If you’re craving a salad that feels like spring on a plate, then the Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful combination of sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crisp spinach is perfectly accented by a tangy, slightly sweet poppyseed dressing that brings every bite to life. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with textures and flavors that make it not just a salad but an experience you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is crucial for this salad to shine, but don’t worry—it’s refreshingly simple. Each element plays an important role, adding layers of flavor, vibrant color, and contrasting textures.
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach: The tender leaves form a perfect green base that’s mild yet nutritious.
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced: Adds juicy sweetness and a beautiful red pop to the dish.
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced: Creamy texture that complements the spinach and strawberries superbly.
- 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese or feta): Introduces a tangy, savory note that cuts through the sweetness.
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted: Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma.
- Half a small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a gentle bite and subtle sharpness without overpowering the salad.
- 1/3 cup avocado oil (or olive oil): The silky base for the dressing, enhancing richness without heaviness.
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Offers bright acidity that balances the creamy and sweet ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Brings natural sweetness that harmonizes the dressing perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds: Adds a delightful crunch and visual interest in the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle spice and depth to the dressing’s flavor.
- Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and unify all the flavors.
How to Make Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start by combining the avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake vigorously until everything is well emulsified—this means the dressing should be smooth and slightly thickened, ready to coat the salad beautifully.
Step 2: Season the Dressing
Give your dressing a taste test and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and freshly-ground black pepper if needed. This step lets you customize the tanginess and sweetness to your preference, so don’t skip it!
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently toss together the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled cheese, toasted almonds, and thinly sliced red onion. This mixture already looks like a celebration of colors and textures, setting the stage for an irresistible dish.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the freshly made poppyseed dressing evenly over the salad. Start with a bit and add more if needed—you want just enough to lightly coat everything without sogginess.
Step 5: Toss Gently
Using salad tongs or clean hands, gently toss the salad to combine the ingredients with the dressing. Be careful with the avocado and berries—they’re tender and deserve a gentle touch to keep them intact.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve this vibrant, fresh salad immediately to enjoy the optimal blend of flavors and textures. The Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Recipe makes an impressive and refreshing dish for any occasion.
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your salad with extra toasted almonds or a few fresh strawberry slices for added crunch and color. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like basil or mint, can also brighten the flavors and add a lovely herbal note.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a complete meal. Alternatively, serving it alongside crusty bread or a savory quiche creates a well-rounded lunch or dinner that feels both light and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visually stunning presentation, layer the salad ingredients in a clear glass bowl or assemble individual servings in pretty mason jars. You could also arrange the components artistically on a large platter for a family-style meal that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but keep the dressing separate if possible. The salad is best eaten within a day or two to preserve freshness and avoid soggy greens or mushy avocado.
Freezing
This particular Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Recipe isn’t suitable for freezing because the fresh spinach, strawberries, and avocado lose their texture when thawed. Fresh is definitely best here!
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. Instead, prepare just the amount you’ll enjoy, and consider making smaller portions if serving multiple times.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cheese with a vegan option?
Absolutely! Feel free to use a plant-based cheese or simply omit it for a dairy-free version. The almonds and avocado still provide plenty of creaminess and crunch.
What can I use instead of poppy seeds?
If you don’t have poppy seeds, chia seeds or sesame seeds work well as alternatives, offering a similar tiny crunch and visual appeal in the dressing.
Is there a way to make the dressing less sweet?
Certainly. You can reduce the honey quantity or swap it for lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for a tangier, less sweet dressing that still balances the salad nicely.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes! The dressing can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk or shake before drizzling over your salad.
What if I don’t have avocado oil?
Olive oil is a perfect substitute and will give your poppyseed dressing a lovely fruity flavor that complements the salad beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Recipe truly feels like a burst of freshness and flavor with every bite. It’s easy to put together, gorgeous to serve, and unbelievably satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a special dinner, it’s sure to become one of your cherished go-to salads. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients and enjoy what might just become your new favorite salad!
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Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad featuring fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, crumbled cheese, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a tangy homemade poppyseed dressing made with avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
Ingredients
Salad 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, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together avocado oil, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and Dijon mustard vigorously until the dressing is fully emulsified and combined.
- Season the dressing: Taste the dressing and season with fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, crumbled blue cheese, toasted sliced almonds, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Add the dressing: Drizzle the prepared poppyseed dressing evenly over the combined salad ingredients.
- Toss the salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well coated with the dressing and evenly mixed.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor and texture. Enjoy your vibrant Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad!
Notes
- Use your choice of cheese: blue cheese, goat cheese, or feta to suit your taste.
- To toast almonds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
- For a vegan version, omit the cheese and substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Serve the salad immediately as spinach and avocado can brown if left too long after dressing is added.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by modifying the amount of honey according to your preference.
