This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful dish that brings together fresh flavors in a simple and vibrant presentation. Perfect for picnics, lunch gatherings, or a light dinner, this salad showcases the sweetness of strawberries and the creaminess of avocado, all tied together with a tangy poppyseed dressing. Its unique combination of ingredients makes it a standout choice for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Fresh Flavors: The mix of strawberries, avocado, and spinach creates a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
Versatile Dish: Ideal as a side or main dish, you can serve it at family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is both satisfying and wholesome.
Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences; add proteins like chicken or chickpeas for extra heartiness.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delightful Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Whisk
Mixing bowl
Small bowl or jar (for dressing)
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Whisk: A whisk helps emulsify the dressing quickly, ensuring all ingredients blend well.
Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl allows ample space for tossing the salad without spilling.
Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing strawberries and avocados neatly.

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.

Fresh Ingredients

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

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

Whisk all dressing ingredients together vigorously in a small bowl until emulsified.
– Taste the dressing 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 salad ingredients.
– Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad.
– Gently toss until everything is well mixed.

Step 3: Serve

Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of this delightful salad!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This vibrant Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some creative ways to serve it, ensuring it fits perfectly into any meal or occasion.

As a Standalone Lunch

A light and refreshing meal that can be enjoyed on its own. Pair with a slice of whole-grain bread for a more filling option.

With Grilled Chicken

Add sliced grilled chicken breast on top to turn this salad into a satisfying protein-packed dish, perfect for lunch or dinner.

As a Side Dish

Serve alongside grilled salmon or steak. The fresh flavors complement rich proteins beautifully.

For Potlucks or Gatherings

This salad is easy to transport and always a hit at parties. Just dress it right before serving to keep the greens crisp.

With Quinoa or Farro

Mix cooked quinoa or farro into the salad for added texture and nutrients, making it more hearty.

Pairing with Wine

Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. The fruity notes enhance the salad’s flavors.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

To ensure your salad is as delightful as possible, consider these helpful tips.

Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest spinach, strawberries, and avocado for the best flavor and texture.
Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge. Just toss the salad when you’re ready to serve.
Customize Cheese: Try different cheeses like feta or goat cheese based on your preference for varied flavors.
Add Crunch: Include additional toppings like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

Garlic Bread – A warm, buttery garlic bread complements the fresh salad while adding a comforting touch.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies provide a hearty contrast and bring out earthy flavors.
Bruschetta – Topped with tomatoes and basil, bruschetta adds an Italian flair that pairs nicely with the freshness of the salad.
Fruit Platter – A refreshing fruit platter can balance out savory dishes while enhancing your meal’s fruit theme.
Chickpea Salad – A protein-rich chickpea salad adds substance, making your meal more filling without overpowering the main dish.
Cheese Board – An assorted cheese board offers variety and pairs well with both salads and wines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

Skipping the Dressing Prep: Not whisking the dressing thoroughly can lead to a bland salad. Always emulsify the ingredients well for full flavor.
Overloading with Ingredients: Adding too many toppings can overpower the fresh flavors. Stick to the ingredients listed for balance.
Using Unripe Avocados: Selecting hard avocados results in an unpleasant texture. Choose ripe avocados for a creamy addition to your salad.
Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to season with salt and pepper can make your salad taste flat. Always taste and adjust before serving.
Not Serving Fresh: Preparing the salad too early can cause it to wilt. Serve immediately after tossing for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture of spinach and avocado.
If necessary, freeze the dressing separately for later use.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm lightly, but avoid heating spinach.
Microwave: Heat on low power in short intervals; be careful not to overcook.
Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan, ensuring not to cook the spinach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.

Can I use different greens for this salad?

You can substitute baby kale or arugula if you prefer. Each green brings its unique flavor while still complementing the other ingredients nicely.

Is this Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep! Just store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve.

How can I customize this salad?

Feel free to add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for added nutrition. You could also swap blue cheese for feta or omit it entirely for a dairy-free option.

What’s a good alternative dressing?

A lemon vinaigrette or balsamic glaze would work wonderfully if you want to switch things up from poppyseed dressing.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only quick and easy but also packed with vibrant flavors that make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to get creative by adding your favorite nuts or fruits. Enjoy this delightful dish as part of your lunch or dinner!

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Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, a fresh and delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This salad combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries, creamy avocado, and tender baby spinach, all drizzled with a tangy poppyseed dressing. It’s not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for picnics, lunch gatherings, or light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

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)
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
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the dressing by whisking together the avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, avocado, cheese, almonds, and red onion.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well mixed.
Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness.

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