Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful mix of fresh ingredients, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a light lunch, or looking for a healthy side dish, this salad shines. The combination of juicy strawberries and creamy avocado makes every bite refreshing and satisfying. Plus, the easy poppyseed dressing ties everything together beautifully, enhancing the vibrant flavors.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Salad
• For the Dressing
• How to Make Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
• Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
• Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
• Step 3: Serve Immediately
• How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
• As a Main Course
• As a Side Dish
• With Bread
• At Brunch
• For Picnics
• As Meal Prep
• How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
• Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
• Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I prepare Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?
• Can I customize this salad?
• Is Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad healthy?
• What can I serve with this salad?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy days.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from spinach, strawberries, and avocado, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a standalone meal or a side dish at gatherings and picnics.
• Flavorful Combination: The balance of sweet fruit and savory cheese creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite nuts or cheeses to suit your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing efficiently, you need some essential tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk or jar with lid: Essential for mixing the dressing thoroughly; using a jar makes it easy to store leftovers.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cutting of fruits and vegetables for better presentation.
• Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for 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 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 the Ingredients

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

Step 3: Serve Immediately

Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing!

How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Serving a Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only easy but also an excellent way to impress your guests. This vibrant salad can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion.

As a Main Course

• Enjoy this salad as a light main dish by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and flavor.

As a Side Dish

• Serve alongside grilled meats or barbecued dishes for a refreshing complement that balances rich flavors.

With Bread

• Pair with crusty artisan bread or garlic bread for a complete meal that satisfies both crunch and taste.

At Brunch

• This salad makes for a fresh addition to any brunch spread, perfectly complementing egg dishes or quiches.

For Picnics

• Pack this salad in a mason jar for an easy and healthy picnic option. Layer the ingredients to keep them fresh until serving.

As Meal Prep

• Make this salad ahead of time and store it in individual containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch throughout the week.

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

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

• Choose ripe avocados – Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the best texture and flavor.
• Use fresh spinach – Fresh baby spinach enhances the taste and nutrition of your salad.
• Toast the almonds – Toasting brings out the nutty flavor of almonds, adding depth to your dish.
• Adjust dressing sweetness – Feel free to modify the honey in the dressing according to your taste preference.
• Add seasonal fruits – Enhance flavors by incorporating other seasonal fruits like blueberries or raspberries.
• Serve immediately – For optimal freshness, toss the salad with dressing just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

This delightful salad pairs well with several side dishes, enhancing its fresh flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers – Marinated grilled chicken adds protein and pairs beautifully with the fruity notes of the salad.
2. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing complements the freshness of the spinach and strawberries.
3. Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread provides a satisfying contrast to the soft textures in your salad.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies offer warmth and additional nutrients that balance the crispness of your dish.
5. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes – Creamy scalloped potatoes add richness that contrasts nicely with the lightness of the salad.
6. Fruit Platter – A simple fruit platter can bring out even more fruity flavors when served alongside this refreshing salad.
7. Caprese Skewers – These skewers add another layer of freshness with mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes that pair well with strawberries.
8. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide heartiness without overpowering your meal’s freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, steer clear of these common pitfalls.

• Using Overripe Avocados: An overripe avocado can ruin your salad’s texture. Always choose avocados that are slightly firm but yield to gentle pressure.
• Skipping the Dressing: The poppyseed dressing is essential for flavor. Don’t forget to whisk it well before adding it to your salad for even distribution.
• Cutting Ingredients Too Large: Large pieces can make the salad difficult to eat. Aim for bite-sized pieces for better enjoyment and easier mixing.
• Not Toasting Almonds: Raw almonds lack the flavor depth toasted ones provide. Toast them lightly in a dry pan for added crunch and warmth.
• Making in Advance: This salad is best served fresh. If you prep ingredients early, store them separately to maintain freshness until serving.

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but the greens may wilt.

Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Freezing is not recommended due to the avocado and spinach textures changing once thawed.
• However, you can freeze the dressing separately for up to 1 month.

Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm lightly for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm. Be careful not to overheat!
• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat, stirring gently until just heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers some common queries about making and enjoying Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.

How do I prepare Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?

You prepare it by mixing fresh spinach, strawberries, avocado, cheese, almonds, and red onion, then tossing it with homemade poppyseed dressing.

Can I customize this salad?

Absolutely! You can add other fruits like blueberries or nuts such as walnuts. Feel free to adjust the cheese type too!

Is Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad healthy?

Yes! This salad is packed with nutrients from spinach and healthy fats from avocados while being low in calories.

What can I serve with this salad?

Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also makes a delightful side dish for any summer gathering.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is refreshingly delicious and versatile. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a colorful side dish at dinner. Feel free to customize it based on your tastes or what you have on hand!