Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This delicious Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to festive gatherings. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this salad not only pleases the palate but also adds a beautiful touch to your table. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers. The delightful combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds makes every bite a treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it an effortless dish for any meal.
• Fresh Flavors: The mix of ingredients creates a burst of refreshing flavors that brighten up your day.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or a main dish, this salad suits various occasions from picnics to dinner parties.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients like cheese or nuts based on your preference.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up this delightful salad, you’ll need some essential tools that make preparation smooth and easy.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Jar with a lid (for dressing)
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Whisk: Perfect for blending the dressing ingredients until emulsified without lumps.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy tossing of the salad components without mess.
• Jar with a lid: Ideal for shaking the dressing together quickly and conveniently.

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 apple vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Whisk all ingredients together vigorously in a small bowl (or shake in a covered jar) until emulsified. Taste and season with a pinch of salt and a few twists of pepper as needed.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Combine all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle evenly with the dressing then gently toss until combined.

Step 3: Serve

Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a quiet dinner, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal.

As a Main Course

• This salad works beautifully as a light main dish. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.

For a Picnic

• Pack this salad in a portable container for your next picnic. The flavors stay vibrant even when chilled.

At a Potluck

• Bring this delightful salad to share at potlucks. It’s always a hit and adds color to any spread.

With Toasted Bread

• Serve alongside slices of toasted baguette or crusty bread. It makes for a satisfying combination.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

To elevate your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad, follow these tips for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe avocados ensure the best taste and texture.
• Slice strawberries just before serving: To keep them from getting mushy, slice strawberries right before you toss the salad.
• Toast almonds: Lightly toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch.
• Adjust dressing to taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients according to your flavor preference, adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tartness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Consider these options for your meal.

1. Grilled Chicken: Marinated and grilled chicken breasts add protein and make the meal more filling.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf with herbs can enhance the nutritional value while keeping meals healthy.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide warmth and depth of flavor that balances the cool salad.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can offer variety and richness alongside the salad’s freshness.
5. Hummus and Veggies: A colorful platter of hummus with fresh veggies serves as a fun appetizer option.
6. Crusty Bread: Serve slices of warm, crusty bread or rolls to soak up any leftover dressing from the plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Overdressing the salad – Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed for flavor.
• Using unripe avocados – Unripe avocados can ruin the creamy texture of your salad. Choose avocados that yield slightly to pressure when gently squeezed.
• Not washing the spinach – Even pre-washed spinach can have dirt or grit. Always rinse your spinach under cold water before using it.
• Forgetting to toast almonds – Toasting almonds enhances their flavor and crunch. Take a few minutes to toast them in a skillet for the best results.
• Cutting strawberries too early – Sliced strawberries release moisture and can make your salad watery. Slice them just before serving for optimal freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Freezing is not recommended for this salad as it may affect the texture of the spinach and avocado.
• If necessary, you can freeze components like almonds or cheese separately.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm gently for about 5-10 minutes, but note that fresh ingredients won’t hold up well.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 30 seconds, stirring halfway through, but use caution as this method may wilt fresh ingredients.
• Stovetop – Gently warm on low heat for a few minutes, but it’s best enjoyed cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing vegan?

You can easily make this recipe vegan by omitting cheese or substituting with a plant-based alternative. Also, replace honey with maple syrup.

Can I prepare Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare this salad shortly before serving. However, you can prep individual ingredients in advance and assemble them when ready.

What are some variations of Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?

You can customize your salad by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, fruits such as blueberries or raspberries, or proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas.

Is Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad healthy?

Yes! This salad is packed with nutrients from spinach, healthy fats from avocado, and antioxidants from strawberries, making it a great choice for a healthy meal.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether served as a light lunch or a colorful side dish at dinner, this salad is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy its fresh flavors!