Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a light lunch, or needing a healthy side for dinner, this salad delivers fresh flavors and delightful textures. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds makes it stand out, while the easy poppyseed dressing brings everything together in a light and tasty way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of strawberries, avocado, and blue cheese creates a delicious balance of sweet and savory.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or main meal; it’s suitable for various diets.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh greens and fruits, this salad is nutritious and satisfying.
- Customizable Options: Swap ingredients easily to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or jar (for dressing)
- Whisk or jar shaker
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Allows you to combine all your salad ingredients without spilling.
- Small bowl or jar: Essential for mixing the dressing; using a jar allows for easy shaking.
- Whisk or jar shaker: Ensures the dressing ingredients emulsify perfectly for maximum flavor.
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.
Greens
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
Fruits
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
Cheese
- 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese or feta)
Nuts & Seeds
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Vegetables
- 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
- In a small bowl (or jar), whisk all dressing ingredients together vigorously until emulsified.
- Taste the mixture and add a pinch of salt and a few twists of black pepper as needed.
Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the spinach, strawberries, avocado, crumbled cheese, sliced almonds, and red onion.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
- Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined with the dressing.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness! Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing!
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is perfect for any meal. Whether it’s a light lunch or a hearty dinner, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
For a Light Lunch
- Pair it with whole grain bread for a satisfying yet healthy meal.
- Add grilled chicken on top for extra protein and flavor.
As a Side Dish
- Serve alongside grilled fish to complement the fresh flavors of the salad.
- It pairs well with barbecued meats, offering a refreshing contrast.
For Meal Prep
- Pack individual servings in mason jars for an easy grab-and-go lunch.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.
At a Summer Picnic
- Bring it along in a cooler; it stays fresh and vibrant.
- Serve with tortilla chips for a fun crunch.
How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
To make this salad even more delightful, consider these helpful tips that ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Choose ripe avocados: Selecting perfectly ripe avocados enhances the creaminess and taste of your salad.
- Use fresh strawberries: Opt for in-season strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Toast almonds lightly: Toasting brings out their nutty flavor, adding depth to your salad.
- Balance your dressing: Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or acidity with extra vinegar if desired.
- Add protein: Consider including grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a heartier option.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad chill for 10 minutes before serving can meld the flavors beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This vibrant salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your meal perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread adds a comforting touch next to the freshness of the salad.
- Quinoa Salad: A hearty quinoa salad provides additional protein and complements the flavors beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables are deliciously caramelized, making them an excellent pairing.
- Fruit Platter: A simple fruit platter can echo the salad’s fruity elements while offering variety.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds texture and sweetness that matches well with this dish.
- Cheesy Risotto: Creamy risotto can serve as a rich foundation under the lightness of your salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can be straightforward, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Ingredients: Using unripe or overly ripe strawberries can affect the flavor. Always choose fresh, vibrant strawberries for the best taste.
- Dressing Preparation: Skipping the emulsification process for your dressing can lead to separation. Whisk or shake thoroughly to ensure a smooth blend.
- Mixing Technique: Tossing the salad too vigorously can damage delicate ingredients like spinach and avocado. Gently mix to preserve texture and appearance.
- Serving Temperature: Serving the salad too cold can dull its flavors. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for a better taste experience.
- Ingredient Ratios: Neglecting the balance of ingredients, such as too much onion or cheese, can overpower other flavors. Stick to the recommended amounts for harmony in taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Freezing is not recommended due to potential texture changes in spinach and avocado.
- If necessary, separate components (dressing, spinach, and toppings) before freezing.
Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm briefly; avoid overheating.
- Microwave: Heat on low power in short intervals, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Warm gently on low heat in a skillet; stir occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.
Can I use other greens in this salad?
You can swap baby spinach for other greens like arugula or mixed greens. Each will give a unique flavor profile.
What can I substitute for poppyseed dressing?
If you don’t have poppyseed dressing, try a light vinaigrette or a honey mustard dressing as an alternative.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
How do I make this Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing gluten-free?
All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any packaged items like cheese are labeled gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only refreshing but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts, seeds, or different fruits based on your preferences. This salad is perfect for summer lunches or as a side dish at dinner parties. Try it today and enjoy its delightful flavors!
Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant and refreshing flavors of our Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. This delightful salad combines sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds, making it a perfect dish for any occasion—from summer barbecues to light lunches. Tossed with a simple poppyseed dressing, this salad offers a harmonious balance of taste and texture that is sure to please. It’s not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutritious ingredients, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup avocado 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 in a small bowl or jar until emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, avocado, blue cheese, almonds, and red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
