Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that brings together sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and vibrant spinach. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch at home, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavors. The creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully, making it a standout dish for any occasion.

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 and Flavorful: The combination of strawberries and avocado offers a refreshing taste that brightens up your meal.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side or main dish—this salad fits into any meal plan seamlessly.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this recipe supports your health while satisfying your taste buds.
• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious salad, you’ll need a few essential tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or jar with lid
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
• Whisk or jar with lid: A whisk helps emulsify the dressing quickly, while a jar allows for easy shaking to combine all dressing elements well.

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

How to Make Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

1. Whisk all dressing ingredients together vigorously in a small bowl. Alternatively, you can shake them in a covered jar until emulsified.
2. Taste the dressing and season with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients: spinach, strawberries, avocado, blue cheese (or alternative), toasted almonds, and red onion.
2. Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad.
3. Gently toss until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Serve

Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of this vibrant salad!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Serving Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can elevate any meal. This salad pairs beautifully with various dishes and makes for a delightful main course or side.

As a Main Dish

• Serve it alongside grilled chicken for a refreshing and healthy meal.
• Add quinoa or farro to make it more filling and boost the protein content.

With Grilled Proteins

• Pair with grilled turkey or beef for a hearty combination. The salad’s freshness balances the richness of the meats.
• Opt for salmon or shrimp to add a seafood twist that complements the strawberries.

At Gatherings

• Present it at potlucks or barbecues as a vibrant side that everyone will love.
• Garnish with extra poppy seeds and sliced almonds for an appealing finish.

For Lunch

• Pack it in a mason jar for an on-the-go lunch option. Layer the ingredients and add dressing just before eating to keep it fresh.
• Serve with whole-grain bread or pita on the side for a complete meal.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

To enhance your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad, consider these simple tips for perfection.

• Use ripe avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for optimal creaminess and flavor.
• Fresh ingredients matter: Select the freshest spinach and strawberries available. This will significantly impact taste and texture.
• Toast your almonds: Lightly toast sliced almonds in a skillet to bring out their natural flavor and add crunch.
• Adjust dressing sweetness: Taste the dressing before adding honey; you may prefer less sweetness depending on your preference.
• Chill before serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge briefly before serving. This enhances flavors and adds refreshment.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try different cheeses like goat or feta to find your favorite combination that complements the strawberries.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Complementing your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is easy with these delicious side dishes. Each option brings unique flavors that enhance your meal.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection add protein while keeping it light.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf mixed with herbs provides a nutty flavor that pairs well with the salad.
3. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and fresh, these rolls stuffed with veggies offer a great crunch alongside the soft salad.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the tangy poppyseed dressing, creating balance.
5. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad adds heartiness, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices contribute both nutrition and vibrant color to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a salad may seem simple, but there are common mistakes that can ruin the experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using stale ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and ripe avocados. Stale ingredients can lead to a bland and unappetizing salad.

• Skipping the dressing: A salad without dressing lacks flavor. Ensure you whisk together the poppyseed dressing well and drizzle generously over your salad for the best taste.

• Overmixing the salad: Gently toss your salad instead of vigorously mixing it. Overmixing can bruise delicate ingredients like strawberries and avocados.

• Not seasoning adequately: Don’t forget to season your salad with salt and pepper. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.

• Serving immediately after preparing: Allowing your salad to sit for about 5 minutes after tossing with the dressing helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to consume.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Not recommended: Freezing this salad is not advisable as it can alter the texture of fresh ingredients like spinach and avocado.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a pan, stirring gently until just heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing:

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients and store them separately. Combine them right before serving for optimal freshness.

What can I substitute for blue cheese?

You may use goat cheese or feta as alternatives. Both options add creamy textures that complement the other flavors well.

How do I make this salad vegan-friendly?

To make it vegan, simply omit any cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The dressing is already vegan-friendly!

Can I add more protein to this recipe?

Absolutely! Consider adding grilled chicken or turkey slices for added protein while keeping it deliciously balanced.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only refreshing but also versatile. With its vibrant colors and delightful flavors, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or fruits, making it uniquely yours every time you serve it!