This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together the sweet and savory flavors of fresh ingredients. Perfect for summer picnics, lunch gatherings, or as a light dinner side, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with nutrients. The combination of juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds makes it a standout choice for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This salad can be made in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
Fresh Flavors: The blend of strawberries, avocado, and spinach offers a delightful taste experience that brightens any meal.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a light lunch, an appetizer, or as a side at barbecues and family gatherings.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad supports your wellness goals while satisfying your taste buds.
Customizable Options: You can easily substitute ingredients like cheese or nuts based on personal preference or dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this delicious salad, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the preparation process smooth and efficient.

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 without making a mess.
Whisk or jar with lid: Essential for emulsifying the dressing thoroughly; shaking in a jar ensures an even mix.
Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing strawberries and dicing avocado easy and safe.

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 Poppyseed Dressing

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

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: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients. Drizzle evenly with the dressing then gently toss until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Serve Immediately

Serve immediately for the best flavor experience. 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 pairs beautifully with various meals and can be customized to suit your taste.

As a Standalone Lunch

Enjoy this salad on its own for a quick, healthy meal. The combination of spinach, strawberries, and avocado provides essential nutrients and keeps you satisfied.

With Grilled Chicken

Add grilled chicken slices for extra protein. This makes the salad more filling and turns it into a complete meal.

As a Side to BBQ Dishes

Serve alongside BBQ ribs or grilled steak. The sweet poppyseed dressing complements the smoky flavors beautifully.

Topped with Nuts and Seeds

Enhance texture by adding more toasted almonds or seeds like pumpkin seeds. This adds crunch and boosts the nutritional value.

Paired with Crusty Bread

Accompany your salad with some crusty bread or dinner rolls. This is ideal for soaking up any leftover dressing.

At Picnics or Potlucks

Pack this salad in a portable container for outdoor gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that adds color and flavor to any spread.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

To ensure your salad is always fresh and delicious, consider these simple tips.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe avocados make a big difference in flavor and texture.
Prepare dressing ahead: Making the poppyseed dressing in advance allows flavors to meld together nicely.
Chill before serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes enhances its refreshing taste.
Add toppings just before serving: To maintain crunchiness, add nuts or cheese right before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Consider these options for your next meal.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch; grill it with butter for extra flavor.
Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa dish with herbs can enhance the meal’s nutrition without overpowering flavors.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances well with the tangy dressing in the salad.
Garlic Bread: Savory garlic bread offers an excellent contrast to the fresh ingredients of the salad.
Caprese Skewers: Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil skewers are fresh bites that match perfectly with this salad.
Fruit Platter: A mix of seasonal fruits can complement the sweetness of strawberries while providing variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is straightforward, but avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish.

Using stale spinach – Ensure you use fresh baby spinach to maintain the salad’s crispness and flavor. Check for wilting leaves before using.
Overdressing the salad – A little goes a long way! Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed to avoid sogginess.
Neglecting seasoning – Don’t forget to season your salad! A pinch of salt and fresh pepper enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
Skipping ingredient prep – Take the time to properly hull and slice strawberries and dice the avocado. Uniform pieces make for an appealing presentation.
Using low-quality oil – Opt for high-quality avocado or olive oil in your dressing. The oil’s flavor significantly impacts the overall taste of your salad.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in spinach and avocado.
If necessary, freeze the dressing separately.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread salad on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes. Not ideal for salads but can warm up components if needed.
Microwave – Heat in short bursts (15-20 seconds) until just warm. This may wilt spinach too much.
Stovetop – Warm over low heat, stirring gently. Best used for reheating any leftover components separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common questions regarding making and enjoying the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.

Can I add protein to my Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are great additions for extra protein.

How long does the poppyseed dressing last?

The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in a sealed container.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I substitute ingredients in the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap blue cheese for feta or goat cheese based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite nuts or fruits. This refreshing salad is perfect for summer lunches or as a side at gatherings. Give it a try, and enjoy its vibrant flavors!

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Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

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Author: Tina
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, a delightful dish that embodies the essence of fresh summer produce. This salad combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the creaminess of avocado, and the crunch of toasted almonds, all tossed with a homemade poppyseed dressing that elevates every bite. Perfect for picnics, light lunches, or as a refreshing side at gatherings, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients that support your wellness goals.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups fresh baby spinach
1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 avocado, diced
4 ounces crumbled blue cheese (or feta)
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
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

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Instructions

In a small mixing bowl or jar, whisk together avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, avocado, blue cheese (or feta), sliced almonds, and red onion.
Drizzle dressing over salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately for optimal freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American