Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful dish that brings together fresh ingredients in a colorful and nutritious way. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck, this salad shines with vibrant flavors and textures. The creamy avocado pairs wonderfully with sweet strawberries, while the poppyseed dressing adds a unique twist that elevates this dish to something special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh and Flavorful: With a mix of spinach, strawberries, and avocado, each bite bursts with freshness and taste.
- Versatile: Great as a side dish or a light main course, this salad fits well with various meals and occasions.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, it’s a wholesome choice for any meal.
- Customizable: Easily modify the salad by adding your favorite nuts or cheese for an even more personalized touch.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, you’ll need some simple tools to make the process smooth.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or jar with lid
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all the salad ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk or jar with lid: Whisking helps emulsify the dressing quickly; using a jar allows you to shake it up easily for a quick mix.
- Knife: A sharp knife is needed for slicing strawberries and dicing avocado effectively.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping your fresh ingredients.
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 all dressing ingredients together vigorously until emulsified.
- Taste the dressing and season it with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients: spinach, strawberries, avocado, blue cheese (or alternative), sliced almonds, and red onion.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Serve
- Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of this delightful Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing!
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a main course or a side, it showcases fresh flavors and vibrant colors.
As a Main Course
- This salad can stand alone as a light lunch or dinner. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
With Grilled Proteins
- Grilled chicken or salmon complements the fresh ingredients beautifully. The warm proteins enhance the flavors of the salad.
For Potlucks and Gatherings
- Serve this salad at gatherings for a refreshing option that appeals to all. It’s easy to make in larger quantities.
Topped with Nuts
- Add extra toasted almonds on top for an added crunch. This enhances both texture and flavor while providing healthy fats.
Paired with Crusty Bread
- Enjoy this salad alongside slices of crusty whole-grain bread. The bread makes for a satisfying addition that balances the meal.
How to Perfect Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
To make your Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad truly shine, consider these simple tips.
- Choose ripe avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Use fresh strawberries: Opt for organic strawberries when possible; their sweetness elevates the entire dish.
- Toast the almonds: Lightly toast your sliced almonds to bring out their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
- Adjust dressing levels: Start with less dressing and add more as needed, allowing you to control the flavor intensity.
- Serve immediately: For optimal freshness, serve the salad right after tossing it with the dressing.
- Experiment with cheese: Try different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for varied flavors in your salad.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This vibrant salad pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that enhance its fresh flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender, marinated chicken skewers provide protein that complements the salad’s freshness.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf adds texture and serves as a hearty base alongside your salad.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes, roasted till crispy, offer a sweet contrast to the tangy dressing.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies provide a crunchy, refreshing bite that pairs well.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: A slice of cheesy garlic bread adds an indulgent touch, perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
- Cucumber Tomato Salad: A simple cucumber tomato salad enhances freshness while keeping things light and healthy.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers can be made vegetarian or meaty; they add heartiness without overshadowing the main dish.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad tossed in olive oil and herbs makes a filling side that balances flavors nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing can be simple, but some common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are a few to keep in mind.
- Using unripe avocados: Unripe avocados can ruin the texture of your salad. Always choose ripe avocados for a creamy addition.
- Not washing spinach properly: Dirt and grit can hide in your spinach. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water and dry well before using.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the fresh flavors. Start with a little and add more gradually if needed.
- Using stale nuts: Toasted almonds should be fresh for the best flavor. Check the expiration date and toast them just before adding to your salad.
- Skipping seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper enhances all ingredients. Don’t forget to season your salad for optimal taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 1-2 days for freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Not recommended as freezing alters the texture of spinach and avocado.
- If you must freeze, do so without dressing, but consume within 1 month.
Reheating Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook.
- Microwave: Use low power for short bursts of 30 seconds at a time. Stir between intervals.
- Stovetop: Heat gently in a pan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries about making a Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare most of the ingredients ahead, but add the dressing just before serving to keep things fresh.
What can I substitute for poppyseed dressing?
You can use honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette as alternatives that will still complement the salad well.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just store each component separately until you’re ready to eat, ensuring freshness.
How can I customize my Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing?
Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or even grilled chicken for extra protein. The options are endless!
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner. Customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it truly your own!
Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the refreshing goodness of Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. This vibrant dish features a delightful combination of nutrient-rich spinach, sweet strawberries, and creamy avocado, all drizzled with a luscious poppyseed dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing potluck option, this salad offers a burst of flavor and texture in every bite. With its quick preparation time and customizable ingredients, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy yet satisfying meal.
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
Instructions
- To make the dressing, whisk together the avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar or small bowl until emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, avocado, blue cheese (or alternative), sliced almonds, and red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad portion (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
