Name: Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups fresh baby spinach; 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 avocado, diced; 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese or feta); 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

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This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful and healthy dish that combines fresh ingredients for a burst of flavor. Perfect for summer picnics, lunch at the office, or a light dinner, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with sweet strawberries and tangy blue cheese, creating a satisfying experience. Tossed in a simple poppyseed dressing, this salad is sure to impress at any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This salad can be made in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of spinach, strawberries, and avocado offers a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.

Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it as a side dish or add protein for a hearty main course.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients, this salad supports your wellness goals without sacrificing flavor.
Colorful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make this salad visually appealing for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make preparing your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing even easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Whisk
Mixing bowl

Small bowl (for dressing)
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Whisk: Essential for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly.
Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all the salad components without spilling.
Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when slicing fruits and vegetables.

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 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

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
1/3 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Mix vigorously until emulsified. Season with fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

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)

Drizzle the prepared poppyseed dressing over the salad ingredients.

Step 3: Toss & Serve

Gently toss all ingredients until well combined.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness. Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad is a vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its fresh ingredients and delightful flavors create an enjoyable eating experience. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your salad.

As a Light Lunch

Pair with grilled chicken for a protein boost.
Serve with whole grain bread or rolls to add heartiness.

At a Summer BBQ

Offer this salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats.
Complement with fruity beverages like lemonade or iced tea.

For a Dinner Party

Present in individual bowls for an elegant touch.

Add toasted nuts on top just before serving for added crunch.

With a Picnic Spread

Pack in portable containers for easy transport.
Include some cheese and crackers to create a balanced meal.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

To make the most of your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad, consider these tips for perfection.

Select ripe avocados: Choose avocados that yield slightly when pressed to ensure creaminess.
Use fresh strawberries: Opt for in-season strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.

Toast almonds lightly: Toasting enhances their flavor. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Dress just before serving: This keeps the spinach crisp and prevents wilting.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

When serving this delicious salad, it’s great to have some complementary side dishes. Here are a few ideas that pair wonderfully:

Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty loaf adds texture and flavor contrast to the salad.
Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa provides protein and makes the meal more filling.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies bring color and additional nutrients to your table.

Fruit Platter: A selection of seasonal fruits can enhance the freshness of the meal.
Cheese Board: An assortment of cheeses can elevate your dining experience with various flavors.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes offer heartiness while balancing out the salad’s lightness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the taste and overall enjoyment of this dish.

Using stale ingredients: Freshness matters! Always use fresh spinach, strawberries, and avocados for the best flavor.
Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can overwhelm flavors. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.

Not seasoning properly: A pinch of salt and some pepper can elevate the flavors. Taste your salad before serving to adjust seasoning.
Cutting ingredients too large: Uniformly sliced ingredients make for better texture and ease of eating. Aim for bite-sized pieces.
Preparing too far in advance: To maintain freshness, assemble the salad just before serving. Ingredients may wilt or become soggy if left too long.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
It can last up to 2 days in the fridge, but the quality may decline.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to the texture changes in avocado and spinach.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm gently on a baking sheet.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals on low power to avoid cooking the greens.
Stovetop: Warm quickly in a skillet over low heat, just until slightly warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can prep individual ingredients ahead of time but combine them shortly before serving to keep everything fresh.

What other nuts can I use in this salad?

Feel free to substitute almonds with walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Yes! Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I customize the dressing?

You can experiment by adding herbs like basil or mint for a refreshing twist or adjust sweetness by modifying the honey.

What should I serve with Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different fruits or nuts based on your preferences. Give it a try and experience its fresh flavors!