the flavors of strawberries in your salad, making them a fun addition.
- Hummus & Veggies – A healthy dip with crunchy veggies encourages guests to nibble while enjoying their meal.
- Pasta Salad – A light pasta salad can be hearty yet refreshing, pairing beautifully with your strawberry avocado spinach salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is simple, but there are common errors that can diminish its flavor and presentation. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Using stale ingredients: Freshness is key. Always check that your spinach and strawberries are fresh to maximize flavor and nutrition.
- Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can overwhelm the ingredients. Start with a small amount, toss, and add more as needed.
- Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season with salt and pepper can make your salad taste flat. Always taste before serving and adjust accordingly.
- Not preparing in advance: Preparing all your ingredients ahead of time can streamline the process. Chop everything before you start mixing for a quicker assembly.
- Forgetting about presentation: A well-presented salad is more appealing. Layer your ingredients in an attractive way rather than just tossing everything together.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the salad in an airtight container.
- It will keep fresh for up to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the texture of spinach and avocado after thawing.
Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread the salad on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes, but avoid heating too long as it will wilt.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds, then stir and check until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Lightly sauté on low heat in a pan for about 5 minutes, stirring gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.
How do I make the poppyseed dressing?
To make poppyseed dressing, whisk together avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Can I customize my Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or other fruits like blueberries or mangoes for added flavor and nutrition.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes! This salad contains nutrient-dense ingredients like spinach and avocados which provide essential vitamins and healthy fats.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize it based on what you have available or your personal preferences. Try adding different fruits or nuts to enhance its flavor! Enjoy this refreshing dish any time of year!
Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of this Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. Perfect for any occasion, this vibrant salad combines sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crisp spinach, all drizzled in a delightful poppyseed dressing. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, enjoying a light lunch, or serving as an elegant side dish at dinner parties, this salad is sure to impress. Not only does it come together in just 15 minutes, but it’s also packed with nutrients and can easily be customized to suit your taste.
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
- 1/2 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 (or olive oil), red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, avocado, cheese, almonds, and red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
