Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful blend of flavors that brightens up any meal. Perfect for lunch, picnics, or as a side dish for dinner parties, this salad showcases the sweetness of strawberries and the creaminess of avocado. The homemade poppyseed dressing adds a unique twist, making it not just healthy but also incredibly tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes needed, this salad is a speedy option for busy days.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh spinach, strawberries, and avocado elevates the nutritional value and flavor.
• Versatile Dish: It works well as a main course or a side dish, suitable for various occasions.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Deliciously Balanced Flavors: The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy ingredients makes every bite enjoyable.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to create this beautiful salad.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients easily without spills.
• Whisk or jar with lid: Helps in achieving a well-emulsified dressing quickly.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts for your fruits and vegetables.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting and chopping.

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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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 the 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 and Enjoy!

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy this vibrant salad as part of your meal!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Serving your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can elevate any meal. This fresh and vibrant salad pairs beautifully with various dishes, making it a versatile choice for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

As a Light Lunch

• A simple option for lunch is to serve the salad on its own. It’s refreshing and filling enough to enjoy without additional sides.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pairing the salad with grilled chicken adds protein, making it a complete meal. The flavors of the chicken complement the sweetness of the strawberries.

Alongside Fish

• Serving this salad with grilled or baked fish enhances the lightness of both dishes. The poppyseed dressing balances well with the savory notes of seafood.

On a Picnic

• This salad is perfect for a picnic! Pack it in a sealed container and dress it just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Include this salad in your brunch lineup. Its colorful presentation and unique flavors will surely impress your guests.

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Perfecting your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is simple with a few helpful tips. These suggestions will enhance flavor and presentation.

• Choose ripe avocados: Select avocados that yield slightly when pressed gently. This ensures they are creamy and flavorful.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach, ripe strawberries, and quality cheese make all the difference in taste.
• Toast almonds lightly: Toasting sliced almonds in a dry pan brings out their flavor and adds crunch.
• Adjust dressing ingredients: Customize the poppyseed dressing by adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess based on your preference.
• Add seasonal fruits: Incorporate other fruits like blueberries or peaches for added variety and flavor.
• Serve chilled: For an extra refreshing experience, chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing your meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa dish mixed with herbs and vegetables complements the freshness of the salad.
2. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides a savory contrast to the sweet flavors in the salad.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and heartiness while maintaining a healthy balance.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses paired with crackers makes for an elegant addition that pairs well with the salad’s flavors.
5. Fruit Skewers: Colorful fruit skewers can add an additional sweet touch that echoes the strawberries.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Filled with grains or proteins, stuffed peppers provide substance without overpowering the lightness of your salad.
7. Couscous Salad: A lemon-herb couscous salad can enhance your dining experience by providing complementary flavors.
8. Caprese Salad: Another fresh option, Caprese combines tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a delightful taste pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your dressing can leave your salad bland. Always taste and adjust with salt and pepper before serving.
• Using overripe avocados: Overripe avocados can ruin the texture of your salad. Choose firm avocados that yield slightly when pressed.
• Not washing the spinach: Dirty spinach can introduce grit into your dish. Rinse your baby spinach thoroughly and dry it well before using.
• Cutting ingredients too early: Pre-cut strawberries or avocado can brown or lose freshness quickly. Prepare these ingredients right before mixing them into the salad.
• Using a dull knife: A dull knife can mash the ingredients instead of slicing them cleanly. Always use a sharp knife for slicing fruits and vegetables.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• This salad is not suitable for freezing due to its fresh ingredients.
• The texture of spinach and avocado deteriorates once frozen.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the salad for just a few minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as it should be enjoyed fresh.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds on a low setting, stirring gently between each burst.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through, ensuring it doesn’t cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing healthy?

The combination of fresh veggies, fruits, and healthy fats from avocado makes this salad nutritious and satisfying.

Can I customize the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or other fruits like blueberries or mangoes for extra flavor.

How do I make the poppyseed dressing for my Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad?

Simply whisk together avocado oil, red apple vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

What other ingredients pair well with this salad?

You could add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein or swap out cheese types based on preference.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that can brighten any meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different toppings or proteins while keeping it healthy. Try making this refreshing salad today!