Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly balances sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crisp spinach. It’s an ideal addition to any meal, whether you’re hosting a brunch, picnic, or simply looking for a healthy side dish. The unique poppyseed dressing ties the flavors together beautifully, making it a standout option for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad can be ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Fresh Ingredients: Each ingredient contributes to a burst of flavor and nutrition, ensuring you enjoy every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a light main dish or as a colorful side to complement grilled meats or sandwiches.
• Easy Customization: Feel free to substitute cheese types or add extra toppings like nuts and seeds based on your preferences.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with vitamins and nutrients, this salad is low in calories yet high in flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and a great presentation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients effortlessly without making a mess.
• Whisk or jar with lid: Using a whisk or jar helps emulsify the dressing quickly, ensuring all flavors blend perfectly.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for easily slicing fruits and vegetables while maintaining their freshness.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface to chop ingredients efficiently.

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. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the avocado oil, red apple vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled blue cheese (or alternative), toasted almonds, and red onion.
2. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

1. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
2. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and flavor.

Enjoy your vibrant Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This vibrant Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish. It’s not only nutritious but also beautifully colorful, making it an attractive addition to any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

For a Light Lunch

• Pair the salad with whole-grain bread for added fiber.
• Serve it with grilled chicken or turkey on top for a protein boost.

As a Side Dish

• Complement a hearty main dish like grilled salmon or roasted lamb.
• Serve alongside vegetable skewers for a colorful and healthy plate.

At a Potluck

• Present the salad in a large bowl, garnished with extra strawberries and almonds.
• Provide serving utensils and napkins for easy self-service.

For Meal Prep

• Store the salad ingredients separately and toss them together just before eating to keep everything fresh.
• Use mason jars to layer the ingredients, keeping the dressing at the bottom until ready to serve.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

To make your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad truly shine, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh baby spinach and ripe avocados enhance flavor and texture.
• Adjust sweetness: Modify the amount of honey in the dressing based on your taste preferences.
• Experiment with toppings: Add other nuts or seeds like walnuts or pumpkin seeds for variety.
• Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for a bit allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Make it colorful: Incorporate other berries like blueberries or raspberries for added color and nutrients.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This delicious salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender pieces of chicken marinated in herbs add protein and complement the salad nicely.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa dish mixed with vegetables provides a hearty base that pairs well with the lightness of the salad.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds depth and richness to your meal.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices create a satisfying side that’s full of flavor.
5. Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to the tangy dressing of the salad.
6. Mediterranean Couscous: This light couscous is tossed with olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers, bringing Mediterranean flair to your plate.
7. Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil and garlic makes for a low-carb option that’s refreshing and tasty.
8. Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with fresh herbs provides an excellent neutral base that balances out the salad’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your dressing can make it bland. Always taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
• Using unripe avocados: Unripe avocados can ruin the salad’s texture. Choose ripe, soft avocados for the best flavor and creaminess.
• Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the fresh flavors. Start with a little, then add more if needed.
• Chopping ingredients unevenly: Inconsistent sizes can lead to an unbalanced bite. Aim for even cuts for a better presentation and taste.
• Assembling too early: Preparing the salad too far in advance can cause sogginess. Assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• How long: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Containers: Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to keep ingredients fresh.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• How long: Not recommended for freezing as it affects texture and flavor.
• Containers: If you must freeze components, wrap them separately and use freezer-safe bags.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 10 minutes; best for cooked ingredients only.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals on medium power, stirring in between; be cautious not to overheat fresh ingredients.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed; keep stirring to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a quick guide to some common questions about the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.

What can I substitute for blue cheese in the salad?

You can use goat cheese or feta as alternatives; both add a nice tangy flavor without overpowering the dish.

How do I make the poppyseed dressing vegan?

To make it vegan, simply replace honey with maple syrup. The flavor will still be delightful!

Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Absolutely! You can substitute kale or mixed greens if you prefer a different leafy base.

How do I keep avocado from browning in my salad?

To prevent browning, drizzle lime juice over diced avocado before adding it to your salad. This keeps it fresh longer!

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a refreshing dish that combines vibrant flavors and textures. It’s perfect as a light meal or side dish. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts, seeds, or your favorite fruits!