Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful blend of fresh flavors that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a light lunch, or wanting a nutritious side dish, this salad fits the bill. With its vibrant colors and satisfying textures, this salad not only tastes great but also presents beautifully on any table.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Salad Ingredients
• Dressing Ingredients
• How to Make Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
• Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
• Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
• Step 3: Toss and Serve
• How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
• As a Main Course
• With Grilled Chicken
• At Brunch
• With Crusty Bread
• As a Picnic Item
• How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
• Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
• Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I customize the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?
• What can I substitute for poppyseed dressing?
• How do I make this salad vegan-friendly?
• Is Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing healthy?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious salad ready to serve.
• Fresh Flavors: The combination of strawberries and avocado offers a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or side, it pairs well with various proteins like chicken or fish.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad supports your wellness goals.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its colorful presentation and rich flavors make it an instant hit at gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To create this amazing strawberry avocado spinach salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your preparation goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Whisk
• Large bowl
• Small bowl (or jar with lid)
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Whisk: Ideal for emulsifying the dressing quickly and effectively.
• Large Bowl: Provides ample space for mixing all the fresh ingredients without making a mess.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing strawberries and dicing avocado easy and efficient.

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

1. In a small bowl (or jar), whisk all dressing ingredients together vigorously until emulsified.
2. Taste the dressing and season with fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper as needed.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, add all of the salad ingredients—baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled cheese, toasted almonds, and red onion.
2. Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

1. Gently toss the salad until everything is well combined.
2. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of this colorful dish!

With its bright flavors and wholesome ingredients, this Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing will surely become one of your go-to recipes!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This delightful Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a casual meal, or prepping for lunch, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

As a Main Course

• Serve it on its own for a light lunch. This salad is filling enough to stand alone, thanks to the healthy fats from avocado and protein from cheese.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pair the salad with grilled chicken breast. The smoky flavor complements the sweetness of strawberries and the creaminess of avocado beautifully.

At Brunch

• Include it in a brunch spread alongside quiches or frittatas. The fresh flavors provide a perfect contrast to richer dishes.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve it with slices of crusty bread or baguette. The bread adds texture and makes for a satisfying meal.

As a Picnic Item

• Pack it for picnics or outdoor gatherings. This salad stays fresh and vibrant, making it an ideal choice for al fresco dining.

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How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

To achieve the best version of this Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad, consider these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach, ripe avocados, and seasonal strawberries enhance flavor and texture.

• Toast Almonds: Toasting sliced almonds adds crunch and depth to the salad.

• Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for varied taste profiles.

• Chill the Dressing: Refrigerating the dressing before serving can enhance its flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This salad pairs wonderfully with numerous side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Here are some ideas:

1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness harmonizes with the salad’s tartness.

2. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa dish adds heartiness and additional protein.

3. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a comforting texture that contrasts nicely with the salad.

4. Fruit Skewers: Colorful skewers of mixed fruits can enhance the fresh theme of your meal.

5. Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Light shrimp tacos bring an exciting twist to your menu alongside this refreshing salad.

6. Caprese Salad: The classic mozzarella and tomato combination provides a rich counterpoint to your spinach salad’s brightness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing from good to great.

• Using wilted spinach – Always choose fresh, vibrant baby spinach. Check for any signs of wilting or browning to ensure the best flavor and texture.
• Skipping the dressing – The dressing is essential for bringing the salad together. Don’t skimp on whisking or shaking it until it’s well combined for a balanced taste.
• Overdressing the salad – Too much dressing can overwhelm the ingredients. Start with a small amount and add more gradually until you reach your desired flavor.
• Not tasting before serving – Always taste your salad before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Ignoring ingredient quality – Use high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese and nuts. Fresh, flavorful components make all the difference in this salad.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Container – Use glass or plastic containers that seal tightly to keep freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Not recommended – Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in spinach and avocado after thawing.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the salad in a covered dish for about 10 minutes, if necessary.
• Microwave – Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until just warmed.
• Stovetop – Gently heat over low heat while stirring occasionally; avoid overheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing and enjoying this delightful salad.

Can I customize the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or other fruits like blueberries for variety.

What can I substitute for poppyseed dressing?

You can use a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil and balsamic vinegar if you prefer.

How do I make this salad vegan-friendly?

To make it vegan, omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative, and replace honey with maple syrup.

Is Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing healthy?

Yes! This salad is loaded with vitamins and healthy fats from avocados and is perfect for a nutritious meal.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a vibrant dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients. Its versatility allows for numerous customization options, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a light meal, this salad is sure to delight!